The Portland daily press., 1896-07-15
WHAT DO YOU SAY Mr.. WINSTON?
Are You a Popocrat OF Democrat Tell
Mr.. Hanson.

Belfast, July IA. Following is the let
ter of Mayor Hanson of Belfast to e. B.
Winslow OF Portland, the Democratic
candidate for governor, asking him on
which platform he proposes TO stand:
Belfast, July IA, 1895.
Edward e. Winslow, Portland, Me-:
Hon. and Dear Sir--The Democratic
party in national convention assembled
has formulated q national platform, In
harmony with the basic principles OF
democracy. platform that believe
very large majority of Maine voters en-
aorses in every particular.
Inc democrats of Maine are now plaoeu
IN the exact position | predicted at Ghe
sta1e convention, i. G. the Portland plat
form declares; 1--WE oppose the free coin
age OF silver and favor the single gold
standard III " The national platform says;
we demand the free and unlimited
coinage of both gold and silver, at the
present legal ratio of I6 to l..
am democrat. And heartily en-
dorse every plank in the national plat
FORM A platform that is not dictated by
tions OF other slave owners, but by the
people. In it is embodied the demands
Oh the sore oppressed, q cry for the
emancipation of the white slaves on our
workshops, factories and marts of trade;
and on this platform under thesleader-
ship OF William j. Bryan-a true Ameri-
can, whose voice has ever been heard
demanding equal rights for the toiling
masses, and whose matchleSS eloquenoe
has never been debased in the interests
OF British and American Shylocks-I be-
lieVe the great Democratic party, cham
pion or The peoples rights, will achieve
victory that shall mark new era in our
nations h;story--an era of prosperity,
happiness and plenty for our great army
OF toilers. An era Of equal rights TO all.
special privileges to none.
believe the British gold and political
demagogism will not De sble to thwart
the will of the now thoroughly aroused
people in the coming campaign. This
nation must go out of the business OF
making millionaries and tramps.
had the pleasure and honor of second
ing your nomination in behalf of Waldo
county AS our candidate for governor.
to q man whose stability, integrity and
undoubted ability could not be ques-
toned. In seconding your nomination l
expressed my faith in your personal fit.
ness to fill the position to which you
were called.
At the time of your nomination the
platform had not been adopted. ], as
member Of the committee on resolutions,
had offered In committee a financial
plank which was modification of the
plank in the national platform OF 1899.
1t was defeated in committee by one ma
iority, and the declaration for a single
gold standard adopted as the majority Ee-
port. The minority believed that the
convention would not accept G Republic
can plank in preference TO the sound
Democratic declaration of '92, we there
aad0 Nv ru% hr,t To ~
and chagrin, | saw not only the
Republican bastard Incorporated in our
platform, but a disposition on the part
Of those who were controlling the con
vention to apply gag law" and prevent
the friends OF the minority report dis
cussing the merits of the two respective
planks, and only by the most strenuous
efforts were we allowed limited hear
ing.
I endorsed you, Mr.. Winslow, not the
platform afterward accepted, and the
time has now come when IL becomes not
only desirable, but necessary Tor Inc to
know On which platform you propose
to stand--the Portland or national. Prin-
cipies are of more Importance than in
dlyiduals. Patriotism should be placed
above party.
Inasinuoh as | believe In tine declara-
tions of the national, / cannot support
you on the Portland platform. | ain
no 'straddler" and / would not, if /
could. stand upon both platforms. II
you stand upon the national platform,
I will give you as loyal support as lies
in my power. will take the stump for
you, and by every legitimate effort pos
sible, assist in your election. believe
in your honesty, and concede the same
right of opinion to you that l claim for
myself, and / shall have the Same high
regard for you personally, whatever your
decision may be. Awaiting that dscis-
ion, which hope to receive at your earli-
est convenience, I am. yours truly,
E. T. HANSON.