San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1896-08-14
INTERNEcINE STRIFE.

One would think that the eXampl,
of the Democratic party this yea
would be a sufficient object lesson TO
the Republicans in all states and dis
tricts to close up their ranks and pre-
sent n united front to the common
enemy. The Democratic division Is
all that stands between the sweep OF
the free silver wave over this entire
country. Had the Democrats of the
great commercial states of the coun.
try consented to the demands of the
national convention, solidly lined up
to support the platform and heartily
backed the Chicago nominations, there
is nothing could have prevented the
election of free silver administration
and congress. That they did not is
to their everlasting credit as Ameri-
cans, for they have put the interests
of the country before the success of
their party, and this is such a rare
thing for a Democrat to do that it is
deserving of special notice. 1t is the
effect of this division in the Demo-
cratic camp that attention is directed
to, and which appeals to the sense of
Republicans where divisions and fac
tiOnal disputes are creeping in. The
example is especially needed as an
object lesson by the Republicans in
Texas. There never was so promising
an outlook for the Republican party
in this state, never so promising in
several of the districts that are to
send delegates to Washington to leg
islate on tariff and currency. Right ut
this juncture, when wisdom and pru-
dence should be the stability of Re-
publican councils, there is clashing,
dispute, bitter determinations. fac
tiOnal strife, division of effort and
every unwise thing by which the eff
forts of the party are sure to be
brought to nOught. This pestiferOus
desire to be called chief in the po-
ClClhdl VlpOh
for place, this ruinous rule or ruin
policy, this attempted lordship over
the political party that one should
serve not slave, all this is detestable,
Good Republicans. men who have
never asked an honor or held a place
at the hands of their party during
long years of faithful service, stand
aghast and wonder where unto this
thing will go. This district, recent
ly redeemed from the rule of the
Democratic party is about to enter the
lists once more for the control. The
representative whom the representa-
tives of the party selected as their
banner bearer two years ago and
whom by hard work they elected, has
nobly discharged his duties and no
other man is thought of for his place.
All sections of his district, and all
classes of citizens express unbOunded
confidence in him. Just on the eve
of the convention that is to nominate
him with all the unanimity and en-
thusiasm possible, a deadly feud is
worked up in the county that is to
lead the fight for his election. Con-
testing delegations are to meet the as
tonished and disappointed and dis
gusted delegates from the counties of
this great district, who assemble here
next week to put Judge NoOnan in
nomination. The first duty of these
outlying counties will be to settle
Bexar county Republican quarrels, in
stead of receiving an enthusiastic
welcome and the assurance of
united party for his support. Worse
than this, some of these divisionals
contend that Judge Noonan must him
self become a partisan and side with
one or the other of the Bexar county
factions. Out upon such a suggestion.
Judge NoOnan has no more to do with
this fractional strife than he has to do
with the Sewall and Watson split.
To attempt to drag him into it is to
attempt the impossible. More than
that, this breach must be healed or
Judge Noonan will not take the NOM
nation. If Bexar county Republicans
expect him to be their standard bear
err and lead them to victory this No
vember they must bury their clubs
and unite as one for his congressional
support. If this is not done they can
look out for another candidate. There
are only five days in which to close
up the ranks and show true Repub-