The Coeur d'Alene press. (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 1892-1907, 1896-09-05
CRANES PEREIpY.

The action of A. A. Crane, delegate
from this county to the silver republi-
can state convention, iulfills the predic-
tion previously made by several Mckin-
ley men whom we might name, that he
would attend the Mckinley convention,
His action at Boise in going into the gold
bug convention and taking an active
part in its proceedings, such as nomi-
mating Vic Bierbower for lieutenant gov
erner, naming members OF various com
mittees from this county and otherwise
showing his loyalty to the geld standard
nominee, confirms the statements OF the
men who claimed that he would deser,
the people who elect ed him delegate.
His past political record has not been
of such character Us To inspire con
fidence. Two years ago he started into
the campaign as ! strong supporter OF
Chas. W. Clark for county auditor, and
deserted him at the critical moment. lie
made the campaign that year on the plea
that If elected he would secure an apprl-
priation for lowering the lake, which
still ebbs and flows between the old high
and low water marks. This year he
claimed TO be 4 free silver republican.
well knowing that al open expression OF
his true sentiments would defeat his
nomination in the county convention.
Had he taken position in favcr Of the
gold bugs he would not Row he 4 nomi- .
nee for state senator. He still makes a
pretense OF being for Dubois and free
silver, but says that he is 4 Republican
and will support the nominees OF the
gold bug convention. By his own adj
missions he is now playing the role OF
dual character, for 10 man can support
Mckinley and he for free silver-the is.
sue is too clearly defined. The gold
standard platform which Crane helped
10 make, and on which Col. Budlons. an
other gold bug who makes the incon
sistent claim OF being FIR free silver, is
running for governor in a separate and
instinct resolution plainly says that I'VE
in.iOrse and adop; the declaration in the
Republican national platform relating
to the financial policy Of this govern
ment.' The national platform saws:
We are unaltsrably opposed to every
measure calculated TO debase our cur
rency or impair the credit OF our country
We are, therefore, oIrosED 10 THE FREE
COINAGE Of SILVER, except by interna-
tional agreement, and until such m
agreement can be obtained. the existing
gold standard MUST Ez MAINTAINED
Z I'D pers n be placed il more RI
diculous position than by claiming to be
for free silver Will. iniorsine the above
platform? The question answers itself.
Z. L. Hoffman and othsrs have said
publicly that Crane made an agreement
with them to throw enough votes in the
county convention 10 W A. Hart, Of
Rathdrum, 10 give that gentleman a
nomination for the legislature in return
for the support OF the RathGrQm faction
In giving him the unanimous noIuina-
ton FOR senator. II is well known that
these people gave Crane their support
they gave him the unanimous noluina
tlOu-Gut Hart failed t. receive the nee
essary votes to make him representa-.
tive. Did Mr.. Crane hctray his friends
or his opponents, Or both, in this deal
Mr.. Hoffman AMI his friends sacrificed
nothing in the trade-thry were in Tie
minority, aud expected nothing unless
they could make trade: bu: when
Crane made the deal he sacrificed some
friend whom the caucus that n dominated
him had agreed to support. He agreed
10 defeat friend i9r the homer Of an
unanimous nomination. This :, III keep
ing with his act OF peFfly in going into
the Mckinley convention.
He justifies himself 10y saving that he
could not support the combination ..cke,
that Senator Dubois wished = nominate.
This may be sufficient to convince him
self that he is right; but the pablo /.
lieve him guilty Of treachery To both Du-
bois and the cause Of silver, and the in
disnation over his action is almos. uai-
versal throughout the county. and he
will undoubtedly be defeated at the polls
unless he declines the nomination A.!
caves himself tie f.r,nvr disgrace.
The people will support Bryan, Du-
bois and silver in spite Of any couUiua.
ton that may ba put Up, and We believe
that this election settles the financial
question for the next generation come.
and probably forever, agd Cranes pa-.i-
tanshIp seems TO be tie only principle
10 which he holds in tie gre4: battle.
Mr.. Crane has prepared a letter. in
defense OF his action, for publican in tho
PRESS and it Nil! appear mex. week.