Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-06-24
VIEWS OF PRESIDENT CLEVELAND.
[By telegraph to the N. Y. Herald


fanatic;sm which has driven the silver
men of both parties into kind OF
de,irium, he stands undisturbed i'll the
conviction that the country can find
it's most permanent prosperity by ad
herence to the gold standard.
During several somewhat prolonged
conversations, the subject was discuss
ed from all sides, and l found him
firmer than ever in the belief that the
present silver cyclone must shortly
spend itself, and that the financial
policy which has been constantly and
consistently advocated by majority
of the democrats will triumphantly
prevail.
THE BATTLE NOT LOST.
Mr.. Cleveland's friends from all parts
of the country have urged him, as the
head of his party, to issue a ringing
appeal on this subject. They do not
believe that the battle is lost by any
means, for it is not the men who talk
the loudest who do the most work.
The Convention at Chicago can be
controlled in favor of sound money If
determined effort is made. At least,
that is what the strongest men declare,
and it is more than probable that the
Convention will prove to be an agree
able surprise. At any rate, say these
gentlemen, it is not good policy to give
up the fight before the forces meet in
the field.
Mr.. Cleveland has long been con-
WINGED of his duty in this respect, the
only difference of opinion being as to
the proper time to put himself once
more squarely before the country
Now that the Chicago Convention is
close at hand he calls upon the sound
money men to stand to their guns.
asked him to make a statement for
| the New York Herald concerning the
democratic situation, and, after a few
minutes deliberation, he gave me this
| reply. As will be seen, the Washing
| ton end of the democratic party is all
right
II have made no figures as to the
probable action of delegates already
chosen or to be chosen to the Demo
cratic National Convention, but l
refuse to believe that, when the time
arrives for deliberate action, there will
be engrafted upon our democratic
creed demand for the free, unlimited
and independent coinage of silver.
81 cannot believe this, because I
know the democratic party is neither
unpatriotic nor foolish, and because it
seems SO clear to me that such course
will inflict very great injury upon
every interest of our country which it
has been the mission of democracy to
advance, and will result in lasting dis
aster to our party organization.
"There is little hope that, as a means
of success, this free silver proposition,
after it's thorough discussion during a
political campaign, will attract a
majority of the voters of the country.
1t must be that many of the illusions
influencing those now relying upon
this alleged panacea for their Ills will
be dispelled before the time comes for
them to cast their ballots, which will
express their sober, second thought.
1.-The adoption by the democracy OF
/ this proposition would, believe, give
to our opponents an advantage. both
in the present and future, which they
do not deserve.
''My attachment to true democracy
is SO strong that consider its state as
identical with the promotion of the
country's good.
This ought sufficiently to account
for my anxiety that no mistake be
made at our party Convention. Inmy
opinion. no effort should be spared to
secure such action Of the delegates as
will avert party decentralization.
| ut is a place for consultation and
comparison of views, and those demo
Gratis who believe in the cause CT sound
money should there be heard and he
constantly in evidence.
"a cause worth fighting for is worth
fighting for to the end. If sound
money democrats suppose there is
danger of q mistake being made, such
danger should stimulate their activity
in ayerting it, instead OF creating dis
couragement.
II am very far from arrogating to
myself controlling influence upon the
pOllcy OF my party; but as an unfilnch
ing democrat who has been honored by
his party, and who desires hereafter
no greater political privilege than to
occupy the place of private in its ranks,
| hope l may not be blamed for saying
thus much at this time, in the interest,
as it seems to me. of the grand old or
ganization, SO rich in honorable tradi
tions, SO justly proud of its achieve
ments, and always so undaunted and
brave in its battles for the peoples
welfare"
May 1 call attention to the very
significant words, IAN unflinching
democrat. who desires hereafter no
greater privileges than to occupy the
place of private in its ranks" What
ever may have been said to the con
trary, he has never desired and would
not on any account accept the nomi
nation for a third term.
GEORGE II. HEPWORTH
1