The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-02-19
THE CONDITION THAT CONFRONTs
IT'S.


| of bi-metallism, does not admit OF
doubt. The prophecy made soon after
| the elections OF 1894 that the result OF
the elections would either destroy me
movement or so cripple u that n
vould not have sufficient supper eei
the campaign Of 1896 70 co
factor has not been fuIhiled' - y
4,,,a the friends of silver were prepar-
ed for defeat, because there were many
causes outside of that question, that
were involved in that election, but
they were not prepared for the extent
of the apparent disfayor of the sub
ject with the masses. They had
thought bi-metallism was so strong
in some States which were lost, nota-
bly, Kentucky, as to override all other
questions. In their intense disap-
pointment just after the election, and
for some while thereafter, they wefe
| less demonstrative and aggressive;
but out of that condition they have
| emerged with fierce determination
to fight the battle to the death. They
have girded up the loins of their man
hood, and are preparing for the con
test. In North Carolina they are fully
satisfied with the sincerity of the hith-
erto declarations of their party con-
yention in favor of the white metaI@
And no member of the Democratic
party, however, prominent, procures
any credit or favor with the masses by
neiterating, by mere change of words,
to increase the emphasis, his loyalty
to the cause of bi-metallism.
The North Carolina Democrats are
now aroused on the subject of how
they shall make their votes tell in favor
of the subject; and, mingled with this.
is feeling of indignation, growing
out of their apprehension of the facts
that notwithstanding their repeated
declarations in their State platforms
of the great valne of accomplishing
the restoration of silver, they have not
had the measure of opportunity to
which as citizens, under our scheme OF
government, they were entitled TO give
legal expression to their judgements
and convictions on this subject. They
fully realize that only BY securing this
can their efforts become efficient. But
| notwithstanding their intense feeling
on their subject. the great majority of
| Democrats are not affected by any spirit
of unfairness. They do not desire to
prescribe the minority who differ with
them, nor to read them out Of the par
ty because they do not surrender their
| convictions to the majority.
But all are agreed that it is of the
highest Importance that we should
have a pure and patriotic administra-
ton of our State Government, and that
| the men who compose our General As
| sembly should be the very best possible
representatives of our highest ideals
Of citizen manhood. Let rs all unite
to that end
IT may be conceded that neither
monometaism nor bi-metaliism is per
Sc an essential principle Of pure Dem
ocracy But that the majority of the
people shall control is per sc princi-
pie Of Democracy, and no party can
maintain its claim as Democratic that
does not respect and allow the full and
logical force Of this principle
The Democratic State Convention
when it assemblies will unquestionably
be Overwhelmingly in favor Of free and
unlimited coinage Of silver. The sug
gestion that those of the party, who
are not in favor of bi-metallism, will
not support heartily the candidates Of
that convention would do those gentle
men great injustice.
The thoughtful patriotic members Of
the Democratic party recognize the
difficulty Of the problem now confront
ing them Of how it may be that the
party may be kept together in the
State election, and at the same time
satisfy the demands Of the members OF
the two schools Of thought as to their
duties in respect to the question Of ma
tional finance.
The Democratic party has the pa
triotism and judgment to solve this
problem Let those who doubt it but
wait until the meeting Of the State
Convention, by which time the logic Of
events will point to a proper and wise
conclusion. Nothing is to be feared if
the Democratic voters viii turn out to
the primaries, and see that the best
and most trustworthy representatives
and opponents If their faith are select
ed as delegates. Upon this more than
anything else depends the accomplish
ments Of their patriotic purposes.This
is no time for manipulators and poll
Il