The Portland daily press., 1896-07-14
REPUTATION AND CONVERSATION.
What Hon. George t. Emery Says of
the Chicago Convention.

Scot Revolts-NO True Democracy in
PIatf orm OF Candidates.
Hon. George T. Emery, one of the old
est and straightesb of Maine Democrats,
former clerk Of she United States court
and editor of the Boston Post, cannot
stand the Chicago programme. This
was his dialogue with a PRESS man
yesterday:
ut is rumored that you do not pro-
pose to support the Chicago platform and
nominees. If the rumor is we'll founded
and if you have no objections to stating
them, it would be gratifying to many of
your friends, to learn the reasons for
your proposed action.
Certainly, I. have no objections, for
the crisis demands Of egerysman show
of his oolors, now as when the union. WAS
imperiled by armed secession. The pres
ent crisis is now more dangerous than In
1881. for then the worst was open and
of time when it would be effectually
quelled by patriotic mon from all classes
and political associations. The movs-
ment at Chicago is without meaning it
on the part of many nothing short of
reputation, and consideration under the
proposed form of law, stab at our
national credit, robbery Eof depositors in
our savings bank of nearly one half
their honest dues, general imp airment
of all existing time contracts, and
stunning blow at labor and all industrial
interests. The inspiration of the moment
is the deadly virus Of the communist, some
Of whose leaders are IN blushing anaroh-
lists and revolutionists. That such a
movement should receive endorsement of
a SO called Democratic convention Ia the
most marvellous and disreputable chapter
of party history ever recorded in our
national annals. 1t will not end must
not succeed. But to defeat it. men who
think alike must act together as they
did in that momentous struggle to save
the union
What action the Democrats who were
practically voted ont of the convention
by the power Of numbers vitality in
creased byzunseating portion Of the del
egates clearly entitled to their seats, and
thus cruoifying Democracy In it's own
temple remains to be seen. What
other old fashioned Democrats will d O I
know not. For one propose casting my
vote for such persons, by whatever name
called, as nearest represent my senti
ments. The issue Is simply between a
gold or silver standard, for one or the
other must prevail, and no human power
can prevent it. Bimetalism, in our pres
ent relations to other powers. is out of
the question.
When l came upon the political stage
] enrolled among the followers Of jackson
and Benton who, after an intense and
pr otracted struggle, gave the people an
honest gold dollar in place of ''shinplas-
teri currency. When the war was upon us,
and the proposition was projected to pay
off our soldiers in paper promises instead
of gold, every Democrat in Congress
voted against ii. I commended them for
it. When the craze known as "G1 cen.
baokis M swept over New England, at
personal loss and sacrifice I batuled
against 1t with all the vigor and ability
could command. Since President Cleye-
land has shown his loyalty to Democratic
principles by adhering to the gold sJand-
ard and maintaining the national credit,
I have honore him for that more than
for all else accomplished under his ad-
ministratlon. To soil my record now,
humble as it is, by surrendering princi-
ples which have been my guide through
life, and to stifs my convictions of duty
in this hour OF the country's greatest
peril, cannot and will not do, even
though In the spirit Of Tom Benton's
proclamation on a memorable occasion,
SOLITARY and alone I set this ball in
notion Said the eloquent champion
who carried off the honor at Chicago
'syou shall not cruelty mankind upon
CROSS of gold" So say we all. Neither
shall communists and anarchists be per-
mitted to strike down our national honor
end public and private credit, their hands
grasping concealed weapons in their
bosom and with silver sabres dangling
by their sides.
To-, ~