New-York tribune., 1896-06-05
TIE PI TTOR ".

II is practically settled that The sound money
men will have entire control in the Republican
Convention and the silver men IN the Democrat
ic Convention. That certainty Is by some expect
ed 10 have much to do with the shaping OF the
Republican platform. They reason ,hat in such
circumstances the Republicans VIII have no'h-
ing 20 fear in any Eastern States and VIII
therefore be inclined to treat as kindly as pos
slblc the opinions of Western brcthren whose
struggle for Protective principles is embar-
rasscd by the popular desire for free silver
coinage In support OF this view il Is urged
that soundmoucy Democrats have already be-
gun 10 show that they will stick to their party
and fight for it. even If it puts up silver man
on q silver platform. and that the Hepublicans
will be obliged to meet such dishonest ignoring
of the question with some measure Of evasion
or prudence.
These calculations leave out of sight qncs-
tion of principle and a practical contingency
which may prove extremely important. II Is
not possible for the Republicans to pass in 81
lcnce the question of silver coinage, and no
Obligation can be higher than to state with
honesty the principles by which they will be
governed The entire history OF the party has
been distinguished by manly candor in stating
'
out its pledges For forty years its opponents
have laborcd In vain to entnnglc the Repub-
lcan party in tricky statement or disregard
Of promises and the votes in States where pco-
ple are free to vote stand as proof that no
charge Of that nature has ever had weight with
public opinion There will not be this year a
beginning Of Republican bad faith or coward
ice The party hns clearly defined and strong
a.. MI not
help stating them.
Neither can il overlook the practical con
sderation. which to Protcctonists is Of high
Importance, that II Is now threatened with de-
feat in its economic policy by the election Of
men who nrc willing to sacrifice that policy
in order to promote the interests Of silver
miners This state of things comprls the part y
to demand that no candidate anywhere shall
have excuse for calling himself n Republican,
or claiming Republican votes or getting bcne
! lit from the tremendous strength Of the Pro
tcctve policy, who is willing to assassinaie II
for the sake Of the silver interest. The line
must of necessity be sharply drawn. SO that the
Republican strength can everywhere he con
centra,ed In favor OF Senators and Represent
atives who Will be found true to the principles
of the party. There can be no dckcr with Tho
Is not bound to smitc It's Western friends ovri
! the head with club because they desire free
coinage of silver. but it is absolutely bound Il
tell them that they cannot hope for free coin
age OF silver, nor sacrifice Protection to th'
silver interest and continue to be Republicans
It would be perilous In another aspect TO hcsl
tate What Eastern Democrats may do canno
be known until a month after the Republican
Convention has adjourned, nor even then ]
would be possible for them. after defeat at Chi
cago to set mp an Independent soundmonc,
ticket Mt any tlmc and with President Clevc
land as a candidate. or some man representa-;
Ike opinions TO gather large support. NJ
such performance could affect the result In th
least degree, II the Republicans stand by thci
principles without swerving. and make knowi
in distinct language what they actually bclicv
and intend. But II they were To falter o
dodge. the disgust OF Republicans thcmsclvc
would have much force to aid Democratic OI
position 1t is necessary 10 declare in langnag
which nobody can have n decent excuse 70
misunderstanding. that the Republicans vii
In which wages Of labor are paid. and are there
fore infcxibly opposed 10 free coinage Of sil
yer until international agreement has csta
lisbc1 It's commercial value, and. unless fha
agreement is effected. will maintain the exist
Ing monetary standard.