Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-03-05
CANDIDATES FOR CHICAGO.
They Should Define Their Position
Upon Currect Issues.

To the Editor of The Evening Star:
The article of "Vox Populi'' in The Star
of March 1 seems to be a timely effort to
clarity the rather cloudy atmosphere of the
District democracy, and to suggest action
III the right direction. 1t is what is done in
every county and state of the Union, and
as the first local convention of the impend-
ing campaign is to be held here at the head
quarters of the country, and its action will
be eagerly watched from all the states and
territories. aad is sure to exert a command
ing influence upon the policy and fortunes
OF the national democratic party, it would
seem to be question of prime Importance
that the six delegates to be chosen here for
the approaching national convention at Chi
cdSo should be men of character and sub
stance, men widely known throughout the
country, and men of clear and settled con-
VlctiofS on the great questions now at is
sue Ii would be most unfortunate and in
furious to elect set of delegates to go to
Chicago from this capital who have no
opinions. no settled convictions aud who
would represent nothing but their own per-
Scnai aspirations for place and distinction
The star has already published a list of
prominent citizens from which a selection
might BE made and also the principal TOPICS
on which the party here should be enlicht
ened AN inquiry ought Immediately to be
made OF those who are seeking the election
as ueieSates 10 chicago. or whose names
MAY De brought before the local convention
as 20 their position and purpose in regard
70 the matters designated in the article of
NoN Sopuil, and it should be distinctly
understood what they Will stand for and
represent at Chicago in case they should he
chosen as delegates. and no man should be
permitted 20 conceal from the District de-
1nocracy MS principles and position in this
great emergency.
Inc points TO be considered are az fol-
lows: 80 -o
l. do you indorse the Administrations
= Are you for free silver?
.. Are you for sound money?
=. 20 you 1avcr the annexation of the
sandwich Islands?
1t is learned that at the meeting of the
central committee, March 3 Mr. Gcorra
kllieen. in a forcibIe speech announce5
himself as an aspirant for a seat in the
Chlcago convention. and boldly and broad
~ deined ms position on the pending is
sues He stated that he had the backbone
or rhinoceros and the courage OF a lion
and that If elected as a delegate he would
II he had 1.0oo votes, cast them for Mr.
CieVelandS denomination. This answers all
the questions propounded by Vox Populi in
clear and direct manner which cannot
fail to be understood. Mr.. Killeen is the
hrst man to declare where he stands. and
the democratic voters of the District will
row be able, so far as he is concerned to
act intelligently in giving him their suf-
fraSe or in turning him down This is an
open and manly way of meeting the requi-
sitions- Now let each of the other aspi-
rants in like manner define their positions
ana then there can be complaint here
after tnat any man has deceived or has
been deceived i'll this important crisis
When Mr.. killeen thus manfully defined
MS position it was in the presence and
nearing OF Paul Reagan, William J. Dona-
van, Walter Costello, john McKenna, Ed
ward L. Jordan, John Boyle William Hol-
mead, T. F. Cusick, William H. Monogue.
Frank p. Morgan ard j. Fred Kelly. and
II IS TO be deeply regretted that those gem
tieman did not at once follow his noble ex-
ample.
Even members of Congress have express
ed tEeir establishment that the democrats
OF this great city should consent to vote for
any man as a delegate to Chicago without
Knowing thoroughly whether he would rep
resent their views or not. thus blindiy cast
ing their votes for men simply because their
names have been thrust forward and nut
upon tickets which signify nothing but a
combine for place and preferment 1t is a
spectacle at once shameful and degrading
ana II the District democracy will so pros
titute their manhood and launch their for
tunes upon an uncertain sea thew will
richly deserve the shipwreck that NAV
Hollow ANXIOUS PATRIAE.