The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1896-04-05

reporters through the congressional
delegations indicates that the silver
men are apt to have a majority Of the
delegates 10 the Democratic national
convention. II takes two-thirds TO
nominate, but a majority adopts tho
platform. There are expected to be
about 9sO delegates including six from
each territory and the District of Col
umbia. The choice Of candidates does
not enter much into the discussion Of
the national convention. This choice
depends so much upon the policy
adopted by the party that 1t seems
useless to discuss candidates until IL Is
determined which faction OF the par.
~ is going to control the convention
The first question is, what are Dem
ocratic principles A large element,
composed chiefly Of the old,fashioned
Democrats and those holding to old.
fashioned theories, insist that bimet-
allism in the true sense OF the word,
that is, silver aud gold on equal foot
ing las standard money, is one of the
articles of Democratic faith. Another
element, OF which Mr.. Cleveland Is the
recognized leader, holds to a gold
standard OF value and the use Of silver
only 10 subordinate capacity, IL at
all, measured in it's value by gold.
Which of these elements represents
party. Is to be determined. Candidates
are spoken of in a tentative way, but
there is not even a boom started yet
fo- any of them. Though most people
have come to the conclusion that Mr..
Cleveland himself will not again be
candidate, the opinion is held by men
eminent in the party and ofthe widest
political experience that he desires the
nomination, IL he can get matters ad-
justed in advance tc suit him. He
cannot, therefore, be left out of the
reckoning in counting over the candi-
dates.
That he may decline eventually is
not improbable, but it is quite likely
that he would be glad to see a situa-
tion develop which would lead to his
nomination with fair prospect of sue
cess. The prospect of such develop
ment is obscure. declination on hls
part would be regarded by many as an
indication that the prize he pushed
away was already lost to him.
Morrison of III, and Matthews of
Ind, are generally regarded as the
candidates most worth considering at
this time. Carlisle's candidacy excites
no more than passing comment
Whitney might be taken into account
as candidate il the gold men had con-
troll of the convention and he would
consent to run. The obstacle of hib
disinclination might be overcome, but
a prerequisite TO his candidacy would
be the defeat Of the silver men in the
convention. 0lney might become
candidate under the same circum-
stances AID he would probably be
more acceptable TO many Democrats,
on account of his record in the state
department, which would be expected
to count for something in the cam
paign.
The interview of Ex-Governor
Campbell of Ohio, in which he de-
clared that under no circumstances
would he be a candidate, has come as
near as anything to giving him boom
among the strong party men.
That vice-President Stevenson may
become candidate is probable and
there are conditions under which he
would be a strong nominee.
The Star gives some tables of fig
ures.
A gold standard man says that his
friends will have $50 votes in the con-
vention The Star says this claim cam
not be borne out by its information
and estimates the gold standard dele
gates at 500 A silver man estimates
that his friends would have $40 votes
in the convention. The Star thinks
the silver men will number about 500
A number of interviews are printed.
This from Senator Daniel from Viz.
ginia, is a good illustration of the pub
lie sentiment expressed:
THE Democrats OF Virginia believe
in conserving the institutions Of the
country and the property of the peo-
pla. They are therefore for restoring
silver coinage and arresting the sys-
tenn of contraction, which shrinks
property and increases the burden of
taxes and debt. The Democratic state
convention will, in my opinion, so de-
clare if il represents its constituency,
as hope and believe it will.
"a president who will carry out
| platform promises is what the Ameri-
can people want Congress, coming
| from all sections and Immediately rep
resenting all the states and all the
| people. is the body that should shape
/ political policies, aud the veto power,
with the power Of patronage, should
not be exercised in hostilities to its de
liberate judgment. The British peo
Pile have long since passed the time
when they would submit their policy
10 executive dictAtion, aud free institu
uons cannot be maintained unless the
people are strong enough to elect rep
resentatives who will obey their will
without that dictation.
"The Democratic party will carry
the country as soon as il becomes