Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1896-06-18
Are Not Unterrifie0.
NEZ PIERCE DEMOCRATS IGNORE
THE ADMINISTRATION.
Convention Saturday.
A Light Attendance and Little En-
thusiasm-Seek Cover Under
the White Metal.

The democrats of NeZ Perez county
held II convention in the city Satur-
day, for the purpose of eiecting dele
gates to the Pocatello convention. 1t
was the first official gathering of the
representatives of that party since the
campaign of '9l, and the prospect of an
expression from the eXponents of the
low tariff idea, in the face Of four years
UNPARALLELED national distress, attract
ed an interesting crowd of spectators.
The convention was called to order
at o clock. There was little about it
to characterize the oldtime love feasts
of democracy to inspire or
enthuse. \ few delegates only were
present from the outside precincts and
the proxy list was large. Attorney
John Green of this city was elected
chairman of the temporary organiza.
ton, and Deputy-Auditor Steen was
selected as secretary.
Mr.. Green delivered the opening ad
uiSNS w liN WCuSltu ttltCI
the purpose Of the convention he
branched off on brief historical re-
view. He expressed belief in the
democracy of jefferson, and stated that
Boics Of Iowa and Crisp Of Georgia
would sweep the country from Oregon
to Maine. Mr.. Green evidently ex-
pressed the sentiment of his listening
brethren, but his most pleasing flights
of oratory failed to arouse the dormant
spirit of detected democracy.
The permanent organization was
effected with l.. l.. Haynes as chair
man and Mr.. Steen secretary. The
various committees were appointed.
The committee on credentials reported
without delay. After half hours
deliberation, the committee on reso.
lutions brought in their report, which
chairman Haynes announced as the all
important object Of the meeting. 1t
was read 10y Mr. Green As chairman OF
the committee.
The report contained three pruvis-
ions. The first announced loyalty to
the ancient democracy of Jefferson,
Madison and Monroe, without refer
ence to its modern Interpretation or
application. The second provision
mildly expressed dislike to the ideas
of William Mckinley as to manner of
raising revenue, but made no mention
of those adduced and applied by Will
liam Wilson. The third provision on
finance was lengthy aud was expressed
with the same vigor as the one con
tained in the national platform of
1892. 1t was tiat-footed declaration
for the restoration of silver on Il parity
with gold, without discriminating in
favor Of either metal, aud asked for the
free and unlimited coinage of the
white metal.
1t would be- difficult to conceive of a
more harmless declaration Of the prin-
ciples of Idaho democracy. However
humble, it was II frank admission of
the incompetency of the democratic
party to conduct the affairs of govern
ment 1t contained nothing offensive
to the strictest part san of whatever
faith, and surely nothing to encourage
the masses of doubling democrats.
The democratic party in the pas! has
always assumed the aggressiveness of
the fault finder. FOur years of unlim-
tied power has demonstrated It's weak
ness. It's principles have been applied
aud the most distressing period Of the
nations history marks the era of this
application. A democrat can point to
no single act of the present administra-
ton for encouragement, or inspiration.
In the west the wrecked party of tariff
reform sees hope alone in the doubtful
wave of silver. 1t accepts the condi-
tlon, sacrificing all other principles tc
tighten lis burden In the race for tenn
porary power and spoils. There was
little encouragement in the action OF
the Nez Perce convention for the old
line democrats, yet there was candoi
in the reputation of the democratic
administration that calls for bit OF
honest sympathy. Or Is ii that the
Idaho eXponent- Of democracy ar,
afraid of offending somebody" AtaBs
rate the Pocatello resolution was ac,
cepted by the convention without de-
bate.
The selection of delegates to the Po,
cateilo convention was next taken up
James w. Reid, ;. o. Tannahill an,
l.. l. Haynes were named rnd accept
ed. An adjournment was taken to en-
dorse a member for the national con.