The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-04-01
without probability.

be done by us here in our State? We
have among us gold standard Demo
Gratis (mon0metalists,) and Democrats
who believe in both gold and silver
(bimetalists) The one is, or should
be-, as true to the Democratic party as
the other So far as loyalty to Demo-
cratic principles is concerned, there
should be 10 difference, even though
we differ on the financial policy.
The Democratic party of this State
should 90 on record on this question
in the coming State Democratic con-
vention, which meets early in May to
elect delegates to the National Demo
cratic convention If a majority of
this State favor a gold standard, then
we should send delegates to the Ma
tional Democratic convention who
will represent that sentiment. But II
a majority of the Democrats OF the
Stale favor gold aud silver standard;
and believe they do, then We should
send delegates TO the N-tional Demo
cratic convention vino will represent
that sentiment. This IS fair, it is Dem
ocratic and it is the only sale course.
To do otherwise simply means the dis.
ln,egratio.. of the Democratic party OF
the State and lis loss of power at
home, and forfeiture of the right to
recognition by the National Democrat
ic party. By all means let every
Democratic bimetallist in the State
stand by the Democratic party, and
let US make our fight for what we
want within the Democratic ranks,
and take our chances with our brother
Democrats who favor single gold
standard. By this course we will pre-
serve intact our Democratic organiza-
ton, which is of far more Importance
to our people than the success of any
national party. Attempt will doubt
less be made during the year by de.
signing persons to form coalition OF
parties in order to overturn the DEM
ocratic party of the State, and get pos
session of the State government. 1t
is, therefore, important that you re-
main untrammelled. Stay out of the
third party, stay out of the silver
leagues, and stick to the Democratic
party, which is the only safety you
have for home protection.
I do not know what steps the single
gold standard Democrats of the State
will take to ascertain their strength or
to send delegates to the National
Democratic convention. But beg to
urge upon you and through you every
Democratic bimetallist in your com.
munity to be active and energetic IN
presenting the cause of bimetalllsm.
There is no necessity at this time, that
can see, for the formation of bimet-
allie clubs. Certainly there is no ne
cessity for any Democratic bimetallist
to join Third party, or become
silver league. All that the Democrat
ic bimetallists need now to do is to
rally their forces at the Democratic
club meetings, and poll their strength
for bimetallic delegates to the county
convention. and to see to it that only
bimetallists are sent to the State con-
vention. Let me urge you not to be
luke warm in this matter, but to be
active and enthusiastic. We may rea-
sonably expect the single gold stand
ard men to do all in their power to
send their delegates to the State con-
vention. This is politics, and we
should not think hard of them if they
give us the best fight they can; but we
should be found making the contest,
and if we beat them, they should not
feel hurt with us. Make the fight for
the delegates to the finish, but let it be
fairly an6 openly done.
Remember that the clubs will be
called to meet in April to elect dele
gates to the county convention. Be
sure to have every bimetallist to at
tend the club meetings regularly.
Urge this for all it is worth upon ev-
interested.
Every bimetallist who receives this,
q would send it to every one in the
State if I could and every one who
hears of it, is respectfully requested to
to drop me line and inform me OF
how the bimetallic cause stands in his
community, and to make any sugges.
tions that will advance the cause. Let
no friend to bimetallism hesitate to
drop me line, for I assure ali that
that it will be appreciated, and will
greatly encourage and aid me in look
ing after the interest of the cause.
Without the co operation and help of
all the friends to bimetallism we may
get beaten in the contest for delegates.
Most respectfully,
w. D. MAYFIELD,
State Bimetallic Democratic Commit
teeman.