New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-09-12
CONDEMNED BY THE ADMINISTRATIONS.


The letters of Secretary Of War Lamont and
Secretary of the Interior Francis and Assistant
Postmaster-General Maxwell in line with
all other expressions Of opinion by members OF
the Administration except the late lloke Smith
Without any reserve all declare against the chi
cago platform and nominations on the ground
that they are directly hostile TO Democratic prn-
cples, and not entitled 10 the support of Demo
Gratis President Cleveland himself has judged
1t wise not to speak in person, and his unpopu-
larity among Democratic voters in some OF the
States upon which. If close at all, the contest
might depend, possibly makes 1t judicous for
him to exercise the right pertaining 10 his Office
For as Chief Executive he may with propriety
refrain from endeavoring to influence choice
of his successor. although he also has undimin-
ishcd rights as q private citizen if he deems 1t
for the public GOO . exercise them. In view of
the nearly unanimous action OF his associates III
the Administration. there can hardly be ques-
ton as to the Presidents convictions. whether
he thinks fit TO express them personally or not
1t is one Of the strangest sights in the history
Of the country which the Democratic party now
presents Never before has the Administration
representing party victorious AT the previous
Congressional and Presidential elections found
it duty openly to oppose the platform and can
didates of that party Every one knows the
reason. Never before has any party 50 violated
all its pledge. so tramped upon It's own prin-
ciples, and outraged all that was honorable and
consistent in It's own history. as the socalled
Democratic party did at its Convention at Chi
cago. The mere advocacy Of free coinage, in
view Of the essential change in monetary condi-
lions since previous conventions were held. would
now involve naked Reputation Of solemn
pledges many times repeated. since free coinage
would not now be possible without dshonor OF
the Nation reputation Of many pledges made
in borrowing gold, impairment Of private and
commercial contracts. and spoliaton OF one sec
ton and one class for the benefit OF another.
Rut the Chicago Convention went much fur
Their and in making war on the National banks,
demanding unlimited issues Of paper by Govern
ment and by State banks, denouncing the en-
! forcement of United States laws by the EXecu-
tive, and threatening reconstruction of the SUI
preme Court for partisan crds, proposed revo-
luton destructive of all rights and all property.
The deliberate hostility Of the Administration
to the action Of the party it officially represents
| is therefore justified, not merely by fidelity TO
[ the principles and convictions of that party but
| by the far higher obligation OF duty to the Ma
| ton Charged with the enforcement Of law, the
| officials Of the Government would be false TO
| their sworn duty II they should countenance an
organized movement to defeat and prevent that
| enforcement, OF to deprive the judiciary OF its
| constitutional power independently TO interpret
! the law. Sworn to uphold the honor and wei
| fare Of the Nation and particularly bound by
pledges officially made in order TO obtain gold
with which 10 protect the Nations credit this
| Administration would have been dishonored and
| debased if it had failed TO resist to the utmost
| an attempt to set those pledges aside, and 10
| brand the Nation as guilty CT reputation by re-
| fuslng to pay back the kind Of money borrowed.
Hence there was not only ample justification for
the unprecedented spectacle presented by the Ad
| minisration, in denouncing the platform and
ticket of It's own party but there was simple
fidelity to sworn duties and obligations of honor
which could not be disregarded without inef-
| faceable shame.
When party. or that which pretends to be a
party, is thus publicly branded by its own chosen
leaders and most highly rustedlofiicals as false
to its pledges its convictions, and to public honor
and duty that Impeachment ought TO sink deep
into the minds OF all who are tempted for any
reason to support such a party. No man can
| doubt that Democratic administration mus,
| have the strongest conceivable reason, before II
can so denounce the action Of Democratic Ma
tional Convention Every citizen who is in the
least inclined TO be led by that action owes il
! TO himself and his country to revise his opinion
carefully, in order TO make sure that he is not
taking sides with enemies Of the Nations honor
of public prosperity and Of civilized order.
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