The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1896-09-14
SAVANNAH, GA, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER A. 1896
half Of a candidate whose regularity was

half of candidate whose regularity was
unsullied."
Here Mr.. Sheehan refers to Mr. Bryan's
Mount Vernon Qll.) declaration of Marcn
II, 1896, II am not a democrat" as never
having been denied, and hence to be ac-
cepted as true, and after reciting his sun
port of the domination of Cleveland in 1892
against the protest Of the New York del-
egation, as proof Of his warm belief in
regularity, he says docs party regu-
larity demand blind ana stupid allegiance
to everything convention, held under the
name of democracy may do? I admit the
impossihihty OF drawing a platform thar
in all things would be satisfactory to all
democrats. But never before have. we
been asked to make a compromise be-
tween natiopal honor and national degra-
dation. Compromises may be made on
many matters, even on the current issue.
but the immortality and debasement Of
compromises on questions that directly ef-
feet the nations honor and good faith
ere not to be considered for a moment.
The democrats who responded to Presi-
dent Lincolns call to take up arms for
the maintenance of the nations honor,
did not cease to be democrats because
they proved themselves patriots"
After referring TO the condition of the
country and the lack of confidence pre-
vailing, and to the fact that the gold nec-
essary to start business is and has been
awaiting the settlement of the financial
difficulties along the lines of honor and or
reason"
Mr.. Sheehan says, referring to the plat
form of the last democratic state conven-
tion in New York: II stood on that plat
form; 1 have never left 1t since, and I
do not propose to do so now. Let those
whose Judgment leads them in a different
direction support the Chicago nominees.
af II
upon the men who insist upon standing
where they have always stood"
ut is not pleasant to break old associ-
ations.. | wish ! could bring myself 20
believe that the Chicago convention was
right, and that national blessings would
flow from the ratification of it's work; but
my conscience, my judgment and the ex-
Perience of other nations convince me OF
it's error l believe most firmly that the
success of this ticket would mean paraly-
sis Of business and that the avenues u
industries would be closed. Production
cannot find profitable market in the im-
poverishment of the people. Panic, dis
aster and ruin will follow, and ere the
plaudits of the victorious multitudes have
died away they will realize the poverty
and degradation of the nation, and will
turn with the anger of a once-deluded, but
disallusioned people upon the false proph-
cts and idols whose advice they followed. y
After citing the fact that no existing
power can take from him his credential:
as a member of the democratic nationa
committee, unless with his consent, Mr.
Sheehan concludes: "n the state / have
the honor to represent stands September
where it stood in June, l will gladly con
tinue as its representative on that com
mittee. But if the organized democracy O.
the state reverses its position, stands
awhere 1t should not stand; pulls dowr
the banner of democracy and hoists th'
flag of populsm, l will not continue t.
represent 1t. This decision is not mad'
without full fealization- of the fact tina
old and dear friendships may be severed
Ties that have been knit in fierce strug
giles for the success of a grand old party
that deserves a far better fate, may thus
be destroyed. But my duty is clear t.
me- When the democratic roll of honor Il
called desire to be among those who haC
the courage to refuse to follow the ban
ner of populism, falsely labeled democ
racy. If the Buffalo convention indorse;
the platform of the Chicago convention
or its nominees, my resignation will i'm
mediately be forwarded to the nationa
committee"