The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-08-25

That newspaper had actively and Wig
orously opposed his nomination, had
kept up the fight with sleepless energy,
not only throughout the preliminary
campaign in Georgia, but up to the
very moment of Mr.. Cleveland's nomi-
nation at Chicago. As soon, however,
as the party declared itself, and the
contest within the party was closed,
the editor of the Constitution wrote a
private note to Mr.. Cleveland, assuring
him that for the future the paper
would accept the party's verdict, and
give to its nominees a hearty, cordial,
and unreserved support. To this note
Mr.. Cleveland replied as follows;
Gray Gables, Buzzard's Bay, Mass,
July is, 1S92.-Clark Howell. Esq.-My
Dear Sir: The receipt of your recent
letter has gratified me exceedingly
1T has a tone of true Democracy about
it, and is peryaded with the sort of
Democratic frankness which is very
pleasing.
Il think the underlying principle of
party organization is what YOU so adj
mirably express as an acceptance Of
the arbitrament of the National con-
vention. On the other hand, it is as
fully the duty of one opposed to shut
his mind and heart to any feeling of ir-
ritation orresentment thatmight be al
lowed to grow out of opposition based
upon honest Judgment and a conscien-
tious desire for party success.
Il am not surprised, though I am
gratified, by the announcement that
from this time to the close of the cam
paign your own service and the invalu-
able influence of the Constitution will
be devoted to the fight for Democratic
success. It honestly seems to me that
Democrats who are not at this time
loyal to the cause are recreant to their
country.
Personal advancement of man is
nothing; the triumph of the principles
we advocate is everything.
Hoping that we may congratulate
each other on a glorious result in No
Vember, am, yours sincerely,
GROVER CLEVELAND"
Is it surprising that Secretary Smith
accepted in 1896 the doctrine expound-
ed by Mr.. Cleveland in 1892, and took
with reference no the convention of
this year the action which the Presi-
dent commended as honorable and
praiseWorthy four years ago? If it
was admirable and i'm harmony with
Democratic usage and tradition for
| the Atlanta Constitution to bow to the
decision of the majority that nomi-
mated Mr.. Cleveland, why is it not
equally laudable in Secretary Smith to
bow 70 the decision of the majority
which, last month, nominated Mr..
Bryan? What. in fact, has Mr.. Smith
done that Mr.. Cleveland has not form
ally and emphatically declared to be
the duty of all honest and right-mind-
ed Democrats? Is it not true, indeed,
that, according to Mr. Cleveland's own
proposition, Hon. Hoke Smith, who
supports the Chicago nominees, is
the only member of the Cabinet who
should retain his place, and that the
others, who have refused to support
him, are the members who should
resign?
We do not, however, undertake to
solve the mystery Secretary Smith
very properly declines TO discuss the
incident for publication, and, there
fore, leaves us to mere gueSswOrk as
regards his motives in resigning. The
popular idea is that he has withdrawn
because, in supporting Mr.. Bryan, he
finds himself out of tune with the
| President and his felloW-members of
| the Cabinet; but we have no assur-
ance that this assumption is well
founded, and find ourselves compelled
| to accept the fact without being able
| to explain il either to ourselves or to
| the public. If Mr.. Cleveland is " the
| same mind now as he was in 1892, then
| Secretary Smith is the only member
| of his official fanny, so far, who has
| fulfilled Mr.. Cleyeland's conception OF
| Democratic duty. If the President has
| changed his mind since that time
| but, no! that is not to be considered
Meanwhile it is due Secretary Smith
| to say that he will leave behind him
a brilliant official record and the re-
spect, good win, and confidence of all
who have come in contact with him.
| For the first time in many years the
| work of the department is thoroughly
| in hand, and that Mr.. Smith has been
able as we'll as expeditions is the opin-
ION of all who have knowledge of the
| facts. Whatever may have been his
motives in resigning, we risk nothing
| in asserting that they are credltable
| to him as a citizen and a gentleman.
| The whole truth may be known some
| day. bat until then we shall take it
| for granted that Secretary Smith has
| nothing to lose by the disclosure
Washington Post.