The record-union., 1897-04-14
Under the Auspices of the Association
of Democratic Clubs.
J. Bryan, the Late Demo-
cratic Candidate for President of
the United States, the Guest of
Honor Senator's, Congressman
and Others Conspicuous i'm Demo-
cratic Councils Present.


tonight at the Metropolitan Hotel by
subscription dinner given under the
auspices of the Natio~al Association Of
Democratic Clubs. The first celebra-
ton Of the anniversary of jefferson S
birth occurred at the same hostelry,
then known as the Indian Queen. jack
son was the guest of honor, and the
occasion was made memorable by the
presence of Vice-President John C. Cal
houn and other Democratic leaders of
that day. Tonight William j. Bryan
of Nebraska, the late Democratic can
didate for President, was the guest of
honor. Senators, Representatives and
others conspicuous in the councils of
the Democratic party We're present.
Many of them We're from a distance.
Mr.. Bryan was greeted with a lusty
cheer as he entered the hall. The
menu was carefully prepared, and was
similar to such a dinner as might have
been served during Jefferson's days.
The dishes were all American creations
and each course, so far as possible, rep
resented one section of the country.
The dinner began promptly at O'Clock,
an orchestra playing national airs,
blended with Southern melodies to con-
form in simplicity to the spirit of the
dinner. The toasts We're composed and
briefly responded to, except in the case
of Mr.. Bryan, who spoke at length to
the toast of Thomas Jefferson"
Mr. Bryan said in part: THE Demo-
cratic party is strong just in proper
ton as it proves true to the teachings
of its great founder. 1t is the mission
Of ha Tar1naro in RI fp tal iva
into legislation the principles which he
taught. The party applies Democratic
principles to the issues which arise
from time to time. For many years the
tariff question was the paramount is
sue, and the party took a more ad-
vanced position each year until 1892,
when it declared itself in favor of a
policy which meant substantially a
tariff for revenue only. But the Presi
dent elected at that time, instead of
proceeding to carry out that portion of
the platform, forced upon public atten-
ton an issue which up to that time had
been considered secondary. Mr.. Cleve-
land, more than any other person in
this nation, is responsible for the
prominent position which the money
question now occupies. 1t was his de-
termination to complete the demone-
tization of silver and make the gold
standard perpetual that aroused the
masses of the United States to active
resistance The struggle for supremacy
between the gold standard and bimet-
allism was recognized as a contest be-
tween the money power and the COM
mon people.
THE explicit declaration in favor of
free and unlimited coinage at 16 to 1,
without waiting for the aid or consent
of any other nation, was made neces-
sary by the attempt of certain public
men to evade the preceding platforms.
The party struggle which eliminated in
the Chicago convention of necessity
alienated a portion of the party. The
party was placed in the position where
it was compelled to indorse the finan-
cial policy of the President or adhere
to the doctrines and traditions of the
party. The position taken by the Dem
ocratic party in 1896 will not be sur
rendered. If you doubt the permanent
cy of the Chicago platform, you should
go among the rank and file of the party
and measure the zeal and enthusiasm
which that platform has aroused, and
you will realize the improbability of
taking a backward step.
True, the present Administration is
seeking to turn public attention to the
tariff question, but if our reasoning is
we'll founded, an increase of taxes can
not restore prosperity to the producers
of wealth. If the Dingley bill brings
general and permanent prosperity, the
Democratic party will not be in po-
sition to win a contest by opposing it.
If, on the other hand, the Dingley
proves a disappointment to those who
advocate it, our position of 1896 will
be strengthened and public attention
will be riveted upon the fact that the
cause of financial depression is to be
found in our monetary system.
There is much in recent events to
encourage the followers of Thomas JEFF
ferson. The spring elections indicate a
growing sentiment along the lines of
the Chicago platform. In fact, the cleo
tions which have taken place show so
great gain that the Republican party
may now be considered a minority
party. 1t has but one hope of escape
from the wrath to come, and that is to
secure bimetallism by international
ton have another opportunity to speak
at the polls. While we who believe in
independent bimetallism generally re-
gard an information agreement as neith-
er necessary nor possible we may well
hope for success to any who may make
the attempt to secure foreign assist
ance. If our opponents succeed in
opening the mints of other nations, as
well as their own mints, we shall re-
joice, because the conditions of the peo-
pie will be improved and they will be
able to proceed with other remedial leg
islation. If, however, the Republican
party. after pledgng itself to secure
international bimetallism, findsit impos-
sible to fulfill that pledge, its expressed
perseverance for a double standard
will rise up and condemn it, If it at
tempts to continue longer the evils of
the gold Standard
The order of the set toasts was as
follows: Thomas jefferson. we cele-
brate the anniversary of his birth, not
in the spirit of personal idolatry, but
from regard and reverence for his po-
litical principles" William ]. Bryan of
Nebraska; THE diffusion of information
and arraignment of all abuses at the bar
of public reason" (from Jefferson's in
augural address), James K. Jones of Ar
kansas; Equal and exact justice to all
men of whatever state Of persuasion, rel