The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1897-04-21

1lI LuC 1uJlou tLNSS IL lst'Si - NSAS
ropolitan), where thousands OF old
Democrats have spent pleasant hours
while on their visits 10 the national
capital; where jefferson met and
talked over his theories and principles
of Democracy with his hundreds OF
friends: where Calhoun and Clay
could be seen ia pleasant conversation,
a Jeffersonian ban q1et, commemora-
tive of the 154th anniversary OF Jefter-
sons birth, is being given. AT the
head of the spacious dining hall
stands large oil painting Of the old
statesman surrounded bylUnited States
flags. There is here, perhaps, one OF
the greatest gathering of Democratic
statesmen that has been held for many
years. ,
Three long tables run from one end
to the other of the halls. There are
assembled senators, congressman, ma.
tional committeeman and others OF
high standing from every State in the
Union. Here they have met to raise
their voices in praise OF their idol,
their leader, William Jennings Bry'
an.
Governor Black, of Pennsylvania,
stated ''whv we are assembled"
Benton McMillin was the toastmas'
ter and introduced Mr.. Bryan, the
guest of honor. in glowing tribute at
IL o'clock. When Mr.. Bryan began
speaking one could not near his own
voice for the cheers that went up. A
band, concealed behind ferns, played
the songs ''ye heard N olden time, "
among them being the Arkansas
Traveller" Dixie" Maryland, My
Maryland" "Old Virginia" and many
others popular to Democrats.
The first celebration of the anniver-
sary of Jefferson's birth occurred at
the same hostelry, then known as the
Indian Queen; April 80, 1880. Presl-
dent Jackson was the guest OF honor
and the occasion was made memora-
BILE by the presence of Vice President
John G.. Calhoun and other Demo
cratic leaders of that day. The toasts
were briefly responded to, except In
the case of Mr.. Bryan, who spoke at
length to the toast Thomas Jefer-
son." The order of the set toasts was
as follows:
Thomas Jefferson"-We celebrate
the anniversary of his birth not in the
spirit of personal idolatry, but from
regard and reverence of his political
principles William j. Bryan of Ne
braska.
1.-The diffusion and arraignment OF
all abuses at the bar of public reason
Grom Jefferson's inaugural address,
James K. Jones of Arkansas.
Equal and exact justice to all men,
of whatever state or persuasion, rellg-
ious or political"-Richard P. Bland,
of Missouri.
"The Declaration of Independence"
An enduring monument of that de-
votion of liberty and adherence OF ty--
ranny which stamp the character and
mark the whole course of the life of its
author-Joseph G. Sibley, of Pennsyl-
vania.
Peace, commerce and honest
friendship with all nations, entang-
ling alliances with none," Crom the
same address, John j. Lsntz, OF
Ohio.
IAN aristocracy of wealth is of
more harm and danger than benefit to
society" (Jeferson) Andrew j. Lips
comb of Virginia.
ga Jealous care of the right of elec
tions by the people a mild and safe
corrective of those abuses which are
topped by the sword of revolution in
countries where peaceable remedies
are unprovided" (from Jeferson's in.
augural address) William Sulzer Of
New York.
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 the Democratic party to crystalize
into legislation the principles which
he taught. The party applies Demo
cratic principles to the issue which
arise from time to time. For many
years, the tariff question was the par
amount issue aud the party took a
more advanced position each year un.
til 1892, when it declared itself in ia.
vor of policy which meant substan-
tally tariff for revenue only. But
the President elected at that time in
stead of proceeding to carry out that
portion of the platform, forced upon
public attention an issue which had
up to that time been considered secon.
Diary. Mr.. Cleveland, more than any
other person in this nation, is respon-
sible for the prominent position which
the money question now occupies. 1t
was his determination to complete the
demonet1zation of silver and make the
gold standard perpetual, that aroused
the masse of the United States to &C.
tive resistance. The struggle for SUI
premacy between the gold standard
and bimetallism was recognized as a
contest between the money power and
the common people.
The explicit declaration in favor of
unlimited coinage of silver at the ra
ito of 16 to without waiting for the
aid or consent of any other nation was
made necessary by the attempt of GER
tain public men to evade the preceding
platform. The party struggle which
eliminated in the Chicago conven
ton of necessity alienated portion
of the party. The party was placed
in the position where it was compelled
to endorse the financial policy of the
President or adhere to the doctrines
and traditions of the party. The posi-
ton taken by the Democratic party IN
1896 will not be surrendered. If you
doubt the permanency of the Chicago
platform as party creed, 60 among
ln l. &c fr, q