Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-04-27

setting forth the present views and
future purposes of the bolting Demo
Gratis.
Probably the most unexpected thing
in the address Of Mr.. Cleveland was his
reference TO the Republican administra-
ton. He borrows emphasis from a
scriptural text and accuses the Repub-
licans OF returning in hot haste to their
wallowing IN the mire of extreme pro-
tecJion. This is an unfair criticism, be-
cause the Republicans have never
shown any disposition TO abandon eX-
treme protection. Mr.. Mckinley won
political fame as the apostle of a high
tariff, and during the late campaign
reiterated his devotion to this policy.
Those Democrats who voted for Nc
Kinley voted with their eyes open to
tariff possibilities. Neither have these
Democrats reason TO complain OF Mr..
McKinley's attitude on the money ques-
ton. To be sure, the President has sent
an argosy abroad in search, not Of a
golden fleece, but of an object equally
elusive, namely, an international agree
ment for the restoration of bimetallism,
but in so doing he is only carrying out
a pledge contained in his platform.
THE REPUBLICAN PROMISES.
Unless the gold Democrats were in
possession of assurances not given TO
the public generally, or expected the
President to abandon his platform, they
ought to be satisfied with his financial
policy He promised to maintain the
gold standard until relief comes from
abroad. and he is doing it in spite Of
the continued distress caused by such
q policy. The Democrats who sup
ported the Chicago platform can con-
sistently condemn both the tariff policy
and the francisl policy of the admin
istra5ion. but those W-lo supported Mr.
Mckinley are only receiving what they
had a right to expect.
Mr.. Cleveland accuses the Republi-
cans of a determination to repay parti-
san support from the proceeds Of in
creased burdens of taxation piled upon
those already overladen.' lie knew that
the Republicans had collected q cam
paign fund larger than ever before in
American politics; did it never occur
to him that the contributors would eX-
pect repayment through legislation
friendly to their interests? Has not the
Dingley bill been drawn exactly upon
the plan Of the Mckinley bill? 1t may
differ in its schedules, but it does not
offer in its general plan and prepara-
ton.
But if those Democrats who sup
ported Mr.. Mckinley have no reason to
criticise his course, what shall we say
Of those Democrats who supported the
ticket? What claim have
thew 20 consideration at the hands Of
the PRESIDENT Mr.. Cleveland asserts
that when the fate of the nation seemed
in the balance deliverance came
through the boiling Democrats; does
he mean through those Democrats who
voted directly for Mr.. Mckinley or
through those who voted for the India
napolis ticket?
AS TO GOLD DEMOCRATS.
"The leaders among the gold Demo-
Gratis claim to have voted for Palmer
and Puckner; certainly this did not en-
title them to pose as saviOrs Of their
country. They knew that the contest
would be closc-even Mr. Cleveland re-
fars to the campaign as one of doubt
and fear
.NVas it patriotic for gold Democrats
TO throw their votes away upon ticket
which had no chance when their sup
mort might have decided the contest2
There is touch of hUmor in the bois-
terops intentions OF those who, durir 2
the contest. watched the struggle from
afar and. after the battle was over,
claimed all credit for the victory.
"rbe important part of Mr.. CleVe-
lands address. however. is found IN his
declaration of war against those who
sunnorted the Chicago ticket In this
last address he has given more alu 10
hi orDonants than to his supporters
ine+ ae he did by his official acts His
s,,,..ordor cf the executive branch of
tho government into the hands CT the
wall street fnanciers, during the last
administration. did more than ar.y one
+birc- IN arouse the American people 70
a knowing of the iniqulty or the gCid
standard His thinly disguised support
of the RcDublica1 ticket in the lGte cam
paign did much to drive the silver Re-
nublicans out of the Republican party
and their LOYALTY to bimetailism has not
been shaken by defeat
"Tn his address SATURDAY night ne
aided the silver cause still further by
removing whatever danger there might
have been of concessions from the reg
Mar Democrats to the boIters. If he
had discussed the fundamental princi-
nies Of Democracy, and then urged a
nnion of forces upon a platform com
nrisinc differences on the money ques-
tion he might have done us harm IN
son1e some sections. but his dogmatic insist
ence mon a foreign financial policy
and his emphatic endorsement OF the
oreanizat orc, ion of the gold Democrats. win
nave \ wholesome influence in convincc-
inc timid Democrats who believe in bi-
metalIism with the Democrats who are
wedded to gold monometaillsm:
GIVE BOTH a CHANCE.
.ATr cleveland recognizes that the
contest over the money question, in
stead of being ended. is Just beginning
he recognizes it as an irrepressible
confict and in this he reasons rightly.
The Democratic party will IN 1900 relt-
orats r5f its demand for free and unlimited
coinage at IS TO I. and will be opposed
NV those who at that time believe in a