The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-02-20
SENATOR HILL On THE FUTURE OF
DEMOCRACY,

In an article in the current number OF
the Forum Senator David b. Hill, who Is
as well qualified TO speak on the subject
as any man alive, gives his views upon
the errors OF the past and tho hopes oil
the future of the Democratic party MI
Hi. while a practical politician, lndeed'
too practical at times for his own good
name or that of his party is as thoroughly
grounded In the fundamental principles
Of Democracy and has as apt and striking
a way Of setting forth those principles as
any Democrat OF this generation. what
such man says should be taken TO heart
nv those who really believe in principle In
notifies. and wish well TO Democracy.
Mr.. Hi earnestly commends the Demo
cratic creed enunciated in Jeffersons first
inaugural address. and insists that the
principles and policies therein proclaimed
are as necessary to-day TO our national
prosperity and happiness as when hrst
promulgated.
lie calls attention 20 the fact that e1-
cept between 1860 and 1876 the Democratic
party never lost Presidential election
twice in succession. and from that con-
cludes that We may fairly hope for sue
cess of the Democracy in 1900. TO accom-
prish this. however. he insists that pol
icy of pacihcation. rather than anita
gonism. shall be adopted by party man
ayers towards all factions, and by uniting
upon the main and well-setued Demo-
cratic principles untinctured with Popu-
ism.
The revolt against the Chicago platform
included thousands OF veteran Demo-
Gratis. who had grown gray in the SER
vice Of the party. while TO the independent
voter. who was ready to cast his vote for
a true Democracy, the declarations Of
that platform were especially offensive.
Democrats were grioved and indignant
nj the methods adopted 10y the convention
for securing two-thirds vote by tramp
ling on the rights of the sovereign state
of Michigan. after violating all precedent
An refusing for temporary chairman the
nominee of the National Committee. The
silver question was made the paramount
issue and every Democratic principle was
Iisked upon that Not only so. but the
free coinage Of silver was demanded with
out any appropriate safeguard and no
pledge that any provision whatever would
be made 10y International agreement. or
otherwise TO secure the parity OF silver
and gold dollars. But although silver
was recklessy thrust forward as vital
principle OF our Government. There
ought" says Mr.. Hill, ito have been no
difficulty in making the residue OF the
platform. aside from the silver plank, ac-
ceptable to every Democrat ana all con-
servative citizens. but. instead thereof.
passion. prejudice, sclhshness. section
alism, and cmotionaAsm seemed to rule
the hour. while so many un-Democratic,
crude, aud unsafe provisions were reck-
lessly incorporated therein. that the peo-
plo became frightened. and hundreds OF
thousands OF electors who otherwise
would have supported the ticket were
needlessly aiienated.'
Among the Objectionable provisions in
corporated Mr.. HIN includes the income
tax. which in the form in which 1t wa!
presented. was certainly most un-Demo
cratic, but which as a method of raising
revenue We regard as most proper al
though Mr.. Hill himself antagonizes /
from every point OF view.
While Democrats may differ about ca
Income tax. all dispassionate an'
thoughtful men must concur that tn
reference to the Supreme Court OF tn'
United States was Of most Dangerous