Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-04-14

Peculiarly Proper Place for Such
a Demonstration-Hon. William
j. Bryan the Chief Speaker of the
Evening.
Washington, d. c., April 13.-The
154th anniversary of Jefferson's birth
day was celebrated tonight at the Met
ropolitan Hotel by a subscription din
ner given under the auspices of the
National Association of Democratic
Clubs. The first celebration of the an
niversary of Jefferson's birth occurred
at the same hostelry, then known as the
Indian Queen" Jackson was the guest
] Of honor and the occasion was made
memorable by the presence of Vice
President John c.. Calhoun, and other
Democratic leaders of that day. To-
night VIM. j. Bryan, of Nebraska, the
/ late Democratic candidate for Presi-
dent, was the guest of honor. Covers
were laid for 200 and many were denied
seats for want of space at the tables.
Mr.. Bryan was seated upon the right
of Governor Chauncey F. Black, OF
Pennsylvania, the President of the AS
sociation.
Mr.. Bryan was greeted with hearty
cheer as he entered the hall.
The dinner began promptly at 8
o'clock. an orchestra playing national
airs blended with southern melodies
to conform in simplicity to the spirit OF
| the dinner. The toasts were pro-
posed and briefly responded to except in
the case of Mr.. Bryan, who spoke at
length to the toast Thomas Jefferson -
! Mr. Bryan said in part:
! THE Democratic party Is strong just in
! proportion as it proves true to the teach
/ ings of its great founder. 1t is the mission
of the Democratic party to crystillize into
! legislation the principles which he taught
The party applies Democratic princi-
pies to the issues which arise from time
| to time For many years the tariff ques-
! tin was the paramount issue ana the
party took a more advanced position each
year until 1892, when il declared itself in
-favor of n policy which meant substan-
daily tariff for revenue only But the
! President elected at that time, instead OF
| proceeding 10 carry out that portion OF the
platform, forced upon public attention an
| issue which had up to that time been con-
! sdered secondary. Mr.. Cleveland, more
! than any other person in this nation, Is
responsible for the prominent position
which the money question now occupies.
! It was his determination TO complete the
demonstration of silver and make the gold
| Standard perpetual that aroused the
masses of the United States to active re-
sistance. The struggle for supremacy be-
| tween the gold standard and bimetallism
was recognized as a contest between the
| money power and the commin people.
THE explicit declaration in favor of
free and unlimited coinage a 16 to l, with
out waiting for the aid or consent of any
| other nation. was made necessary by the
attempt of certain public men to evade
! preceding platforms. The party struggle
! which eliminated in the Chicago conVen-
ton of necessity alienated portion of the
party. The party was placed in the posi-
ton where it was compelled to endorse
the financial policy of the President or
adhere TO the doctrdines and traditions OF
the party. The position taken by the Dem
ocratic party in 1895 will not be surren-
dered. II YOU doubt the permanency of
the Chicago platform as a party creed, 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 impossibility of taking back
ward step.
"True. the present administration is
seeking to turn public attention to the
tariff question. but if our reasoning is well
founded. an increase of taxes cannot re-
store prosperity to the producers of wealth.
If the Dingley bill brings general and per-
manent prosperity. the Democratic party
will not be in a pistion TO win a contest
bv oDposing it. If, on the other hand, the
Dingley bill proves a disappointment to
those who advocate 1t, our position of 1895
will he strengthened and public attention
will be riveted upon the fact that the
cause OF financial depression is to be found
in our monetary system
"Tbere is much in recent events to en-
| courage the iOuO"eIs VI lHoIH"9 "'iiS'
son. The spring elections indicate grow
ing sentiment along the lines of the Chi
cago platform. In fact, the elections
which have taken place show so great
gain that the Republican party may now
| he considered a minority party. 1t has
but one hone OF escape from the wrath TO
come and that is to secure bimetallism by
International agreement before the people
of the nation have another opportunity
! TO sneak at the polls. While we who be
ueve in independent bimetallism generally
regard an International agreement as
neither necessary nor possible, we may
we'll hone for success to any one who may
mako the attempt TO secure foreign as
sistance. If our opponents succeed in open
ing ,be mints Of other nations, as well as
their own mints we shall rejoice because
the condition of the people will be inn
nroved and they will be able to proceed
NTH other remedial legislation. II, how
! ever. the Republican party. after pledging
i-seIf 10 secure international bimetallisn'
| finds # impossible to fulfill that pledge, It's
expressed preference for a double stand
! ard will rise up TO condemn 1t, If 1t at
tennis 10 continue longer the evils Of the
J gold standard.
After the set toasts had been responded
- tbare were many impromptu speeches
ord II was hours after midnight before
the dlnnur broke up.