The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-12-03
FRIDAY.
REPUBLICAN "EXPLAlNATI0W AND
CONTRAST.

As the time for the opening OF Con
Rresss approaches the uneasiness OF guilt
seems to haunt the heart Of Republican
statesmen.
A remarkable word finds its way in the
press dispatches foreshadowing the pro-
xramme Of Congress. For example, 1.-THE
fact that the opposition in the Senate
seems insurmountable inclines many
Of the Republican members Of the House
% the opinion that it would be wisdom
not TO attempt any 'explanat-o what,
ever"
Again, :.Mr. Walker, of Massachu
sets, chairman Of the committee OF
Banking and Currency, sometime age
sent letter to every member OF M
committee urging the Importance of cur
rency explanation" etc.
Who suggested that Republican action
Of any kind on the currency should be
crystalized in the word "explanation"
Explanation" of what, pray? They
have passed the tariff bill all right
enough. There was only one other ele-
nent in the Republican claim-that of
the only love for silver that
was forsooth the wise love.
This took the form of a Bi-metal-
lie Commission, which has proved to be
q light that failed. The most visible
result of the Commission is perhaps the
exploiting of Wolcott's capacity for fine
wine and the rehabilitation of his Sena-
torial stomach.
But here they come to Congress-these
Republicans admitting that there
must be some explanation for
this failure That will be all
the legislation attempted On the cur
rency. No other is authorized by the
platform, and the Gage programme is
. gold-bug scheme to consume time
vainly. Even silver. Republicans assert
that they will not be forced by McKin-
ley beyond the PLATFORM" But there
must be some Explanation" The ur-
ra,,a,ing of this will be interesting. The
people will not be blinded. They will
20 back to their homes with nothing
done, and with the revenues decreasing
as per yesterdays statement to the ex-
tent, last month, of $771 ,450.
The sum of it all is that the Republi-
can party is on the defensive. We could
afford to divest ourselves of all parti-
sanship, and rely solely on the cold
words and figures for the basis of these
remarks. A confession that an "expla-
nation" is needed and mooted is Re-
publican occasional hymn pleasant to
Democratic ears.
Meanwhile from a distance come the
glad notes of Democracy's professional.
The nearest utterance at hand is the
declaration two days ago by the Demo
cratic State Executive committee. Ii
is not necessary to summarize the ten
denotes involved in the recent Democratic
victories; what is paramount is the elixir
instead of explanatory which seems
to pervade the Democracy. If, two
years before the National election, even
the existence of Democratic party was
doubted-the doubt disappeared when
light. as of a star Of Bethlehem, stood ii
the sky over a man who compasse6
within himself the forces Of regenera
ton. The elements Of Democracy hat
been chilled-not dead. Once warmed
the old glow came back. II Democrat.
had stumbled over Grover CLEVELAND
with almost fatal fall, it felt the han'
Of Bryan and rose up on its way. l
has simply resumed its old journe
toward its destination as conceived b,
the mind of Jefferson. 1t goes forwar
not as Organism per Sc, but Brya
stands as an index merely by which
may be wholly perceived.
The Democrats have no Explanations
to offer. They will await with amuse
interest the Republication "explanation
referred to by Chairman Walker.
And even the present enthusiasm an
old time health of Democracy will gro'
~ it listens.
1.-THE mistake made was ever allow