New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-04-26
UNWARRANTED TALK.

The language used by Mr. Cleveland and his
Democratic friends respecting the Repuohcan
party could only be excused if there had been
held out to him or to them distinct assurances
that the Republican party, If successful, would
dishonorably abandon the principles and pledges
which had caused the nomination Of President
Mckinley and which brought him a great share
of his support Everybody knows that no such
assurances were given. On the contrary, every
body knows that. from the earliest TO the latest
hours Of the campaign, Major Mckinley con-
tinued to appeal directly to the people for sup
port on the ground that there could be no solid
or lasting prosperity without adequate protec-
ton Of American industries. His supporters,
also, in every State of the Union pursued the
same frank and straightforward course, even
when continually abused by Democratic boilers
for declining TO abandon the principles of the
Republican party. No words of censure could be
too strong therefore, for the Democratic leaders
who endeavor 10 deceive and mlslead the people
by false representations in regard to the party
which the people intrusted gladly with power
after four years trial of MI Clcveland's Adj
minstration and party.
The general disposition Is 10 pass with pity
the ratings Of men who have the soreness
which springs from consciousness of mOnu-
mental failure. Mr.. Cleveland and his asso-
ciates took power four years ago with the Demo
cratic party victorious for the first time In
more than thirty years in securing all branches
of the Government. He has so conducted affairs
that his party has not only sustained the worst
defeat in its history. but is broken into warning
factions, Of which he leads by far the smallest.
Indeed the rapid return of gold Democrats to
the support Of silver Democratic candidates in
various States and cities plainly indicates that
the adherents OF Clevelandism are even fewer
than they were last November The larger and
worse end Of the Democratic party has in effect
swept out as rubbish Mr.. Cleveland and his I'M
mediate supporters. who therefore, meet al New
York and do violence TO the truth IN order TO
rail at Republicans.
1t would be more TO the purpose If some OF
them would explain how 1t came TO pass that
the deadly and destructive elements of Populism
and Organism which they now hold up to public
execraton. were those which placed Mr. Cleve-
land In power four years ago. trusted him to
carry out their WILL induced him to select for
Secretary Of the Treasury and for various other
high posts men who had voted for free coinage
and publicly declared through Senator Vest and
others that Mr.. Cleveland had personally pledged
himself not to veto free-cOinage bill How
did be come to be the candidate Of such deadly
clements. II NO such promise were given! How
was 1t possible for him to accept the support of
such elements. knowing their character and pur-
poses, unless he deliberately intended to betray
their conhdence2 If this seems impossible for
him. Let It be remembered that 1t is exactly the
offence Of which he wrOngfully accuses the Presl-
dent and biz supporters
The latest declaration Of Mr. Cleveland does
not tend In the least degree TO produce Demo
cratic union. The stress put upon the tariff
question by him and his adherents continually
o6ends the leaders Of the greater wing Of the
party, who have discovered that on that issue
they are doomed to lasting defeat. While they
are seeking to reunlte the party On platform OF
Populsm and Organism. the Cleveland wing de-
votes its energies to attacks upon the only party
which Ia capable Of defeating Organism, and
neintainiug National honor, National prosperity