The evening tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 189?-190?, 1897-04-14
Democrats Celebrate 154th Anniver-
\. ary In Historic HOstelry.
Bryan Criticises Cleveland's
Financial Policy.
Senatss Jones Refers 10 the Yale Incident OF
Last Campaign.

ufBHV CtlcDIdleu loftH duiiiNSiSdiy
OF the birth OF Thomas jefferson at the
Metropolitan hotel Interest was added
to the occasion by the fact that the first
celebration of Jefferson's birthday, at
which President Andrew Jackson and
Vice President John c. Calhoun were the
guests Of honor took place at the same
hosiery, then known as the Indian
Queen.
william j. Bryan of Nebraska was the
guest OF honor last night. Senators. rep
resentatives and others conspicuous I'm
the councils of the Democratic party
were present. many Of them from dis
tance. Covers were laid for 200, and
many were denied seats for want OF
space at the table. The decorations OF
the room were simple. Governor Chaun-
cey f. Black of Pennsylvania, the presi-
dent Of the association. presided. Upon
his right were Mr.. Bryan and Repre-
sentative Mcmillan, who acted as toast
master.
The toasts were proposed 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:
Bryan Finance.
'"rhe Democratic party is strong just
in proportion as ii proves true to the
teachings OF it's great founder. 1t is the
mission OF the Democratic party TO
chrystalizc into legislation the princi-
pies which he taught. The party applies
Democratic principles to the issues
which arise from time to time. For
many years the tariff question was the
paramount issue, and the party took a
more advanced position each year until
-
a policy which meant substantially q
tariff for revenue only. But the presi-
I dent elected at that time. instead of pro-
ceeding to carry out that position of the
platform. forced upon public attention
an issue which had been up to that time
considered secondary. Mr.. Cleveland,
more than any other one person In this
nation, Is responsible for the prominent
position which the money question now
I occupies. 1t was his determination TO
y complete the decentralization OF silver
and make the gold standard perpetual
That aroused the masses of the United
n states to active resistance. The strug-
l gle for supremacy between the gold
1 standard and bimetalism was recog-
nized as a contest between the money
\ power and the common people. The ex-
plicit declaration in favor OF free and
4 unlimited coinage at 16 TO !, without
4 waiting for the aid or consent of any
j other nation. was made necessary by the
attempt OF certain public men to evade
preceding platforms. The party strug-
gle which eliminated i'm the Chicago
convention Of necessity. alienated a
portion OF the party. The party was
\ placed in the position where il was COM
1 PEELED 70 endorse. the financial policy Of
Il Il. Il
and traditions Of the party. The posi-
n ton taken by the Democratic party in
\ 1896 will not he surrendered. If 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 plat
+ form has aroused. and you Will realize
q the irnpossiblity of taking a backward
step.
True, the present administration is at
tempting to turn public attention to the
tariff question. but If our reasoning is
well founded an increase of taxes can
not restore prosperity TO the producers
OF wealth. If the Dingley bill brings
general and permanent prosperity the
Democratic party will not be in a posi-
ton to win contest by opposing 1t. II.
4 on the other hand the Dingley bill proves
disappointment to those who advocate
Hit. our position of 1896 will be strength
ened and public attention will be riveted
upon the fact that the cause of financial
Esdepression Is to be found in our none
tary system.
V There Is much in recent events to en-
|fcourage the followers of Thomas Jeffer-
son. The spring elections indicate a
growing sentiment along the lines of the
Nlot g.
which have taken place show SO great a
gain thatthe Republican party NAV now
be considered a minority party. II has
but one hope OF escape from the wrath
| to come. and that is to secure bimetaI
ism by international agreement before
;he people OF the nation have another
OPPORTUNITY to speak at the polls. While
we who believe in Independent bimetaI- 1
ism generally regard an interna tionaI
agreement as neither necessary nor DOS
Able, We may well hope for success to
sny who may make the attempt to Sc
Lure foreign assistance. If our oppon-
fnts succeed in opening the mints OF /
pther nations, as we'll as their own mints.
We shall rejoice. because the condition
f the people will be improved. and they |
;ili be able to proceed with other |
emedisl legislation. II. however, the
tePupHcan party, after pIedging itself |
% secure international bimetailism, finds /
impossible to fulfill that pledge. its
IMPRESSED preference for a double stand
rd wfii rise up to condemn IL IL Il at
empts TO continue longer the evils OF the
old standard
The other speakers were: Chairman
bnes OF the National Democratic COM
ittee congressman Bland, Congress-
Andrew II
irginia. Congressman Sulzer of New
ork.
Senator Jones. chairman of the Demo-
attic national committee, in respohdinr
his toast, referred to the insults given
r. Bryan at Yale college and the re-
sal OF the students there to hear him
Iring the last campaign. He said:
md this I'm New England the proud
at of our learning. where men In tho
a days would have died to maintain
ght OF free speech"