The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1897-04-15

mlnistration can only come through at
tention to living issues and limiting legis-
lation to matters on which there is no
euestion-the proper sphere of govern
mental action, the republican party goes
back to the vomIt OF protection and
promises restoration of good times by
means OF retrogression. 1t would be
just as sensible for the medical profes-
sion to 90 back to the old system of
bleeding as cure for all diseases.
Mckinley was the worst possible man
to select as leader at period when the
whole nation was instinct with the life of
change. He was welded to his idol and
took no notice of the development of
forces looking for some cohesive power
which would make them lnYlnclble. The
crude platform of the Chicago convention
was the frenzied utterance of this intense
desire to be rid of old garments, for the
burial of old ideas. 1t breatheo destruc-
ton because the current of feeling was
directed by unskllled hands, lacking in
craftsmanship and stepped in d. magogy.
The fact that such platform of prin-
clples could be enumerated was proof of a
purpose by no means shallow. States
manshlp would have shorn 1t OF every
vestige of the wild justice of revenge"
and have made 1t menable to order
and heedtul of individual rights. Bryan
would have imbued it with the mob
spirit and made it destructive. It was
an lmpul3lve movement of the people
which, directed by conscience, would
have been irresistible ia Its progress and
beneticent IN its results. Under the
guidance of political banditti it would
have proved an element of destruction
had it succeeded,
But Mckinley and his party refuse to
perceive the significance of this movement
which derives none of it's force from party
zeal. They go back to these things from
which the Chicago convention was re-
action, wise If it had not been violent,
capable of untold good if it had not been
misdlrected. The rags of protection are
picked up and craftsmanship settles
down to the business of dealing in sec
ond hand clothing. One is less tolerant
of the stupidity which counseIs clinging
to the fagend of discarded economic
doctrine than With the mental inertia
which precludes reaching out for new
idea. IL took the republican party q
whole generation before it could release
its grasp on the war, and the affairs of
the nation were administered through the
shadowy medium of dead era. Now the
shade of protection is invoked to grapple
with questions charged with revolution
if left to the demagogue. Such faulty
is almoEt incomprehensible.
The Chicago convention is an epoch.
The spirit Of honest protest against
abuses was compelled to use the tongue
OF the demagogue to make known it's
grievances. Democratic leaders, to pun
ish Cleveland for his lack of magnetism
and refusal to act as mere purVeyor of
office. raised up power which overshad-
owed themselves. The silver question
was permitted to absort all others, not
because it was believed in, but because
through it Cleveland could be more read
lily reached. Silver advocates we're not
slow In pushing their advantage and free
silver became the rallying cry of the peo-
pie. 1t was the symbol of the changes IN
governmental matters which we're de-
manded with reason. The symbol took
the place OF that typihed. The shlbbo-
leth usurped the place of the reforms.
Jhe sign was taken for the reality. The
enthusiasm of people honest IN their pur-
pose was abused, and a platform of sub
version presented to the people. The
outcome Of good Intention is generally
accepted as good, and the monstrous
Chicago platform was accepted as the
child of good purpose when it was
founding of bad parentage.
The Chicago convention was not IN
good condition to choose safe leaders.
The fire of eloquence which exploded the
magazine of enthusiasm settled the ques
ton of leadership unwiseiy. He was a
Hotspur fit for the field and accepted the
Chicago platform seriously. He did not
rise to the occasion and was constitution
ally disqualified to dc SO.
Neither silver democrats or reoubli- |
cans have grasped the situation. Each
party Is intent upon extending special
'avors to a class, and iustifying the favor
tism by declaring 1t Will result in the |
general good. The times are ripe for q |
man with clear vision who can read the |
people and exalt their nnrno,a