The herald., 1897-04-25

| safeguards, which party as well as pat
| riotism should at all times defend.
| Though the first engagement resulted
| in the defat of the combined forces OF
dangerous and unwholesome policies.
survey of the field is by no means reas-
suring.
The party placed in power as the result
of splendid Democratic patriotism has
failed to meet the obligations of the peo-
pies trust. It's distinct campaign dec
larations that it was unreservedly iu
favor of sound money, the character ana
controlling effectiveness of the support
1t gained on the faith of that declara-
ton, the universal confession that the
conflict on financial theories constituted
the issue which was passed upon by the
suffrages of the people, and the coun-
try's pressing exigencies and needs. all
demanded prompt and efficient action
by the party entrusted with power, in
an effort to place our nations finances.
adjusted to every popular need, upon
safe and sure basis, approved by the
business Judgment of the land and Sc
cure from successful attack because
defended by a majority of the thought
fully honest men of all parties. Instead,
however, of addressing themselves to
this task, the managers and representa-
tives of this victorious party, these pro-
fessed champions OF sound finance have.
before the eyes of an expectant people,
returned in hot haste to their wallowing
in the mire of extreme protection, offend
ing millions of voters by their exhibit
ton of a party's bad faith and disgust
ing millions more by their unconcealed
determination to repay partisan support
from the proceeds of increased burdens
of taxation placed upon those already
oyer-laden. In the meantime the al
lied forces of calamity, encouraged by
these malign conditions, are still active
and aggressive They confidently speak
of the encounter in which they failed OF
success, as only 1.-The first battle" and
gladly hail every untoward incident and
every added pretext for passion and re-
sentiment, as new and welcome allies in
the continuance of their crusade.
They are unwillingly wicked and stu
Did who believe that disaster awaits
upon the ascendancy OF those forces and
yet turn away from the plain evidence
of their dangerous strength. Let US be
honest with each other and with our
selves. If there are any among US who,
though not actually and actively enlist
ed in the cause of free silver and its ac-
companying vagaries, can look with
complacency upon their growth and tri-
umph, or if there are any who. not fear
ing individual loss are needless or the
glory and honor of their own country,
and IL there are those whose childlike
and simple faith in their country's re-
sources blinds them to all public danger,
inaction and neglect on their part may
be accounted for, If not excused; but
nothing can explain or excuse inaction
on the part of those who can make no
compromise with the advocates of un-
sound money or who love their country's
honor more than self advantage, or who
are convinced that an unstable and un-
safe currency inevitably BODIES the great
est depth of loss and misfortune to all
the people of the land.
These should not delude themselves
The peril they dread is directly i'm
pending.
Those who believe that crisis is at
hand can hardly fail to see that the
party in power is so joined to its idol of
mad protection and is so completely
doomed to popular condemnation that
J
against the impending peril.
1 do not fear that I shall be accused Of
sinister designs, untitled to the atmos-
phere of this occasion, if I insist that the
path of duty and the best hope OF safety
lie in an earnest attempt to accomplish
the rehabilitation of regeneration of
true Democracy
In large part Of the country where
t..
Democratic name can best arouse the
people, and there. as everywhere In our
land, the people can be trusted to arrive
at a correct conclusion if they have ade-
quate opportunity for examination and
information. Let us devise means to
break through the influences of the mis-
chevous leadership that surrounds them
and without arrogantly assuming no
rights or hardships afiiict them and that
no reforms in the conditions are needed,
let us meet our countrymen face to face
in argument and counsel.
We shall find in every locality able
heroic men, willing to struggle against
the tide of misconception. Let us hold
up their hands by organized effort and
timely assistance. Let true Democrats
meet the passion and bitterness of their
former associates who have assumed
the leadership of anti-Democratic wan
derers with firm eXpostulations, remind
ing them that Democratic convictions
ana Democratic conscience cannot be
forced to follow false lights, however
held aloft, and let US at the same time
entreat them in the name of
honorable political comradeship and
in the memory of glorious victories won
by a united Democracy to turn from the
way that leads to party defeat and de-
etruction.
The task Is not an easy one, but surely
1t is not hopeless. The better we ap-
preciate its magnitude, the less will be
the danger of ineffective and misguided
effort. The work has already been inau-
gurated by the creation of an organiza-
ton founded upon the declaration of
Democratic principles, so clear and SO
patriotic that there should rally to their
support every true Democrat and sup
ply an inspiration forbiddng defeat.
With such beginning and with an incent-
tive to zee the transcendant Importance
of our cause, we should carefully look
for the approaching dawn when true
Democracy, redeemed, regenerated and
disenthralled," will bring us peace and
national safety.
But if relief under the restored flag of
true Democracy is late in coming we
Will not despair, but will remember that
just cause has never lost, and we will