The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1897-04-16

The one hundred and fifty-fourth
anniversary of the birth of Thomas
Jefferson, the great teacher aud advo-
cate of Democracy, was celebrated far
and wide in this great land Tuesday
last. In many cities Democratic or
gauizations held fitting ceremonies,
feasts and receptions, at which toasts
were delivered and speeches made in
honor of the name of Thomas jefferson.
Nowhere was the event more APP
propriately or enthusiastically com.
memorated than at Washington. at the
Metropolitan Hotel, Tuesday night
last, when dinner was given by the
National Association of Democratic
Clubs. The Hon. William Jennings
Bryan was the guest Of honor and dur
ing the evening he sounded the key
note for 1900 and told of the delay of
promised property. Among those
who replied to toasts We're James K.
Jones. of Arkansas: r. p. Bland, OF
Missouri; ]. c. Slbley, of Pennsylvania;
j. J. Lentz, of Ohio; Andrew J. Lips
comb. of Virginia, and William Sulzer,
of New York.
Mr.. Bryan said in part in his ad-
dress:
The Democratic party is strong Just
in proportion as it proves true to the
teachings of its great founder. 1t is the
mission of the Democratic party to
crystalize into legislation the PRINCIPLES
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 1892, when it declared itself in
favor of a policy which meant sub
stantialiY tariff for revenue only.
But the President elected at that time,
instead of proceeding to carry ont that
portion of the platform, forced upon
public attention an Issue which had,
up to that time, been considered secon-
Diary.
Mr.. Cleveland, more than any other
one person in this nation, is response
bic for the prominent position which
the money question now occupies. 1t
was his determination To complete the
decentralization of silver and make the
gold standard perpetual that aroused
the masses of the United States to
active resistance. The struggle for SUI
premacy between the gold standard
and bimetalism was recognized as q
contest between the money power and
the common people. The explicit dec
laration in favor of free and Unlimited
coinage at Is 10 /, without waiting for
the aid or consent of any other nation.
was made necessary by the atteupt OF
certain public men to evade preceding
platforms
The present administration is seeking
TO turn public attention to the tariff
question, but, if our reasoning is well
founded, an increase of taxes cannot
restore prosperity to the pro ulcers of
wealth. Ii the DINGHY bill brings gem
eral and permanent prosperity, the
Democratic party will not be in posi-
ton to win a contest by opposing it.
If, on the other hand, the DINGHY bill
proves a disappointment to those who
advocate it, our position of 1896 will he
Strengthened and public attention will
bN AANORNd OpOn llAC tual TIE cause
of financial depression is to be found in
our monetary system.
There is much in recent events to en-
courage the followers of Thomas Jsffer-
son. The spring elections indicate
growing sentiment along the lines of
the Chicago platform. 1t has but one
hope of escape from the wrath to come,
and that is TO secure bimetalism by ill.,
ternational agreement before the people
of the nation have another opportunity
to speak al the polls. While we who
believe in independent bimetalism
generally regard an international agree
ment as neither necessary nor possible,
we may well hope for success TO any
VINO may make the attempt TO secure
foreign assistance.
If our opponents succeed in opening
the minis of other nations as well as
their own minis we shall rejoice, be-
cause the condition of the people will
be improved and they will be able to
proceed with other remedial legislation.
If, however, the Republican party, af-
ter pledging itself TO secure internation-
al bimetalism, finds it impossible to
fulfill that pledge, its expressed prefer
ence for double standard will rise up
to condemn it if it attempts to continue
longer the evils of the gold standard.