The San Francisco call., 1898-09-10
COLORADO REPUBLICANS.

nARELY In the history of American politics has R a convention that began with much promise ended with such lame and inpotent conclu- sion as that of the anti-Teer Republicans in Colo rado. The opening speech of ex-Congressman Del ford was an epitome of the proceedings It started out with forcefu declaration in favor of genuine Republicansm but concluded with the assertion that the remonetzaton of silver is to be expected from the Republican party
 MT. Belford is quoted as saying he was tired ot being political tramp and wanted to get back to the Republican party. In this sentiment he was sup ported by another speaker Judge Hilton of Denver, who in his turn declared he tired of being po-
 tcal maverick From such statements would infer that the speakers and those who appauded their words would turn away from the course of tramps and mavericks and become once more thorough going Republicans and stanch supporters of the great policies which are now the cardinal principles of the Republican creed.
 The speakers, however, not sincere in their words, at least not sufficiently sincere to act in accordance with them. Perhaps they tired that they could not get move on to go further and so remained where they At any rate, after de- claring their longing to be accounted once more Republicans in good standing, they and their ap- plauding fellow members of the convention adopted platform, the money plank of which decares We favor the restoration of the money of the constitution by throwing open the hints of the country to the free coinage of silver at the ratio of I6 to r..
 The only difference between that plank and the cor responding in the platform of the rankes Bryan ties is that the Bryanites demand such emonetzation of silver without the aid or consent of any other nation. That Is indeed important difference but it is not vital the issue between the contending parties The free coinage of silver the ratio of 16 to is not Republican doctrine. Any politician who advocates such monetary scheme will remain political tramp and maverick as long as he con- tinues to call himself Republican. The division of parties that issue has been made clear by the ca paign of 1896 and the events that have followed it. There is no longer any among Republicans for leaders who would revive the agitatons the silver question or menace the continuance of the existing gold standard.
 It is to be regretted the convention did not align the antiTeller Republicans of Colorado squarey with the national organization this issue It would have been good politics to have done SO. The Democrats the Populists and the Silver Republicans, headed by Senator Teller had already declared for the Bryan ite money plank, and genuine Republicans had notf- ing to gain in Colorado by following the same course. There are, however, in Colorado, many gold Democrats and many independent voters who appre- the usefulness of the existing monetary standard to all forms of industry. Had these been appealed to and clean-cut, straight vigorous fight made for the sound money victory might have been won like that achieved in Oregon. Under any circumstances the party in Colorado would have bravely upheld the principles of national Republicansm and its leaders would again have been referred to tramps