The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-01-16
a SIGN OF THE TIMES.


We do not receive the New York Jour
nal. but we learn from other exchanges
that it recently printed on its editorial
page a three-column open letter. signed by
Arthur McEwen. one OF its principal edi-
torial writer's. In which he said in part:
As a Bryan Democrat. I have to CON
fess that ! grow weary Of Mr.. Bryan. and
this IS important. because ] find myself IN
a constantly increasing company. With
these other Bryan Democrats | am COM
ing TO believe that he is not large enough
TO be the leader Of the cause which is
known by his name lie is showing mar
rowness. or irrational obstinacy, either or
which would be detrimental TO his ambi-
ton and must be hurtful to the immedi-
ate prospects of the movement he repre-
sents.
The persstency with which he clings
TO 1G TO J. as if that were not only the
solitary tenet in the Democratic creed
but the axis OF the revolving cosmos, be-
trays either Mr.. Bryan's incapacity 10
comprehend Organism or logged DISPOSE
ton that refuses TO acknowledge what is
presented TO his eyes and those of every
other intelligent man in the country
whether for or against the Chicago plat
form of the new Democracy.
And why 10 10 ] or death? What de-
cree Of heaven has given that ratio
sacredness beyond all other possible
ratios?
There are hundreds OF thousands as
good bimetalists as Mr.. Bryan himself
who object TO Is 10 l. They believe IN
honest money. bimetallc money, the
money Of the Constitution, but they also
believe that the question Of ratio Is a
detail that may well be left 10 Congress
to debate. to experiment. They only deny
that Is TO in principal and assert that
il is merely an opinion of a thing Of
policy.
The nomination in 1900 is being sought
by Mr. Bryan; sought industriously in
the ways made familiar by the men OF all
parties who are ambitious TO be Presi-
dent.
Mr.. Bryan is revealing himself as a
politician.
The man who is OF the opinion that
demand for free coinage Of silver at the
ratio Of 16 10 ] Is the best the only way
in which this challenge can be given, and
that no citizen who does not agree with
him can be allowed to fight on his side
may be admirable for his earnestness,
but he is not TO be congratulated on the
size or shape OF his head. Mr. Bryan
NAV. if he chooses, stick like an oyster
10 the rock Of 16 to 1. but the streamsof
the new Democracy will not be station
airy for his sake, nor for any mans.
As the Journal has been the leading
organ at the North of the Bryan party, 1t
is not strange that his devout followers
in all parts of the country should be
more or less shocked by this interesting
deliverance. The Atlanta Constitution
consumes a column of space TO demon
strate the fact that it is "Of no conse-
quence." and expresses surprises that the
Journal could have supported for so long
a time genuine Democratic principles
within ear-shot OF the headquarters Of
the money power" And the Constitu-
ton adds:
The explanation IS, undoubtedly, that
Mr. Hearst is a millionaire and can AFFORD
TO do that which would ruin editors OF
smaller fortune. but there is limit to
the millions of an individual, whereas
the money power IS backed by the capi-
talists OF the civilized world.
1t must be remembered. however. that
the New York Journal supported the
principles represented in the currency
declaration of the Chicago platform only
after they were announced by the Chi
caeo Convention. The Journal took
no part in the making Of that conven-
tion. II was not until a day or two
after Bryan was nominated that 1t an
nounced. while the other New YORK
Democratic newspapers were boiling the
party, its intention of standing by the
action of the convention. and TO that de-
cision more than anything else Is to be
attributed the marvellous success or that
Authenticated newspaper.
Precisely. The Journal felt its way
cautiously. For some time before the
convention was held, It showed leaning
toward free silver, and when the conven-
ton took action. its owner believed as
many others believed, that free silver
was going 10 sweep the country, and he
was very quick to get into the band
wagon.
But the situation is different now. Free
silver and Organism have had their day
and Mr. Hearst is clever enough to see
II. He has been watching the Croker
movement in New York, 10 which The
| Times has more than once called atten-
ton. He sees that the party in New
York-in the city at least-has abandoned
free silver and Organism. and is lining
ND for the contest of 1900. Mr.. Hearst
Is an up-to-date newspaper man. ana ne
proposes to keep up with the procession
~ not a little in advance Of it.
The fact that the Journal is getting
ready 10 flop" is simply one OF the
signs Of the times. and that is all there
is of interest in it.