Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-08-13
No Change in the Democracy Of 1896.


The Democracy if 1898 is the same
heterogeneous mixture of fanatics ana
dupes who masked under the name
of Democrats in 1885, and went down
in crushing defeat amid the ruins OF
the great silver conspiracy. The party
learns nothing from the lesson of
events. 1t persists in binding itself to
the light of truth. Its great ambition
is now. as in the past, to be an obstacle
in the path Of progress and prosperity.
The Democratic state conventions
which have been held this year give
seen the folly of adopting free silver
coinage as the vital part of it's creed.
In every instance there has been
shown a readiness. if not an eagerness,
to reaflirm the Chicago platform of 1886
and to proclaim adherence to Bryan
ism. Fusions with Populists have been
sought and have in no case been de-
clined on account of an unwillingness
on the part of the Democrats to adj
vocate Populistic currency doctrines
This is true of every section of the
| country, Maine and Vermont, as well
as of Arkansas, Georgia, Oregon, Iowa,
Michigan. Maryland. Wisconsin and
every other state where Democratic
conventions have been held. 1t is still
the party Of fiat money and of repudia-
ton, the party which assails the funda-
mental principles of our government,
which asks for support this year under
the name Of Democracy. The party is
as unsafe today on the money question
as it was two years ago when it
startled the world by surrendering to
| the Populists at Chicago.
This does not mean that the cause
of free silver is increasing in strength
but rather that the cause of Democ-
racy has lost its strength. There is
every indication that the cause of free
silver is declining. The first test made
of its strength this year was in Oregon
in the June election for governor and
congressman. The Republican plat
form was the most outspokon for gold
ever adopted in the state. while the
Democratic Fusion platform was as
pronounced for silver. The over
whelming election of the Republican
ticket by greatly increased majorities
was a significant indication of extreme
Western opinion on the money qucs-
ton The Republicans of the West as
we'll as Of the East are stronger today
than in 1896 in their opposition to free
silver The party is more united in the
matter and the complete success OF
the Republican administration has
given lit greater harmony and power
than it has known for many years.
Ent With Democracy, ii is a case of
free silver or nothing. 1t must cling
to that for an issue CT take i'm it's sign
and close up business. The fidelity
with which the Republican party has
kept its pledges. the good work Of
Congress, and the popularity and sue
cess of the war with Spain, compel the
| baffied Democracy to go into the past
for an issue in this falls campaign. It
can wage no battle on the living issues
| of the day, because the nation is
solidly with the Republicanism of the
administration. so it is forced to the
| desperate resort of galVanizng the
| buried issues of 1896 in the vain at
| tempt to draw the attention and the
votes of the country. Free silver is
| dead, but its carcass, putrid and
noisome, still endangcrs the national
health. Democracy was defeated in
| 1896: this year its cause will be buried
| beyond all hope of future resurrection.
| The opinions of foreign statesmen on