The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-04-17

had II not contained such Il vigorous de-
nunciation of the trusts and monopolies
But the Chicago platform will stand fol
all future; it covers all the great qucs
lions now before the people for consid
GRAFTON. When the Chicago platform de-
nounced the gold standard, it was build
ed upon the principles of jefferson that
it is as wrong to steal by law as it is Il
I steal by highwaymanship; the only diff
J ference being that those who steal by la "
have not the courage of the highway
man. If any one doubted our principles
in 1896 they cannot doubt them now
| When President Mckinley sent a none
tary commission abroad to seek for hnr-
monious action for bimetalism it was a
virtual acknowledgment that this coun-
try could not prosper under the gold
standard. At Chicago, in 1896, we de-
cided that this country should declare in
favor of free silver without waiting for
the other nations of the world. No one
can doubt but that we were right since
our monetary commission has been
spanked by England and sent home.
SYMPATHY WITH STRUGGLING
CUBANS.
1T is not strange that those who be-
lieye in the principles of Jefferson sym
pathize with those who are struggling
to establish q free government. If any
doubt ever existed as to the cruelty and
suffering in Cuba all doubt has been re-
moved by the testimony of our own citi-
zens who were eye-witnesses. The facts
cannot be denied and Justify the people
of the United States in demanding that
such warfare shall cease in Cuba. The
facts are so evident that no European
government can deny our right to inter
vene without defending the cruelty
against which we protest.
proximity defines duties and fixes
obligations. We might feel less interest
in the struggle Of the Cubans tf we We're
farther removed from the scene. but we
are 50 near that we cannot ignore that
struggle. A man may be indifferent TO
the erection Of slaughter-house in an
other country, but he has a right to OBJ
iect to the erection of Slaughter-houSe
near TO his home.
THE CubaIs have earned their right
to be free Our right to recognize the
independence of the Cuban government
can be defended upon the ground that
our interests are involved, as well as
upon the ground of humanity. Spanish
rule in Cuba has resulted in a generation
of revolt, and Spain has shown herself
impUtent to queD insurTection and re-
store order. We have a right to protest
against the continuance of such gov
eminent 50 near our shores as to dis
turb our Industrial and political life
IF we are asked for specific griev-
ance, we can point to the destruction
of the Maine and the death of our sail
ors. If the Maine was destroyed by
tho connivance of Spanish officials. it
wM crime too great TO be described
by words. If it was destroyed without
official conniyance, then we cannot tOle-
rate so near us the existence of
government which is so careless as to
allow the destruction of friendly ship"
SECTIONALISM A THING OF THE
PAST.
81 am glad that recent events have
answered for the Democratic party the
assertion that it was a party composed
for the most part of men who We're
arrayed against the Union in the civil
war. As we celebrate the birthday or
Thomas jefferson tonight we can re-
joice that the civil war is thing of
the past, never to be resurreeted. When
the President recently asked for an APP
preparation from Congress there was
no opposition from the South or from
the West or from any other quarter. 1t
has been demonstrated that the gray is
as loyal as the blue, and all parties
know it now. 1T has SO happened that
in this great crisis that has confronted
the American people that the United
States has been represented at trying
post by a man who served i'll the Con-
federate army. He CALAMITY discharged
every duty that was intrusted to him.
and carried out his instructions and
upheld the American honor so well that
no man in the~0untry, North or South,
would want to recall Fftzhugh Lee"
Mr.. Bryan was interrupted by loud
applause and calls OF lee" Lee
.sThe war is oyer," continued Mr.. Bry-
an, and the Democratic party must be
recognized as a party OF patriots. Our
opponents can no longer 20 back into
ancient history and to the civil war, but
must meet us on the issues Of the day
and in times OF peace, Having proven
its fidelity. the Democratic party may go
forth in times of peace or war and cilal-
lenge all 10 meet its contentious, whether
they be on common or diplomatic ques-
tons.