The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-04-19
DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES AND DEMO-
CRATIC POLICY.


in the principles of Thomas Jcffer-
son" said Mr.. Bryan, in his Washing
ton speech last week, ARE expressed all
there is in Democracy. Through his prin-
ciplcs we should be able to solve every
question in peace or III war. The pril-
ciples of Jefferson are the definition of
Democracy as it stands to-day"
The principles of Thomas Jefferson
were Incorporated in the Chicago plat
form by the supreme law making body
of the Democracy. Just as Il century
party to fight the power of centralized
wealth, just so the Democracy of 1896
formulated creed to drive out the
money changers who had taken charge
of the civic temple and were desecrating
it to selfish ends. The first declaration
of the platform contained this express
sion, recognizing that the money ques-
ton is paramount to al others at this
time"
The convention of 1896, that recog-
nized 1.-The money question" as the para
mount issue adjourned after selecting
an executive committee to conduct the
affairs Of the party. In pursuance of the
powers conferred, and following some
what the precedent of the managers of
the Cleveland campaign i'll 1892, under
the wise leadership of Senator James Is.
Jones, the Democratic party arranged a
cooperation Of all the forces that fa
Nored the money question as para
mount" In every State where this CO.
operation was adopted, the members of
all the parties favoring silver supported
the ticket in good faith, Notwithstanding
some early dissatisfaction from a mis-
placed idea of partisanship.
During the campaign of 1896, this pa
per, not only stood squarely for the
Democratic principles as enumerated in
the Chicago platform, but it favored and
supported the party policy of co-opera-
tion with the Populists and Silver Re
publicans. 1t became apparent as soon
as these two parties affirmed the para
mount" plank in the Chicago platform
and endorsed Mr.. Bryan for President
that some method, honorable alike to ALL
ought to be adopted so that their votes
would count Chairman Jones and his
associates adopted as the party policy
the cooperation ticket that won in
North Carolina and most of the Western
States. While it is not claimed that
an executive committee can interpret
Democratic principles, it has the right
and duty to map out and execute the
policy that will best secure the enact
ment of party platforms into statutes.
The Democratic platform makes the
money question the paramount" issue.
10 secure united action ON the part of
all who agree on the paramount issue,
the Democratic organization has adopted
the policy of cooperation. This paper
is in full accord with the principles and
the policy of the party, and believes that
it ought to be adopted everywhere in
order to meet and overcome the joint &C
ton OF the Republicans and those who
helped them elect Mckinley.
This paper believes in adhering from
now until victory is won to the princi-
pies enunciated at Chicago, and in the
policy inaugurated by the national and
State committees Of the party. In 1896
the State Democratic Executive Com
mittee, following the Recommendation
of the National committee, enabled al
who believe silver to be the paramount
issue to carry the State for Bryan
Since then, though, Chairman Jones anc
Chairman White, OF the National and
Congressional Executive Committees re
spectiyely, have urged upon Democrats
everywhere to continue the policy thai
secures united action against the golt
standard. At the meeting Of the Demo
cratic State Executive Committee, tn,
wise and practical and patriotic address
of Senator Jones was endorsed, thereby
inviting all silver men in North Caroline
to join in 1898 in cooperation. In hi
admirable address to the voters of The
party, Senator Jones closed by saying
In view Of the great principles in