New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-01
WAR AND FREE SILVER.

1t may be only coincidence. but 1t Is still
worth noting as one Of the salient features of
the present interesting political situation, That
the most impatient patriots and the noisiest
advocates Of immediate unconditional and I'M
compromising war are the persons who for the
last two or three years have been In Pretty
much the same eager, excited. violent and blood
thirsty state of mind over the financial question
and the unwlingness of the cowardly End
unpatrotc Money Power TO agree TO the free
coinage OF silver. Ex-Governor Waite or Colo
RADIO who achieved an almost world vide To-
toriety a few years ago by his declaration that
the fret~silver advocates were ready to ride IN
blood to their horses brides TO effect their
ends. was only typical representative OF the
restless, reckless and ambitious demagogues
who seize upon every occasion to advance their
own political fortunes by appeals TO the pas
sions of the mob. The wild-eyed disturbers or
the public peace who went raging through the
country in the campaign Of 1896. stirring up the
masses against the classes aud threatening civil
revolution unless their demands were compiled
with, are the orators OF pa ssion who to-day are
denouncing the Administration as slave OF the
Money Power and shouting themselves red in
the fnce over the cowardlce OF conservatism
and the foolshness Of commou-sense.
Is Il only a coincidence or IS 1t simply the
logic Of the situation that all the restless ard
reckless elements which united in 1s9G in on
assault upon the credit of the Nation should
take advantage Of the present opportunity 10
incite with or without cause war which,
whatever else might be the result, would >ncVi-
tably increase the National debt, force the issue
Of new financial obligations, unsettle vaiNes
derange the currency and bring the country
nearer to reesilver coinage and consequent ie-
pudiation? Is 1t only manifestation OF the
madness which seems 70 be temperamental ana
chronic with these people, or is there method
In It and do they hope TO effect through inc
disturbance and tumult of war what they have
failed to accomplish through the peaceful nnd
orderly processes OF an election at the pollsf
The zeal with which the Democrats have rushed
TO the front in Congress with war talk not only
against Spain, but against the President ana
this Republican Administration, for not plung-
ing into the conflict out Of hand, without wait
ing either for n just cause or reasonable prepa-
ration. IS 10 the intelligent observer an indica-
ton, not much Of Il desire TO MAINTAIN inc
National honor and extend the area of freedom
and civilization, as Of a burning eagerness 10
make political capital out Of the situation era
promote the prospects OF the Democratic party
The feeble effort OF the Democratic lcauer i'll
the House, Mr.. Bailey Of Texas, TO put his fol-
levers In line as the real and only true-Dlue
patriots. the only party to champion the Ma
tlonal honor on the instant. without hesitation
or parley deccvcs no one 1t was pure piece
Of demagogy, the sole purpose of which was to
make political capital 1t was not patriotism,
but politics. 1t failed because the intent was
so plain as 10 be manifest 10 every one. or
course tho attempt will be repeated But the
Republicans in Congi ess. however they may
differ as to time and occasion, measures ana
methods, are not likely 10 permit the policy OF
the Administration or the conduct Of the war
If there is to be one-to he directed by the
representatives Of party whose fundamental
doctrines arc hostile TO every consideration or
National honor and common honesty. If the
possibility OF war be averted, as all good clu-
zens hope II will not be because Of the timidity
or cowardice Of the Money Power, as the can't
ing demagogues are SO loudly shouting, and II
II comes It Will not be because the country Is
driven 70 1t by the clamor Of the frce-silver
fanatics who hope to cripple the Money Power
through its fundamentally.