The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1898-03-06
THE DEMOCRATS AND FUSION.

ton in Utah today is, What is the atti-
tude of the Democratic party on the
question Of fusion in the approaching
campaign? That question can only be
definitely answered by the Democratic
state convention, but today every sign
indicates that the party will be unani-
mously and positively against fusion.
There would be no thought in the
minds of any of fusion were it not that
the silver question is recognized as be-
ing the paramount one, and it is desir-
able that the silver cause shall tri-
umph in the approaching congressional
and Legislative campaign. Throughout
the nation the Democratic party has
chamDioned the cause of silver; in
Utah it is the Democratic party that is
the great champion of silver, though
there are silver advocates who are not
Democrats. They test things political
" adherence to the cause of silver.
and they also know that in this state
the Democratic party makes it's first
and foremost test of Democracy ac-
ceptance of the doctrine of the free. I'M
limited and independent coinage of sill
yer, at the ratio of 16 to !; in fact, the
Democratic declaration on the silver
question is the test that every silver
man in the country applies, no matter
to what political party he may profess
allegiance, in determining whether a
man IS or is not sincere friend of free
silver; no other test is even thought of;
no stronger an. more -oo,orb;,,rr +o.+ oa,,
be made. Is it possible for the Demo-
cratic party to be stronger for silver
than 1t is, or to show greater devotion
TO It than it has? When it declared
for free silver at Chicago, it did so
with the full knowledge that such
declaration meant the loss of million
heretofore Democratic votes. 1t is true
there was, in a measure, a correspond
ing compensation for this loss in the
silver vote that was not Democratic,
but that vote was for Mr. Bryan and
did cot come to the Democratic party
as such. In the light of ali this, it can
not be said that the Democratic party
has made no sacrifice for the cause of
silver
But all this is apart from the question
that Immediately confronts the Demo-
cratic party of Utah Is there any ne
cessity for any fusion to advance the
silver cause? yesterday The Herald OBJ
tanned interviews with three of the
most prominent Silver Republicans in
Utah, at least, these gentlemen have
been so designated heretofore. They
are Ron. w. II. Dickson, Hon. c. S.
Varian and Hon. F. B. Stephens, all of
whom have been war horses in the Re
publican party in the past. Mr.. Dick
sons views are rather more conserva-
tive than those of Mr.. Varian and Mr..
Stephens. Mr.. Varian says:
l believe the reforms hoped for can
only be accomplished through the Dem
ocfatic party. The condition confront
mg us is one of absolute war; on the
one side is the money power, on the
other the people. There seems to be no
place for a third party, and all who be-
Heve in the principles of the Chicago
platform may properly follow the party
which first made. and now supports.
that platform. There should be. in nv
Judgment, but one army of attack,
Which may include all who desire TO
break the grip of gold monometallism
from this government. Official recog-
milton and patronage are of no possible
moment in this crisis, and the greatest
question of the times should not BE-
belittled by such considerations.
Mr.. Stephens defines his position
thus:
1 do not think there is any such thing
as a Silver Republican. The term is
\ silver man is a Dem
ocrat and a gold man is a Re
publican. 1 think every silver
man should do his duty and
get into the Democratic party and
act there. The Republican party is
pledged to the gold standard, and that
is all there is TO it. 1 fail to see why
any third party should be organized Of
the silver elements of the old parties.
The Democratic party has arisen to the
and shown itself to be the
party entitled to the respect and conf
1ence of the people.
The words of Mr.. Varian and of Mr..
stephens are brave words and bravely
spoken. They are convinced that the
place for silver men. men who are seek
ng the best and readiest way to ac-
the rehabilitation of silver, is
n the Democratic party, and so it is;
he logic of the situation permits of
10 alternative. Mr.. Varian and Mr. !
stephens have shown those who call |
themselves Silver Republicans the way
liver men should go, and now they
hOuld follow.
When the interviews with the above /
gentlemen were sought one was also |
lad with Hon. ]. H. Moyle, as thor
a Democrat as there is in |
he state, one well acquainted with |
Democratic sentiment, and he is not |
avorable to fusion.
The Democratic standard is the ban
Ter of free silver; all friends of free
liver should flock to it and fight un-
er it.