The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-07-01
FRIDAY. july !, 1898.
prNNsYLvANIA,s OPPORTUNITY.

PENNSYLVANIA OPPORTUNITY.
Contrary 10 our expectation, the Demo-
cratic convention of Pennsylvania decid-
Oh 20 make ITS fight this year on local IS
suse on the issue Of good state govern
nent. and TO that great purpose suboru-
ratad all things else. The platform
adopted ignores national issues. makes
no reference whatever to the currency
question or the Chicago platform. Indeed
a motion 20 reaffirm the declarations or
the Chicago platform was voted down by
the silver forces.
Tbe convention will be accused by some
Of the ultra silverites of having acted IN
a cowardIy manner. but we think that
the delegates showed great courage ana
We do not believe that they have hurt
the party organization, but have rather
strengthened it by the course that they
have pursued. Nor do we. for our part,
claim this as any sort of a victory for
the gold standard, nor any sort of defeat,
except indirectly. for free silver.
II cropped out in the convention that
the silver forces were enthusiastic for
BRYAN and the Chicago platform, but
they regarded good State government as
a more important thing just now than
20 make capital for free silver.
Conditions I'm ennsylyania are peculiar
The state government IS in the hands
o. the Republicans ana the Republican
nartv is In the hands OF the Quay ma
chine. and the machine has become so
arrogant and corrupt that all lovers OF
good government arc in rebellion against
A. Republicans as well as Democrats.
The Democrats see that on this one Is
sue they have the opportunity Of Tallying
20 their ticket the independent voters OF
the state and those Republicans who arc
responsible Tor the Wanamaker move
Frent.
Mr.. Wanamaker and his followers have
declared time and again that the Quay
machine is rotten TO the core. and that
n behooves all good citizens TO rise up
against 1t. The Democrats determined TO
put them 90 the test to see II they have
the courage OF their convictions. TO this
END they have retired Tor the time being
all outside questions. and pledge them
selves. II successful 10 give the State OF
pennsylvania an honest and an economi-
cal government and TO bring about such
reforms as are necessary to the welfare
OF the people. Republicans and Gold
Democrats and ali VINO are opposed TO
free silver may now vote with the Demo-
Gratis without in any way compromising
themselves on questions OF national poll
tics. The issue is now squarcly Joined.
IL is a fight against Quayism and for
honest home rule. II the Wanamaker
forces are honest In their opposition to
the one and In their advocacy Of the
ohef. they must give their hearty sup
port for this time 10 the Democratic
ticket. II is che fight OF the year and the
issue will be watched with intense inter-
est
Since the above was written the Phia-
dephia papers have come to hand, ana
they agree that the platform is one upon
which all lovers Of good government ir-
respective of party amliation may stand.
The Record says:
The platform fits the candidate Ike a
glove. The Democrats in making II did
not deny their Democracy but they re-
fused 10 consider their differences. They
put behind them their quarrels over Fed
eral issues. their past preferences for
particular measures and particular men.
ana considered only the shameful condi-
ton OF the affairs Of the State and the
means OF remedy. The platform appeals
=. al ma AT
respecting citizen no matter OF what
party or persuasion. II IS explicit IN
what II condemns. and equally explicit
IN what Il promises. If there be any
disposition on the part Of disconnected
and Gisgustcd Republicans 10 put an end
10 the maladministration which dlstresses
and disgraccs the state the way has been
opened 10 them. Their appeal TO their
Democratic fellow-citizenS has not been
made in vain.
The Times makes much the same COM
ment. and both the Record and the Times
agree that the nominee, AR. George A.
jerks. Is able, honest. incorrupt and in
object 10 him because he IS a Bryan man.
we cannot see what that has got 20 do
with the question at issue. Mr. Uenks
stands for good government. stands on a
platform that ignores national questions.
and the mre fact that he Is follower
OF Mr.. Bryan = no reason whatever why
thoso who arc opposed TO free silver may
not consistently and conscienuously sup
port him.
Zne Democrats OF Pennsylvania have