The Saint Paul globe., 1898-03-06

erS of the new dispenSation. They
elboWed the recognized leaders out of
the way and trampled upon those who
did not step aside. In historic old Fan
euil Hall they proclaimed the new gos-
pei of Democracy and declared war
upon all those who had not promptly
sworn allegiance TO Bryan and silver.
The sober, thoughtful men of Boston
heard the ringing voices of this politi-
cal bedlam and wondered. They mar
veled that man coul1 so suddenly
become the hero of the forceS he al
ways had despised and denounced.
And when they reflected further and
realized that Mr.. Williams had won his
place at the head of this noisy and ir-
responsible cabal by an act of trea CHI
cry to his party associates, they asked
themselves whether under the new or
der of things premium was to be put
upon treason and dishonesty.
1t was but natural that campaigns
conducted by the men who followed
Williams would be characterized by
disorder or riot. Every ira iition Of the
party, every precedent every sense of
decency, as well as every ordinance
that men make for their proper and
safe guidance was violated and tram
pied upon by these noisy and restless
political buccaneers. They broke into
halls and committee rooms; they pack
ed caucuses and conventions, they
forged signatures upon nomination
papers, they even stole documents to
compass their mischievous ends And
Mr.. Williams encouraged them, ad-
vised them and saw to their defense
when the hands of the law were laid
upon them for their felonious acts
Is it any wonder that the party grew
smaller and smaller while these pro-
ceedings were going on in presence Of
the public? Is it not wonder that
any decent, self-respecting Democrat
could be found with courage and self
effacement enough to remain true to
the party and it's principles? The war
which was declared in the first meet
ing at Faneuil Hall was prosecuted with
all the bitterness and impIacability
that fanaticism could suggest or bring
into play. Old and reliable leaders,
who had given their time and their
money for quarter of century to
help promote the cause of Democracy
Were driven out of the party with
bell, book and candle light" by the
new high priest and his retainers. The
evident purpose was to make the par
ty small and compact, so that when,
''in the sweet by and by" the distri-
button Of the loaves and fishes would
begin the faithful followers of George
Fred Williams would get all there was
to bestoW.
This was the situation of affairs when
the time came, last December to elect
a mayor of Boston for two years. Mr.
Josiah Quincy was then serving out his
first term, and he was a candidate for
reelection. The city committee, which
had kept it's organization free from
the pollution of the new rulers, was
substantially in favor of giving him
a second term. The people wanted him.
Mr.. Williams had his henchmen in the
committee, too, and they made no Sc
cret Of their opposition. MIR. Quincy
had not declared himself on the cur
rency question. He had remained 81
lent. He did not intimate how he had
voted in 1896 and 1897. He must be
beaten therefore as a traitor to the
party. This was the fiat that was sent
forth. The plan which was finally
adopted in conference with Mr.. Will
liams was to introduce resolution in
the nominating convention reaffirming
the principles and declarations of the
Chicago platform, and, if this were