New-York tribune., 1899-09-23
DEMOCRATIC TENDENCIES

The methods and theories which have come TO
the front in Democratic National politics found
most felicitous expression in the work done
Thursday by the Massachusetts Democrats. II
seems a little curious, perhaps. TO find the doc
trines Of the new Democracy carried TO their
furthest climax IL so conservative and intelli-
gent a Commonwealth as Massa chusetts In
point of turbulence. indeed, even the Boston
Convention of Thursday must yield to the re
cent seven days gathering in Kentucky at
which the inimltable GOebe developed his new
system Of making nominations 10y lifting" the
necessary opposition votes. Yet in Kentucky
results were evidently more absorbing than
theories and the Louisville platform. though
aggressive enough in its loyalty to established
party doctrines, by no means countenances the
avagances-soclallstic and other-to which
the Massachusetts Democracy seems already
more than eager 10 commit itself The whole
Boston programme indeed, breathes distinctly
the political philosophy which New -England's
single statesman Of the new school, George
Fred Williams has imbibed at the feet of John
Peter Altgeld This ex-tearful and emotional
champion Of Democratic ideas. now in undis-
puted charge Of the party machinery in New
England. could hardly have been expected to
refrain from that display Of zeal for new found
truths which each fresh convert in politics Is
expected to experience In all its intensity The
ps form he has dictated for his Massachu-
settS followers is therefore afame with devO-
ton 10 all the characteristic purposes of the
Western Democracy. Colonel Bryans renom-
inatlon for the Presidency is vocferously de-
manded. and the free coinage of silver at the
ratio of l6 TO ! Is again declared TO be one Of
the paramount objects Of Democratic effort
Trusts are vigorously though somewhat vague
ly assailed, National banks are abused. and not
only is municipal ownership of all public works
and franchises approved, but State ownership
of the Boston and Albany Railroad is urged.
coupled with a further demand for Govern
mental ownership and control of all American
railroads. The Chicago platform of 1896 Is al
ready far too tame for the Massachusetts rad
icals. who have definitely set their sails 10 the
theories which Mr.. Altgeld and his fellow work
ers had 10 trim with caution in 1896, but which
in 1900 or 1904 may he expanded into full
blown programme of State socialism.
But II Mr.. Williams betrays a lingering ten
dency 10 emotional craftsmanship in his plat
form. a cool contempt for sentimentalism IL
practical politics was disclosed In his remarka
BILE decision TO have the State Convention helC
on Thursday elect Massachusetts thirty dele
gates to the next Democratic National Conven
ton. So unmistakable a "snap Judgment oil
party sentiment has no parallel In the recen
politics Of Massachusetts or any other Com
monwealth: and in its cool assumption of In
difference 10 party rights is only outdone b.
Mr.. Goebel's effrontery in holding up tn
Democratic State Convention In Kentucky an
then expecting the party TO register a full an
cordial Endorsement Of his professional dex
terity at the polls Both these exhibitions o
impaience with ordinary methods OF party con
troll have the same origin, apparently. and bot
reflect that growing spirit OF intolerance Wit