The times., 1899-12-15

environment that is likely to convert him
into an ally of the element that is prone
to promote a spirit of rebellion.
The Gold Question.
The undeniable fact that eleven Demo-
cratic members Of Congress, representing
important Eastern constituencies, have de-
clared their intention to vote for the Over
street gold and credit money bill, is rea-
sonably suggestive evidence that the Dsmo-
cratic party cannot present a thoroughly
united front on the currency question next
year, at least in the doubtful State of New
York, and in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
1t is greatly to be regretted that vicious
economic education or the effects of en-
vironment and association have caused
these erring brothers to accept and advo-
cate the fallacies and injustice of gold mo-
nometalism and the control of national
finances by and for the benefit of money
dealers; but the chances are they are right
in saying that they represent the views
and wishes of their constituents in the
matter. Otherwise, they would hardly ere
ate a division in the ranks of their own
party, at time when harmony is a vital
necessity and when their votes are not
needed by the Republicans who are strong
and determined enough to pass any legis-
lation they desire to, at least as far as the
House of Representatives is concerned.
The spectacle Of this assault upon one Of
the cardinal points Of Democratic doctrine
by Representatives in Congress. who were
elected to it as, and claim to be, Demo
Gratis, is an unhappy one; but it carries a
fresh lesson to the leaders of the organi-
zation, which they should not ignore. It
is evident that, on the basis of the situation
as it exists today, something besides the
money issue viii be required if Democratic
success anywhere in the East is to be hoped
for in 1900.
As we have more than once observed, the
party has not covered itself with glory Of
late in its efforts to attract the voting
masses of the country TO its standard In
several States, through the action of sun
dry of its alleged leaders and platform
makers, it has attempted to rally the
masses against Mr. McKinley's Administra-
ton and the Republican party on the ques-
tion of national expansion. the one point
upon which nine-tenths of the American
people are in complete and hearty agree
ment with the President and organization
now in power. 1t is needless to say that
the effort has been a signal and ridiculous
failure, or that it has created a prejudice
against the Democratic anti-expansion ele-
ment which viii hardly fail to be hurtfuI
to the party at large,
Even the most rabid of the anti-imperi-
alists viii hardly propose a repetition of the
November blunder; and then what? The
currency question may be nursed into great
consequence by judicious treatment in Con-
gress, but at best, it viii not stand alone.
There is still the trust issue. An issue may
still be made Of that in spite Of the de-
termination of the enemy to steal the am
munition of the Democracy and use it to
load State platforms and finally the Repub-
lican national platform. The trust danger
is one that, properly explained and under
stood, viii appeal strongly to the plain
people. 1t represents the best chance of
the Democratic minority in Congress to
make a record on which to go before them
in the Presidential canvass.