The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-07-25
LETTER FROM BRYAN
He Urges Harmony fn the democratic
Ranks I'm Kentucky

ST. Louis July 22.-Hon. William J.
Bryan tonight gave to the Associated
Press a letter written to Urey Wood
son, national democratic committeeman
for Kentucky, bearing upon the fac
tional differences arising in the ranks
of the democratic party in Kentucky
through the nomination of w. NJ. Goe-
bel for governor, at Louisville, several
weeks ago. Speaking Qf the louisville
convention, Mr.. Bryan Says:
II noted with deep regret the bitter
ness which characterized the contest
for the gubernatorial nomination and
studiously avoided saying or doing
anything which could be construed
as an expression Of preference beg. cen
the candidates, all of whom I know per-
sOn3Ey, and all of whom were out
spoken supporters Of the Chicago plat
FORM
Il did rot then, nor shall I now dis
cuss the relative me. its of the candi-
dates; neither am 1 sufficiently inform
ed upon the facts ITO sit in judgment
upon the conduct of the convention
which placed the ticket in the field. The
only objection I feel called upon to
consider at the time is one urged by
number of friends whose sincerity
L canrot agree; namely, that the cleo
tion of Mr.. Goebel would endanger the
success of democratic principles as
enuncia ed in the Chicago PLATFORM
Mr.. Bryan then goes on at great length
to show Mr.. Goebel's loyalty to the Chi
cago platform, and expresses a desire
that all gold democrats shall return to
the part field, provided they will ac-
ceDt the democratic platform and sup
port candidates pledged to IT.
In conclusion he says:
Certainly a victory won upon the
platform adopted by the Louisville con-
VenFion cannot do harm, but what shall
We say of a defeat? If the republican
state ticket is elected the republicans
in Kentucky and elsewhere will be en-
couraged and the fight in 1900 made
harder. If the democratic state ticket
is defeated a republican senator may
be elected from that state. The senator
elected by the next legislature will
serve throughout the next administra-
ton. What shall it profit US if We
elected a president and house of repre-
sentatives and have hostile senate to
obstruct the legislation. Silver cannot
De restored, the trusts cannot be over
thrown. The imperial policy of the re-
publican party cannot be brought to
an end until the senate and the execu-
tive are all taken out Of the hands Of
the republican party. We are engaged
IN great contest between a plutocracy
and democratic contest which may de-
ide finally whether English financiers or
American voters shall control our finan-
clal policy; whether our government
shall be government of trusts or a
government Of the people; whether our
nation shall remain a republic or be-
come an empire.
In answer to those who urge that
Mr.. GOebelNs election would be detri-
mental to the cause of bimetalism,
and to me personally, / deem it my du-
" to say that I have no personal or
political interests that deserve 10 be
considered when democratic principles
are at stake and that in my Judgment
democracy would be injured by the de-
feat of democratic ticket nominated
upon platform which unqualidediy
endorses the Chicago platform