Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-05-05
Democratic Probabilities.

Notwithstanding the general republican
confidence, it is claimed that if the demo-
c: attic party is carefully steered and seeks
to unite the many elements now opposing
the administration, it might give the re-
pubiCans a great deal of trouble 1t las
been suggested that the best way to DO this
would be by the holding Of a conference
along the lines held prior to the EoIniaation
OF Tild N in 1876. 1t is now predicted that
the huge expenditures growing ont Of the
war with Spain will cut iigIre in the next
election under the cry of cconomy 1t is
realized, however, that the democrats can
not get together on a platform which will
command undivided support. If a portion
of the party wants to join with the anti
annexation republicans, thousands of dem
ocrats all over the country largely IN the
east and wast, will not support the ticket
on that issue.
The republicans, tn mselves divided take
comfort in what they regard as the still
more seri Dus divisions of the democrats. Of
the states that the democrats carried in
1S96 the republicans believe that they have
lost several and have gained none EXCEPT
possibly Kentucky. The free silver issue
is said to be dead in Kansas. Nebraska
the Dakotas and on I'll. Pacific coast
Washington. Oregon and California have
recently given heavy republican majoriti"s
The democrats claim to have recovered
ground in the east-New York New jersey
and Maryland-but most of them are con-
ried on free silver issue. Croker, Cor
man and Carter Harrison have declared
themselves favorable to an expansion pol
icy. With their party committed to free
silver and anti-tXpanSion. no one could
conjecture how they could be found hearth
ly with the party.
The President's Foreign Policy
The anti-expansionists in fighting the
Presidents supposed foreign policy are all
at sea as to the exact attitude of the ad-
ministration. The talk of opposition to the
President on the ground of his Philippine
policy is badly grounded when the facts
are known. Tn President has said little
up to date upon which his opponents could
put their fingers. The policy ne has pur-
sued so far has been one which the demo-
Gratis would not dare to oppose. The party,
il is pointed out. voted appropriations and
an enlargem mt of the army to continue
the steps taken in the Philippines. No
party would dare take the stump. it is said,
in opposition to the present course, which
could not be avoided. Practically all the
talk of republican losses is therefore based
on the generally accepted idea that the
President will ultimately declare for per
manent acquisition of the Philippines. This
is Where the democrats have not syllable
upon which TO lay their finger in the way
of remarks by the President. 1t is admit
ted by his own cabinet officials that he has
formed no definite idea Of what the perma-
nent policy of this country ought to be in
the .ast. He is leaving that question to
time. The nearest approach to an utter
ance Of Il positive character was in the At
santa speech of the President, when he ask
ed. who will pun the flag down." That
can be int arpreted any way, and at the
time certainly meant to question whether
Americans favored leaving the islands in
disgrace The President will doubtless
shape this issue according to the develop
ments in the Philippines.