New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-12-25
TIL POLITICAL OUTLOOK.

1t Is not much of compliment to tell Ameri-
cans that they are not capable Of operating
their own self-governing machine so as to ex-
press their will. Sundry Democratic and other
friends who are fond Of saying that Senator
Hanna has taken away from the people the
power Of choosing delegates candidates for
President or VicePresident might proitably re-
fleet that the average American. knowing we'll
his own freedom about that matter and how
he feels and what he wants is likely to be set
rather strongly against any candidate whose
friends use that sort OF story to help him. The
fact is that the American people found occaS sion
10 hold a rather large primary meeting in No
vember, and expressed their feelings about the
Administration strongly that the future
choice of delegates can be predicted more safely
than usual. 1t Is yet possible for the Admin
istration Itself by errors of conduct which none
expect, 10 modify public opinion. 1t would be
much less possible for Mr.. Hanna and all
the leaders and managers put together to ac-
complish as much. II for reasons of their own
they should unite in the effort
The result Of the elections this year has
shown so much hearty approval of the Admin
istration and its course that the defeat Of the
President would not be considered in the least
UIODdUlt tNtH IL IueTt were prospect
of a united opposition with strong and popular
candidate. But Mr.. Bryan is not such can
dldate and it is clear that on him the opposition
cannot be united. 1t is equally clear that those
who have wished the nomination of somebody
else have about concluded that IL is not pos
sible. Were there any fresh issue on which 1t
would be possible 10 thrust some other man to
the front the case might be different But the
silver people though not capable OF compre
bending what an army Of supporters has drift
ed away from them with the return Of pros
perity, are well aware that the departure from
that issue would politically bury them. TO keep
their hold upon the party organization and re-
tain their positions OF leadership ii Is necessary
that the old issue should be kept at the front
and If IL should not be they would he anything
but united in support OF the party
The attempt To get up strong public feeling
against the Administration in regard 10 the
Philippines or the trusts has failed so fatty
mat IL rather damages any who have been
conspicuous In it. The Republicans can appeal
without fear 10 public feeling against any sur
render of territory made the property OF the
United States 10y treaty TO the remnants OF n
beaten instruction. Every valuable life Ike
that of General Lawton, sacrificed in uphOldng
the authority Of the Government renders the
people less patient with those who would make
the sacrifice fruitless and cast diShonor on the
cause for which II was made. The Republicans
have been able 10 utter as strong declaration
as anybody else against monOpolieS and con-
spiracies. and 10 frame and pass the only stat
ute which has had any practical effect IN pre-
venting or restraining them. and meanwhile
every day renders the passionate appeals Of
demagogues on that question more impotent.
~ the prophets OF disaster could bring II TO