The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-07-27
1T Is TOO LATE.

The Brooklyn On. W Eagle is an old
fashioned Democratic paper. For that rea-
son 1t admires neither Organism nor Tam
many. 1t calls 16 to 1 population and
stands on the Democratic platform erected
prior to July, 1896. In a recent issue of
the Eagle Is an article under the caption
Now, or Never" in which 1t seems to
think that Mr.. Bryan may yet be defeated
in the national convention. The article be-
gins with the following statement regard
ing Mr.. Bryan:
There is no serious talk of any Demo-
cratic candidate for President other than
William ha Jennings Bryan 80. He would o mot
juggle with the silver subject. His
tidal-wave defeat at. the polls, did not
make him waver in his faith and nothing
that has happened since has convinced
him that he is clinging to a lost cause.
Yesterday he was quoted as saying 1t
was evident the sentiment in favor of the
reaffirmation of the Chicago platform was
so overwhelming that all opposition to 1T
was likely to disappear before the con-
yention was called to order. This is as
that Bryan will fight for the free silver
plank before and, If necessary. in the con-
vention With all due respect to the Ne
braskan the Eagle takes the liberty of
stating that he does not believe all Demo-
cratic opposition to reputation as party
ton meets his statement to the contrary,
notwithstanding. There is no necessity for
explaining why this liberty is taken. The
explanation that may be necessary is that
Bryan does not take the measure of his
words before or when he gives thoughts to
h hls 1ongI que mat h there VIII De opposition
affirmation Of the platform it Is superfiuous
to say.
The Eagle for moment seems disposed
to argue with Mr.. Bryan and other blind
adherents Of 16 to 1. 1t tells them that
they can have no hope of New York, and
shows that even now no party can do with
out New York. 1t asks them to consult
Mr.. German as to what will be the out
come in Maryland, Mr.. Faulkner as to what
will take place in West Virginia if 16 to
is made the issue. Recalling the fact that
it is useless to argue with these self-blnded
men, the Eagle turns to those Democrats
who are opposed TO the silver heresy and
tells them that much may be accomplished
in year. 1t tells German. Morgan,
Croker and Faulkner that it is about time
for them to formulate plan of campaign
in behalf of the financial credit of the
United States. 1t says there was some
excuse in 1895 for the crown of thorns and
the cross Of gold stampede, when dis
tress was almost universal; but there is no
such excuse now. The Eagle proceeds:
When the sand bags OF prosperity drop
through the, floor of the basket that ball
loon may soar again. Until then even Ne
braska has not gas enough to send 1t in the
air. Bryan Is the oracle, but ii has re-
NAMED for Senator Morgan to hit the bull s.
eye with the statement that there is not a
Democrat throughout the whole country
who believes that Bryan has much chance
of election Convictions to the contrary
are entertained nowhere. An impossible
platform involves an equally impossible cam
didate. There IS abundant material with
| in the party ranks for a crusade against the
silver crusaders, even though 1t be limited
to the plea that II they rule again they will
ruin again. And the time to utilize this
material Is not when delegates have been
chosen and pledged. 1t is now or never.
The Eagle is mistaken. 1t is not now
or never. 1t is simply never. as far as
the platform of 1900 is concerned. 1t is
| idle to talk of abundant material to
dwell upon the logic Of the situation.
Argument, changed conditions. even the
certainty of defeat counts for nothing. The
denomination of Mr.. Bryan on the platform
of 1896 Is assured.