Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-07-23
LETTER FROM mr.. BRYAN.
HE DISCUSSES FRACTIONAL DIE.
FERENcES IN KENTUCKY
DEMOCRATIC RANKS

Wy lclcSrapn TO Nlrginan-Pilot)
s.. Louis, July 22.-Hon. William j.
Bryan tonight gave 10 the Aseocia ed
Press letter written to Urey Woodson.
National Democratic Committeeman
for Kentucky. bearing upon the fac
tlonal differences arising in the ranks
OF the Democratic party in Kentucky
through the nomination of William
Goebel for Governor, at Louisville.
several weeks ago.
Speaking Of the Louisville convention.
MIR. Bryan says:
Il noted with deep regret the bitter
ness which characterized the contes.
Tor the Eubcrnatoral nomination. and
studiously avoided saying or doing any
thing which could be cons trued as an
expression OF preference between the
candidates, all of whom l know per-
sonalIy, and all of whom were out
spoken supporters of the Chicago plat
form.
/ did not then nor shall I now dis
cuss the relative merits of the candi-
oates; neither am sufficiently inform
ed upon the facts 10 sit in Judgment
which placed the ticket in the field. The
only objection feel called upon TO con-
slider at the time is one urged by n
number of friends whose sincerely ]
can not doubt. but with whose opinion |
can not agree: namely that the cleo
success OF the Democratic principles as
enunciated in the Chicago PLATFORM"
Mr.. Bryan then goes on at great
length to show Mr. Goebel's loyalty to
the Chicago platform and expresses Il
desire that all gold Democrats shall re-
turn to the party fold. provided they
VIII accept the Democratic platform
and support candidates pledged to it.
In conclusion he says:
certainly II victory won upon the
platform adopted by the Louisville con-
vention cannot do harm. but what shall
We say of Il defeat? If the Republican
state ticket is elected the Republicans
in Kentucky and elsewhere will be en-
couraGcd and the fight of 1900 made
harder. If the Democratic State ticket
IS defeated Il Republican Senator may
be elected from that State. The Sena-
tor elected by the next Legislature will
serve throughout the next administra-
ton. What shall it profit us if We
elect President and House of Repre-
sentativeS and have 4 hostile Senate tc
oostruct Legislation. Silver cannot bt
restored; the trusts cannot be over.
| thrown. The imperial policy of the
| Republican party cannot be brought t.
an end until the Senate. the House OF
Representatives and the Executive are
all taken out of the hands of the Re.
publican party.
I'VE are engaged in n great contest
between plutocracy and democracy a
contest which may decide finally
whether English financiers or American
voters shall control our financial poli-
cy' whether our government shall be
government of the trusts or a govern
ment OF the people; whether our nation
snail remain a republic or become an
empire.
In answer to those who urge tina
Mr.. Goebels election would be detri-
| meE'tal 10 the cause OF bimetallism and
to me personally. deem it my duty to
say mat nave no personal or political
interests that deserve to be considered
when Democratic principles are at
stake. and that. In my judgment. the
cause of Democracy would be injured
by the defeat OF n Democratic ticket
nominated npon n platform which I'M
qualifiedly endorses the Chicago plat
FORM"