Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-08
THE TRUST OF TRUSTS = THE
MONEY TRUSTS.

William ]. Bryan says very truly that
the Democratic platform of 1886 was
written Cor all time. 1t was not
temporary maleshift, but Il re-afiirma-
ton of party principle and policy that
had distinguished the Democracy al
ways from the Tory or Federal party;
and IL certain portions of it were more
than usually accented by reason of the
immediate situation. there was no es-
sential or real difference between il and
that upon which jefferson first became
President OF the United States. What
will chiefly strike the intelligent reader
in comparing the Virginia Rcsolu
tons" of 1898 and the first Democratic
National platform of 1900 with the Chi
cago platform of 1896 is their substan-
tial identity. Inspired by the same
eternal feelings and convictions, Amer
lean Democracy in 179S-1SOO. as in 1896
spoke the same language, in the same
distinct and unwnverlng tone
Times change. circumstances change
and men change with them but prin-
ciples and truths do not change: and
IL the Democracy of 179S-1SOO was es-
sential to our liberties then, and if in
1896 IL had become necessary to re-
assert and accentuate that Democracy,
It is no less important now that this
Democracy. which is for all time. should
stand forth boldly by the people, in
principle, policy and sentiment always
the same,-not changing with every
wind of doctrine. not trimming sails
to catch every breeze of favor. nor
Neering like q weather cock as if truth
and right were but points Of the com
pass to be determined by the way the
wind sets.
The issues Of principle between the
two parties are eternal. spiritual and
infinite. appealing to all that is bcst.
highest and everlasting in us and our
interests. If our principles are true, il
is but dust In the balance that our
policies are wrong; but being right in
principle, all the probabilities are that
the party is right in policy, when it is
tho overwhelming will and choice Of
the people Of the party; yet. right OF
wrong in policy, duty still imperatively
demands fidelity to principle. as we'll as
to party and its overwhelming major
tty. These are considerations that can
hot be dismissed lightly by any honest
man.
But there are great and Fundamental
principles involved in the rule or the
Tor debts by the States, as we'll CON
stitution. "the GENERAL welfare,
and 1.-The reserved rights" Of States and
people as recognized by the constitu-
ton Itself. The exclusive power of Con.
Eress to coin money is Its duty to the
State and people; and as legal-tendel
for debts by the States, as well con-
sequently by the people, is, constitu-
pie, leaving the option as to which coin
II 10 plainly the further duty OF Con.
Sress 70 supply suhlc!cncy of both
8oao and silver coin for States and peo-
ele, leaving the option as to which coin
gold or silver. they will use TO the
states and people. where the constitu-
ton places it. The Democratic n.rtv
therefore. opposes the decentralization
OF silver and tho monometal.ism NJ
gold, as not only Unconstitutional bnt
IN nat vielAtton OF the constitution nc
GsaeA
Hut Mr. BRIAN does not confine him
= tge44 to uxGfnx the cIairns OF tf,e MI. y