The Richmond climax. (Richmond, Ky.) 1897-1914, 1899-01-11

day ran over.
"Old horse sense sitting in the rocker
is dilapidated when it asserts either that
the economic issues of the last cam
paign are obsolete or that the leader
ship of that time is not the leadership
of 1899. 1t may be that in 1900 Democ-
racy will find inspiration in the name of
the great Admiral; it may be that the
events of the ensuing period will point
to him as to its logical candidates; it
may be that General Lee or some other
conspicuous fighter will stand as his as
sociate, but these conditions must
come, if at all, not that the boilers of
1896 may be persuaded TO return, not
that their views or opinions must be ac-
cepted, but that through such leader
ship the principles OF the Chicago plat
form may be enduring.
But if it be true that the political
platforms are formulated by polit-
zeal hypocrites and predestined to
abandonment and that Democracy's
sole pledge for 1900 should be 1.-The
Stars and Stripes, God Bless Them"
what assurance can we give that
any pledge involved even in such a
catch-praise will not be disre
garded?
IF we have lost ali the devotion to
our party principles and our political
duty is performed by resorting to any
device which promises victory, it were
better to adopt Colonel Sellers plat
form and 90 in for the old flag and an
appropriation
"This has some political meaning
and in sentimen it is fully equal to its
more graceful, but not less attractive
Wattersonian imitation. We are warned
that the Republican leaders are not
going to handicap themselves with any
ancient party rubbish. Hence it is
argued that we should not only initiate,
but surpass them in our desertion of
party principles. We are told that at
the opportune moment Mckinley and
Wheeler will march down to the foot
lights to the tune of The Land We
Love, or words to that effect.
If national politics have descend
ed to the song and dance level of
negro minstrelsy one set of end
men will serve as well as another.
We are not concerned what are the
names of the performers if the song
and jig be satisfactory.
Indeed, if an attitude is to be as
sumed by the Republican party in 1900
we should scorn the suggestion that we
initiate. Let us stand by our colors,
well knowing that if we are right,
defeat shall be turned into victory, and
if we are wrong, possibly they will give
us the credit for the sincerity of our
conviction. We are not to be diverted
from the real issue of the enemy in the
open, or the enemy.in disguise.
The issue of free silver may be
relocated to the limbo OF business
shades, but it will not be consigned
there by the wishes or the asser-
tions of those who fear or who con-
denim it.
"The men to whose keeping the for
tunes of our party were committed BY
its last convention believe that it,
declarations mean something. They
do not estimate its principles by the
changing currents of public sentiment
or the shifting standards of expediency
They are building, not for day or
generation, but for all time. To then
the defeat in 1900 means DELAY. but no
defeat.
eve welcome TO our ranks all wh'
believe with us without regard to pas
affiliations. To such the right hand 0
fellowship shallbe extended. We ais
invite the return of those who led u
astray in other days and abandoned III
when we essayed to return, but thes
should come in sack cloth and serv,
their day Of probation. The purple G
authority and feast of the fatted cal
are not for the prodigal sons of DemoC
racy. When works meet for repentance
have been performed and due atone
ment in the ranks have been made til
deserters of '96 may again aspire t
the seats of the prophet and the law
giver. Until then the faithful onl,
should be rewarded with authority"
THE Free Press is welcomed to GU
table, and Gen. Forester ought to hav'
the support of every citizen in Louis