Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1899-10-19
THURSDAY. OCTOBER 10, 1899.
DECADENCE OF DEMOCRACY.

There was time when the Democratic
party in this country was strong in its lea
dership, and justly entitled 20 the respect
of all men. 1t was when Jackson, Cal
houn, Benton, Cass, Polk, Douglas, Hun
ter, and men of that class, directed the
thought and originated the policy of the
party. They we're men of broad intellect
and earnest patriotism.
In these latter days the leaders of the
new Democracy are of a different mould,
and are striking illustrations of the fearful
decadance that has taken place in Demo
cratic leadership, and the consequent party
deterioration.
Mr.. William Jennings Bryan is the
present idol Of the new Democracy. When
he is compared with the old-time leaders
the comparison becomes painful. He
seems to have no appreciation OF the dig
nifty that should attend the position he
occupies, but uses it more for the attain
ment of personal notoriety and selfish gain
than for the elevation of his party or the
good of his country. Who, in the history
of our country, has ever before heard of
defeated and prospective candidate for the
Presidency itinerating the land, playing
the part of pessimist and calamity howleras
does Mr.. Bryan? The most Objectionable
feature of Mr.. Bryans itinerary is that it
has degenerated into q money-making
scheme. He claims to be the champion of
the rights of the people, but when he
speaks in their behalf he demands an adj
mission fee or gate money. He permits
himself to be made an attraction at coun-
try and street fairs, charging price there
for, just as would some accomplished &C
crobat or athlete. The latest occurrence
of that kind was MIR. Bryan's engagement
for the street fair at Canton, ILL.,, where he
received six hundred dollars for two
hours speech. Is this the leader of tie
Democratic party? What would Jackson,
Calhoun, Benton, Polk, Pierce, Douglas,
and other old-time leaders say, if they
could appear upon the scene and give ex-
preston to their thoughts? Would they
not sincerely ask if Democracy had de-
generated into fakirism?
The man who is next to MIR. Bryan IN
conspicuous leadership is Senator Jones,
Of Arkansas, who holds the position Of
National Chairmen of the Chicago Demo
cratic party. Senator Jones has recently
returned to the United States from Europe,
where he has been making an extended
visit for the benefit of his health. From
reports the Senator's physical condition
has been greatly improved, but, if we are
to Judge by his utterances on political
questions since he reached the United
States, his mental condition has not been
improved by travel and rest. He las de-
clared that large body Of Republicans
who voted for Mckinley in 1895 have
been disappointed in the Republican Adj
ministration and deceived by the attitude
of the party on the free coinage question.
He pretends to believe that great many
Republicans in 1896 construed the declar-
alton for bimetallism in the national plat
form as declaration for the free coinage
of silver, and that they will desert the
party, because that declaration has not
been carried out. No sane man, certainly
no sensible man, would contend that the
Republicans in 1896 pretended to be for
the free coinage of silver. On the contrary,
on every hastings in the land, Republican
speakers denounced free silver and assert
ed that Republican victory meant death to
the free coinage idea.
Senator Jones has made himself su-
premely ridiculous by positively asserting
that the country is not prosperous, and
that we are going to ruin because the doc
trines of Organism have been rejected.
If Senator Jones is in earnest, when he
he GAYS the country is not prosperous, he
is either wilfully orignorautly blind to con-
ditions that can be comprehended by the
du!lest honest mind. He descends to the
level of shallow calamity bowler, and is
not worthy to be respected.
Verify, under the leadership Of Bryan
and Jones there is fearful decadence in
Democracy.
ue 10 ncMonDAT