The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1899-03-25
Not the Leader for 1900.

Hon. William Jennings Bryan, as Demo |
cratic candidate for President in 1896, made
the most brilliant campaign this country ever
witnessed. No man, not even the magnetic
Blaine, ever aroused such enthusiasm, and
his stumping tours were grand trlumphai
marches through the country. 1t may be SAID,
too. his speeches were able, sound and logi-
cal. His opponents made no pretense OF an
swering them, but instead dealt in senseless
talk about ''intrinsic value" Stat money"
and created alarm by stating that Bryan's
election meant financial chaos, reputation
and bankruptcy. They called Democrats
anarchists" and all sorts of names, but no
paper nor public speaker ever attempted to
controvert Mr.. Bryan's logic and facts. And
it may be said that Mr.. Bryan never left any
room for doubt or speculation. His words
never had double meaning, and IN his hive
months campaign he never had to explain
any public utterance. This cannot be said of
any other Presidential candidate for many
years. Those who talked aud wrote the most
we're most misunderstood and most criticised.
Not an error did Mr.. Bryan make from the
day of his nomination until the polls closed IN
the following November But that seems to
have closed his era ofprudence. Had he re-
sumed his law practice and remained at home
he would have been renominated IN 1900
without doubt; but he has been talking and
writing ever since, and the tendency OF some
off is has been to weaken himself Not only
this, but his catering the volunteer service
in the war with Spain seemed like an adver-
tisement for public favor which had the OPP
posite effect, and his position on the ratiica-
ton of the treaty of peace lost oim thousands
of friends throughout the country. And now
Mr.. BRYAN has further alienated friends by a
causeless controversy with Perry Belmont and
the Democratic Club of New York. The
Club made arrangements to have banquet
ca the anniversary Of Jefersous birthday,
and among other Democrats Of national fame
invited was Mr. Bryan. Instead of declining
or accepting. in the ordinary way, he wanted
to know if the club endorsed the Chicago
platform. &c, and then arose controversy
that has done Mr. organs political fortunes
no good.
We do not believe in surrendering princi-
piles, but Mr. Bryan was not asked TO sur
render any plank Of the Chicago platform of
1896 when he was invited to speak at the an
niversary banquet in honor of the founder of
the Democratic party. He raised the issue
himself, and he lost in the outcome
Mr. Bryan is candidate for the nominal
ton in 1900, and he wants to be elected, too.
He cannot be elected without the votes of
some five or six states OF the East. In these
be was not successful in 1896. and 1t would
seem, where principles were not involved, he
would have SO acted as to add strength to his
cause, rather than drive aware those who
supported him before. Not only in New
York does his latest public performances at
feet his fortunes, but in all Of these Demo
cratic states of the East--in Connecticut, New
Jersey, Delaware and. Maryland as well as in
New York.
When nominated in 1896 he had the requi
site two-thirds vote, but some Of these votes
came from these very same states The main
issue mex. year is not likely to be free coin
age. but that greater and far more important
one of Territorial Expansion and Imperialism.
On this question Dir. Bryan's record Is not
good. In advocating the ratification Of the
treaty of peace he went against the surest aud
most effective way Of preventing territorial
expansion and imperialism. Now the matter
is left an open question, with an AdminIsira-
ton and Congress committed TO both. An
appeal must be made TO the people, and the
appeal can be better made with some leader
other than Mr.. Bryan. Thousands Of Demo
Gratis are willing to surrender their convictions
npon the financial question for the greater
issue of imperialism. DoNhls standard and
single standard Democrats will not halt or
hesitate abeut this matter in 1900. The hnan
cial issue is a domestic one, and can be dealt
with at any time. The question Of branching
out IS a great military aud naval power and
entering the field Of Europeaa and Asiatie
politics is question Of the present to be set
tied in 1900 for all tins TO come. The
Democracy wants leader next year whose
record is best on this question. and Mr. Bryan
is not that maH. And the ADVOCATE does rot
hesitate to express its opiaian that Of all men
in sight there is none to compare with Mr..
German of Maryland. His noble leadership
in the Senate against ths treaty aud later
against permanent increase Of the army
point to him as the man TO lead the opponents
Of imperialism in 1900.