Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-08-23

When this issue Is pres entad there can
be no question where American people
will stand.
1--WE are strong In the new question
Just where We were weak IN the old ones.
We could not reach our foreiSn-born ciu-
zens with our literature on The money
question. but the foreign-born citizens are,
because Of their past experience, II any
thing, quicker than the American-born,
to recognize the dangers of imperialism
and militarism.
THE reports from all sections bear ont
what have said about Democratic pros
poets. II any one is inclined to be de-
spondent, let him compare the outlook
row three years after defeat with the
outlook four years ago, after three years
of victory
PROSPERITY WILL NOT BLIND.
but. Mr.. Bryan" I said, eft IL said
that business is booming. the country Is
rolling in wealth. ana people don't want
to have a change when they are getting
rich"
That" said Mr.. Bryan. sis based on
the theory that men think in their
stomachs and not in their heads; that
men do not study public questions ex-
cept when they are starving A few may
refuse TO consider these questions save
when pressed by hunger, but the reform
forces are attempting to apply well-set-
tied principles 10 public questions, and
they cannot be driven by accidental con-
ditiOns.
"The Republican party cannot claim
credit for the bountiful crops, and II Will
hardly claim credit for the famine in
Europe, which caused large expectations
Of breadstuffs at an increased price The
increasing supply of gold from the klon-
dixie, the Importation OF gold 10 cover
trade balances. and the expenditure Of
S20O.O0OO00 Of borrowed money taken In
connection with the large crop, has
brought a temporary advantage. but In
stead Of strengthening the gold standard,
an Increasing supply Of money proves the
cumulative theory that more money
means better prices. There were varia-
lions in the conditions during the entire
period from 1873 to 1896. but the general
tendency was always downward. Each
new fan In prices was lower than before,
and each rise was less pronounced"
And now came the question suggested
on the deck Of the St. Paul, by Mr..
Croller's statement 10 the Journal.
"Mr. Bryan, you are q pratical man."
l said. you must see the importance OF
moderatng at least the outward form
Of the partys position on the money
question Why would it not be wiser 70
stand upon a simple declaration In favor
Of the reconciliation OF silver, leaving
the ratio 10 be determined by Congress.
Would that not be more expedienty
Would It not instantly reunite the De-
mocracy?"
Mr.. Bryan Gid not hesitate a moment.
His voice rang with earnestness.
NO ABANDONMENT OF &c TO /.
mo. you cannot decide public questions
upon the basis OF expediency," he said.
"The rule with the party Is the same
as with the individual. because a party
is only an aggregation Of individuals. The
question Is not what is expedient, but
what IS right. That which IS right Will
ultimately triumph, and that which IS
wrong will ultimately fail.
III the Democratic party does what Is
right IL can go before the country and
rely upon the justice OF its cause 10 win
success, but II IL does what seems 70 be
expedient II has no promise of success,
either temporary or permanent am
only one member Of the Democratic party
and you cannot tell what the party Will
do until you know what a majority OF
the members OF the party want.
"As member Of the party have said.
and still say that an abandonment Of the
ratio of 1G to ] would be equivalent to an
abandonment Of the money question, be-
I cause no free coinage law can be adopted
Until a ratio IS agreed upon, and, since
the 16 20 l ratio has been agreed upon,
an abandonment OF it would mean either
that the ratio is wrong or that. although
Il IS right, we are afraid 10 advocate IL.
If the ratio is wrong We ought TO select
another ratio, and stand upon IL. / do
not believe the ratio 10 be wrong, neither
is the ratio believed 10 be wrong by
those who made the fight 10 Insert II in
the Democratic platform.
ITO leave out all mention OF 4 ratio
would be to return to the ambiguous and
deceptive phraseology whian character
lied the financial platforms Of both the
Democratic and Republican paroles foI
several campaigns.
1.-THE men who oppose The ratio OF II
to / have no other ratio 20 offer. TheiI
plan is TO invite the people 70 have con-
ndence in the party without the party
taking the people into rs confidence.
"Uncertainty in a platform indicates
either ignorance or cowardice.
If a party does not know what 10 Co
il should not ask to be intruste1 with
power
III It knows what 20 10, but does not
dare to av0w It's purpose. II does not de
serve 10 be intrusted with power.
Adhesion 10 the ratio Of rs 20 IL not
intolerant. Ii IS founded upon the belief
that the ratio must be determined by the
majority Of those who favor bimetallism
and not by the minority. According e
some, one man who doubts our ability e
maintain the parity ot silver and
gold al the ratio OF - &
ought to have more Influence IN making
the platform than sixteen who believe
In the power Of our Government 10 main
tain the present legal ratio"
No man could listen to Mr.. Bryan as
he said this and have any doubt OF IN,
hopelessness OF change In mis- attitude
THE CHICAGO PLATFORM.
"But." / said. considering the vast
ness OF the stake at Issue in the coming
struggle for possession OF the natlona
government on the very crossroads o
our history. Is IL wise TO rely only on tbs
| West and South, and ignore the desires
OF the rich and pOpulous East?'
There Is nothing in the Chicago plat
form which can be fairly criticized AZ
sectional" he replied. THE doctrine o.
equal rights 10 all and special privileges
| TO none Is broad as the Union. IL y 1
| less popular In the East than In the WEES
and South, IL Is only because II has beer
| more violated in the East, and that thos'