The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-08-01

Recently we have seen in two or
three northern republican organs frank
editorials on Colonel w. j. Bryan, con-
ceding his fine abilities and his distin-
gulshed leadership. They say he is
indeed the foremost man in The eyes
OF the democracy for the nomination in
1900. We notice that Mr.. Josephus
Daniels. OF the national democratic
committee, reports through his paper.
h Raleigh News and Observer, that
the impression among the members
was that the people wanted Bryan.
Judging from the grand receptions ex-
tended to him everywhere he goes, and
the great crowds who flock to hear him
speak, he 10 beyond and above all 9TH
er men the favorite Of the democratic
masses. Bryan's speech vas greatly
relished and received high praise all
around. Mr.. Daniels says:
THE portion devoted to silver re-
ceived warm applause; the denuncia-
ton Of trusts evoked vigorous and
hearty enthusiasm; but the Climax
! came when he demanded that the poll
cy of militarism and Imperialism De
\ ended. There wasn't a sentence that
| did not breathe the Hottest patriotism
not the patriotism Of Mckinley and
| Alger based upon criminal aggres-
sion,' but the patriotism of Washing
ton and Jefferson based upon securing
! good government by the consent Of
the governed"
| Speaking of the action of the ma
tional committee, Mayor Harrison said:
1.-THE results of the national commit
tee meeting n coincident happen
ings are entirely satisfactory to the
democrats Of Chicago and Illinois"
Mr.. Daniels refers to the antagonism
OF German and Morgan to Mr.. Bryan's
nomination and tells what the real
reason is. He says:
THE general understanding is that
Mr.. Morgan does not like Mr.. Bryan
because Bryan is an anti-imperialist
| while Senator Morgan is the most Wig
| Orous imperialist in the senate. He
objects to Bryan chiefly or the Phil
ippine question. On the other hand, it
is believed that German prefers a man
whose views or nance would not
make the east antagoniZe him."
That the democrats generally-ilere
n there a di~ssentient-are in favor of
Bryan must appear plain to those who
| watch the currents Of opinion and read
the carefully. Mr.. Daniels
after meeting h committee, says:
There is no break from Florida to
Washington and from Texas to Maine
among the rank and file of the voters.
They are for Bryan right in New York
SASJ JNSS "o NANSy w. NoAho
There will not be a break anywhere
when the convention meets II 1900 if
the voters control the conventions in
all the states"
The party is not so broken up as
some might infer after hearing of the
diSaffectiOn of some three or foul SEN
ators and a few scattered editors, but
it is at least in fairly good condition at
present. Mr.. Daniels quotes from Mr..
H D. Clayton, for twelve years a
membe Of the COMMITTEES from fla
bama, as saying that he mad never
known a time when the party was go
united, aggressive n wnan the out
look for democratic SIGct3S was more
promising. In this sentiment, leading
men in such states as Illinois, Indiana,
Ohio and Kansas concurIc1."
If the democrats get together and
keep together and work together for
victory they ought to win the battle in
1900. The republican administration is
so hopelessly embarrassed, has SO COM
pletely Disguised and offended all hon-
est men, that it will enter the fight
badly handicapped with a desperately
bad record There is but one power on
earth that can saw it, and give it
farther control-the power of money.
Hanna, the vilest, basest, most con-
known to American political cam
paigns, carried the election in 1896 by
bribery, purchase, bull-dozfng, general
rascality. He skilfully used the mil
ions given to him by plutocracy to de-
bauch the polls and buy the white
voters and he succeeded.
But did it ever occur to you how near
Bryan came to being elected? He re-
ceived more votes than any other dem
ocrat ever received in this county for
president. He received over $500, 00G
votes. A change of 25.8Oo in seven
states would have given him a major
ity in the electoral college. If Bryan is
defeated again in 1900, it will be sin
ply by the power of msney-by the
debauchery n venality Of American
voters. The money power may buy the
presidency again as in 1886. That will
prepare the way the sooner for the en-
pire or for a tremendous upheaval, or
| revolution, hat in wide-sweeping eff
| fects will surpass all that has come
| from the French revolution in 1898.
| that has been tremendous and very
beneficial to