The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1899-01-19

| ~ VIC heAb democratic Nation
al convention should take on tina monsv
question. May ask that you will favor
the Democrats OF the state with vonr
opinions on this matter?
respectfully you're,
JOHN NAGLE.
MILWAUKEE, Wis. Jan. l4th. 1899.
Mr. John Nagle,
Editor MdnitOuOc Pilot.
| Manitowoc, Wis.
MY DEAR Mr.. NaGLR:-
Your very courteous letter Of the 9th
inst. has been received, in which you 10
vice an expression of my views as to what
the probable action of the next Demo-
cratic National Convention will be on the
money question.
wish L could answer your question or
make prediction that would be satlsfac.
tory even to myself. 1 cannot. and have
doubts if l will actively participate in
the next National campaign.
| While my views on the subject referred
to IN your letter are of no interest to the
public and will exert. no influence with
the convention, still, being a Democrat
who has the advancement OF the prln-
ciples OF his party at heart, there can be
no improperly in stating the views [ Ell
tertaln as TO the proper policy that should
be proclaimed by the next n ational Con
ventIon.
The question is one [ gave thoughtful
consideration to long ago, particularly
relating to what should be my personal
conduct, provided the next National con
ventIon reiterated in its platform the
declaration OF 1896 in favor of silver com
age at the ratio of sixteen to one, and
resulted IN the following letter beng
written to Senator Jones, Chairman O:
the National Democratic Committee:
MILWAUKEE,, Wis, June 2lst, 1898.
Hon. Jas. X. Jones,
| Chairman National Democratic Com,
My DEAR SENATOR JONES'
AS have definitely determined never
again TO be connected with the manage
ment of National campaign that has a
declaration in the platform on the money
question in favor of tue coinage of silver
at the ratio of 16 to l, am in doubt if
1t is proper for me longer, for this reason,
to remain member of the National Com
| mlttee,
1t seems to me right before acting to
consult you / AN,
Very respectfully.
Yours truly,
EDWARD G. WALL"
[ have avoided making public hereto
fore the views herein expressed, believing
the time until now inopportdne to debate
the platform that should be adopted by
the next convention. Believing that dis
cussion is now IN order and should be
| encouraged, / welcome the occasion You
give me to max an objection to an error
IN the National platform of 1896
1t is my belief that the doctrine Of SIX
teen to one Is neither Democratic nor a
sound business proposition, but ls IL
fact entirely opposite to both. |, with
many Others, accepted the platform of
1896, not because of that declaration. but
notwlthsean ding 1t. and at this time it
seems proper for me to enter, as / now
do. my protest as a Democrat against a
repetition OF that mistake.
IL the leaders who will control the next
National De mocratic Convention insist
upon it's declaring that the doctrine of
| sixteen to one Is an article of faith that
must be accepted and promulgated by
! Democrats, ask to be excused from &C
| tive participation in the next National
campaign. 1t is not my intention how
ever to withdraw from the Democratic
party. It's principles have beer and are
still very dear to me, / can wait until
the time arrives when this grievous error
| is abandoned and wiser councils prevail.
| make no protest against the rest OF the
platform of 1896, and for Mr.. Bryan, the
nominee for president at that time, | have
| the very highest respect, knowing he lie a
sincere, honest and fearless man.
The legislation of this country has
been drifting from the fundamental prin-
ciples on which the government was
| founded, ard Democratic doctrine seems
to have been largely lost sight Of 1 hope
| how ever, that the day is not so remote
when the great and fundamental truths
of Democracy will prevail and our party
be restored to the management of the
government with chief executive thor
oughly grounded in Democratic pr1p-
ciples and ste8dfast to uphold them to
| the end.
IL this brief personal statement without
reasons or arguments answers your cues
tion satisfactorily, tins letter is for you
| to use as you desire.
Thanking you for the uniform fairness
/ have received at your hands for many
| years. notwithstanding our radical diff
ferences OF opinion at times, am,
| Very respectfully,
E. G.. WALL.