The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1899-08-17
PRESIDENT SCHMfTZ AND
GERMAN EDITORS.

7 Schmitz. President of the Mil
waukee Bryan Club, attempts through
The Milwaukee Journal to break the
force of the showing made OF the posi-
tion of German editors in this state on
the silver question. Arguments no mat
ter how skillfully constructed, are al
wavs weak when in opposition to facts
demonstrable of proof by the convinc-
ing method Of candid inquiry
If Mr.. Schuitz finds cause for gratlti-
cation in the relative attitude of the
German press before the convention OF
1896 and at present, be could have added
TO his pleasure by contrasting the posi-
ton taken at the state convention winch
elected delegates to the national conYen-
ton under instructions to support the
gold standard and the extremely prob
axle action OF a state convention II held
to-day. The change of sentiment using
the dominant opinion of the periods Ton
comparison. isindeed overwhelming.
But the comparison proper TO be IN
stituted. if il is to have any value as su2-
costing the course proper to pursue at
present. is between the feeling toward
free silver during the campaign, after
declaration by both parties, and the pres
ent feeling in relation toward 1t. We
are told that the Chicago platform de
mands allegiance now rs unfalterlnS as
when its doctrines were first promulga-
ted. and that those in opposition to It's
declarations are now in revolt against
the partv. Their status is fixed by those
privileged to write the party creed. The
category of oifense is so complete that
addition is precluded and opposition to
the prearranged platform of 1900 cannot
increase culpability.
The change from 1896, to be encour-
aging even To the extent of escape from
disastrous defeat, should be so palpable
that microscopic disclosure would not be
looked for amid evidence of superabun-
dance The cause which borrows com
fort from such proof Of reputed popular
ity as that instanced in this county III
regard to circulation of certain news
papers, must have been ''hugglng wretch
edness" so closely that privation has be
come q pleasure.
The evidence favorable to bimetalism
cited by Mr. Schmitz is, practically, that
the expression in 1896 was not unanim-
Gus in opposition. That Is two counties
in the state, strongly German, out OF 10
voted aye" but with voices so feeble
that it is apparent conviction was not
strong. What different tone was III
those voices III preceding elections.
If the result of 1896 gives ride to san
guine expectations III 1900, then conf
dence rests on such Il slender basis that il
need not occasion surprise that Bryan ;
nnavaiability is not perceived. II Mr.
Schmitz is blind to the situation, what Is
to be thought of those who have personal
motive in refusing to accept facts? There
is no one who knows Mr.. Schmitz who
will question his honesty or suspect him
Of being guided by personal considera-
lions. Such things are foreign to his ma
ture, He has no ambition outside of his
profession tint he would not sacrifice
readily for the success of his party. His
unse.6shness takes the edge from his ag-
gressiveness His strength in the law
lies largely in his readiness to perceive
facts and weigh their import with ex-
sctness 1t is habit with him in other
walks of life.
1t Is not unusual for men to err griey
easE on q side deemed invulnerable. In
the circle OF human action strength and
touch. No better illustra-
ton of this can be found than having the
clear sighted Schmitz hoping to have the
laurel spring from the ashes of defeat