West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1899-04-06


As n result Of Mr.. Crolxer's declara-
tiou that tho silver issue is dead and
that the Congressmeu in New York
City were elected 10y studiously iguor-
ing that issue in tho platform, tho fol-
lowing letter from Mr. Bryan was
givoa ou' for the first time. Mr. vii.
lis j. Abbot, TO whom the letter was
written, explains tho circumstances of
its preparation thus;
"ln March of rs some OF MIR. Brvan's
admirers in New York learned that he
expected To be in the East ia the fol-
lowing month aud would pass through
New York. They cam0 To me saving
that IA reception should be rendered
him, and that no should be asked To
speak. responded that, in my opiu-
ion, the regular Democratic organiza.
tioh should be tho ono to give the re-
ception, and that MIR. Bryan ought not
TO be asked to speak under any other
auspices. accordingly consulted Mir
Carroll, and was 10y him referred TO
Mr.. Croker. Mr.. Croker asked nae 60
write Mr.. Bryan and find out whether
he would be willing to speak in New
York, but refrain from discussing the
money question. / wrote Mr.. Bryan
accordingly, and received the answer
which follows. This letter forward
ed to MIR. Croker at the Democratic
Club in order that he might have no
illusion concerning Mr.. Bryans posi-.
ton"
New YoRK, March 10, 1898
WILLIS j. Amor, Esq
My DEAR Mr. ABBOT II am Just in
receipt of your letter. Please say TO
Mr.. Croker that | shall not bo able To
come East until about April l8.
At that time shall be pleased TO
meet him and talk over the political
situation: II. us have heard, he is
compelled to leaye for Europe before
that time, express my regret To him.
l appreciate his invitation to speak
there, but he will upon reflection real.
ize that l could aot afford To make n
speech upon the lines suggested The
~ -tional platform declares the money
question To be the paramount issue,
and fully indorse the declaration.
so believing, ] could not directly on
indirectly encourage any state to aban-
don the national platform. While the
Democrats Of the Wost and South have
40 right TO forco the national platform
upon the people Of New York. yet the
n. - 4.
right Ia expect the Democrats of New
York to stand by the platform or au-
nouncc their hostility. We ought to
know whether the New York Dcmoc-
racy means peace or war.
To ignore the national platform in II
state convention will be noticed that
the Democrats Of New York are hostile
10 that platform, but lack the courage
TO declare H. openly. The platform Of
1896 will be reaGirmed in 1900. and [,
for one, would like to know as soon as
possible whether we are TO regard the
New York Democrats as allies or as
enemies. II the Democrats Of New
York invite me TO speak in New York
City while in the East. / shall accept
the Invitation with pleasure, but IL
must be with the understanding that ]
shall not be restricted as 70 the subject
{ o discuss. do not care 20 bo "a guest
where the Chicago platform is denied
a hearing.
believe that the restoration Of
5iaietallisn is necessary and that six
teen 90 one is the only ratio at which
bimetailism can be restored, and
have no right 20 expect favors from
those who are hostile 70 this doctrine.
] can say 90 bimetallism at sixteen to
one As Ruth said TO Naomi: "Entreat
mo not 90 leave thee, or TO return from
following after thee for whittier thou
goest. ] will 20; and where thou lodg-
est, will lodge; thy people shall be
my people, and thy God ny God L.
Wbsre thou diest. will die. and there
will be buried the Lord do 50 20 me
and more also il aught but death part
thee ami me-
No one is compelled 90 accept my
Judgment and must myself be guided
by H. and in my judgment the attempt
20 chain the nation TO gold standard
is so crusl snd wicked that would be
beneath contempt il should trade my
convictions upon this subject for auy
political advantage which the New
York Democrats might be willing to
offer
Let me add another word 10 is not
only right that the New York state
convention should stand by the Chicago
platform, but 10 isgood policy. Bimet.
allism will be as strong ia New York
when Il is finally understood, as IL is
nov In the West and South. and the
sooner tho Democracy Of New York be.
gins the defense Of the Chicago plat
form, the sooner will the work Of edu-
cation be completed To ignore the
platform when all the states West and
south indorso 10 will have an the force
Of declaration against the platform,
and such course will make IL more