New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-09-01
THE zANESTILLE PLATFORM.


In the results accomplished by the Ohio Dem
ocratc State Convention at GAINESVILLE 1t is
easy TO trace the play Of certain cross currents
now active IN Democratic National politics. In
the choice Of a nominee for the GovernorShp
that element in the party undoubtedly tn
umphed which however guardedly and furtive
lv. has adhered 10 views of National policy
somewhat less radical than those stamped or
thodox 10y the last National Convention. The
nomination of John r. Mclean in Ohio, Ike
that Of William J. Goehel in Kentucky. brings
to the front in party leadership a Democrat
identified more naturally. perhaps. by training
and sentiment with the forces which lost than
with those which won three years ago NJ Ch'-
caco But as in Kentucky, the personal pref
erences and attitude Of the candidate failed NJ
terly TO affect the partisan rg0r Of the plat
form on which he IS. unhappily. forced 10 ap-
peal for popular support For IT, as dispatches
from GAINESVILLE assert. the Mclean managers
had intended n issue n modified and softened
declaration Of Democratic policy they soon dis
covered the rnpopulsrity Of that manpuvre and
Joined in approving a platform which for ag
gressiveness easily outp0ns the one written
few days ago for the Nebraska Democracy
ny Colonel BRYAN himself
on the two chief issuos-irdependent coinage
Of silver and abandonment Of National sovereign
ty in the Philippines which the Democratic
party seems preparing 70 base its canvass in
1900 the GAINESVILLE resolutions are hopcessly
radical and uncompromis'ng The Ohio Con-
vention setting aside the more colorless plank
originally prepared by tho Mclean managers
not only restfrmed ;hc entire Chicago platform
of 1896 but explicitly demanded "thc free and
Unlimited coinage Of silver and gold as equal
IN primary money. at the ratio u is 10 !. IN
dependent Of al other nations in the world"
In addition, It imposed this suggestive gloss on
rs choice of Mr. Mclean to head the ticket
for State officers that it still retained "entire
confidence in The Hon William J. Bryan" and
demanded his denomination in 1900" The
Ohio Democrats are evidently convinced that no
platform can he made too "topheavy" with dec
Iarations Of loyalty 10 free silver coinage or 70
the fortunes Of is once defeated bur still hope
ful Nebraska champion
On the second National issue-oppostlon 70
the enforcement by the United States Of its
legitimate authority and sovereignty in the
Philippines Ohio Democrats have taken
the cue dropped by their Iowa brethren. and
with even more affecting and ridiculous bathos
not only regret that American soldiers are be
ing unlawfully used, IN the name Of liberty
10 crush and destroy dawning Republcanism
in the Orient" but "denOunce the secret and
vicious alliance now In evidence between Eng
land and the Republican Administration
whereby this Nation may become involved IN
war with other nations" Independence, with
out conditions or qualifications Of any kind IS
urged for both the Philippines and Cuba, while
by some strange negligence the poor Port'
Ricans are left TO struggle along as best they
.an IN an undeprecated condition Of poltica
dependency Bossism. too-in Republican pol
Itics-is sternly rebuked. and the virtuous in
ference is left 10 be drawn that Mr.. Mclean
nomination for Governor was induced by g
strictly spontaneous outhurst NJ popular sent
ment
The Republican party in Ohio can welcome
a contest with IT'S old antagonist this fall or
issues sucn as those deliberately chosen a
GAINESVILLE Ohio Is too rich too sound TOO
prosperous. too busted I'm productive Industries
10 leud a serious ear to Democratic clamor fo'
a debased and cheapened dollar Her people
are too conservative. too broad minded and t0'