The Dalles times-mountaineer. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1882-1904, 1899-07-08
BRYAN OR WHO.

meeting of the democratic national
committee will be held in Chicago on
the 10th, and at that meeting the
question OF who is the most available
candidate for president in 1900 will be
considered. Since the campaign of
1896 it has been generally conceded
that w. J. Bryan would be the next
presidential nominee. This, however.
is not foregone conclusion. There
is evolution in politics as we'll as in
everything else. And while Mr..
Bryan has for the past two years been
the most prominent man in the demo-
cratic party, and is today looked upon
as its leader, it does not necessarially
follow that be is the only one who can
lead it to victory aext year. There
are reasons why other men might be
able to unite the party better than he.
While the party in 1899 will un-
doubtedly readopt the money plank of
the Chicago convention. it does not
necessarially follow that the money
question will be the most prominent
feature of the next platform. A very
large majority of democrats still con.
scentiOusly believe in the free and un-
limited coinage of silver, they recOg-
niZe that the deyotees of the gold
standard have secured control of the
senate, and that legislation looking
tc ward free coinage will be almost
impossible at any time during the ad-
ministration of the next president.
The gold democrats who bolted the
regular nominee in 1896 and aided in
the election of Mckinley are dissatis-
fed with his administration, and want
to support the democratic nominee
next year. yet they are not anxious to
support Bryan. and it would he impos-
sible to create much enthusiasm among
them in his behalf. Mr.. Bryan recog-
nizes these facts and in an address at
Barnesvilie. Ca. on the 4th expressed
himself as follows:
"Whether I am nominated or not in
1900 ia immaterial to me. Whether
shall ever again be a candidate for any
office depends on circumstances. I
don't want to be candidate for presi
dent unless those who think as ] do
believe that I can do more for the
principles of the party already adopt
ed than any one else. I would rather
help somebody else win than to be the
cause OF the party's defeat. If the
democratic party wants someb"dy to
lead it to retreat, they must lind some
one accustomed to walking backward
The democratic party will not weaken
on the money question. and the
question of Imperialism will bring
more votes from the republican party
In the coming campaign that in any
of the campaigns since the last can vass
of Abraham Lincoln"
Thus he shows his fealty to the !
democratic principles, and his willing.
ness to step down and out If mo re
available standard bearer is found.
II at the Chicago meeting it is decided
hat Bryan is not the strongest pos.
,ible candidate, he will be the first to
for with him principle
stands prominently above the greed
or oif1ce. But should BRYAN step
aside, who will be promoted? 1t will
not be German though the opponents
)f democracy seek 10 give him prom
ncnce. If Bryan is not to be the man
Ill believe the eyes of democracy will
be turned toward Carter Harrison,
mayor of Chicago. for he il repre-
'entation of good government and a
champion of the rights of the masses.