The times., 1899-08-18
The Issues of 1900.

AAN ol'CCIA Va MI VIM ID al a.
Des Moines. Iowa, on Wednesday. indi-
Gates that he is not, as some OF his critics
have seemed to think him, inclined to die
tate the whole course OF the party that
honored and fought for him in 1896, nor to
claim the privilege of writing its platform
IN 1900. His personal concession that there
may be issues in the next campaign more
Immediately urgent than silver. and the
idea his words convey, that the united
wisdom of the great party OF the people
is to be trusted to form the lines OF the
battle it must soon be prepared 10 fight.
are generally accepted by the country as
creditable and satisfactory.
Il is distinctly. but perhaps not peeuh-
arly. true Of the Democratic party. that
II always likes to write its own platforms,
and it is so sensitive concerning di-
rect expression of the VIII OF the people,
without reference to practical politics or
personal interests, that, as a rule. mem
bers of Congress are excluded from dele
gate functions in Democratic conventions
Nr. Bryan is wise in relegating issues u
the party at large. 1t is much the best
way for all concerned to let them come up
and be disposed OF as they come. Mr.
Bryan's attitude, as illustrated in his Des
Moines utterances. is agreeable evidence
that he is open 10 reason and willing to
be guided by honorable and legitimate con-
siderations of expediency. For this his
best friends viii be glad.
OF course, it must be understood that no.
body suspects Mr.. Bryan of surrendering
the cause of bimetallism- No honest Demo-
erat could think that or join him in such
q qualification Of his own and the party's
record. Il he were capable of il. which he
is not 1t is simply beyond question
that the next Democratic National Con-
vention viii reafirm the Chicago plat
form. and that the silver issue will
be one of the leading issues In the
campaign of 1900. although it may
not be placed above al others. II is quite
Is impossible that the party should sban-
con silver as ii is that it should aban--
eon and denounee that other basic Demo-
sratic doctrine. preached and practiced by
Jefferson and all of his great SUCCESSORS
the doctrine Of national expansion.
If circumstances seem 10 demand it, the
trust issue may well be made more pronli-
nent in the coming contest than any other.
Should that be the case the logic of the
situation will easily suggest the kind of
fight that should bsmade in connection with
it. That distinguished expert, Mr. Henry
o. Havemeyer. has told US that the tariff
IS the dIsreputable mother Of all trusts,
struck at the offspring through their par
ent, who is already in a rather rlckety
condition and, apparently, almost on the
eve Of desertion by her Republican hus-
band.
True 10 its faith. principles. traditions
and record, the Democratic party need not
fear to form its line of battle next year.
II it can present a solid front to the enc
my and assan it with the guns of popular
contempt for Aigerism, Eaganism, Carter
ism, sampsonism, and use the high explos-
i've ammunition which corruption. return
to the infamous civil service spoils system,
and submission to trusts and monopones
have furnished. the result Of the campaign
cannot be doubtful