New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-08-30
Az IUPOTENT PARTY ISSUE.

The efforts Of certain Democratic leaders to
write into the next National platform Edward
Nkinsons despairing theories of American pol
icy in the Far East seem destined 10 encounter
within the party itself serious and deter
mined resistance. More or less shifty party
managers Ike Bryan, Altgeld and Croker have
undoubtedly been disposed. with an eye TO that
novelty Of programme which so often appeals
10 the thoughtless voter. 30 adopt into the fam
fly Of Democratic issues for 1900 an unQual
fed disapproval Of the Administration purpose
70 enforce American sovereignty in the Philip
pines. Under Colonel Bryans direction, and
with his personal assent. the Democratic State
Convention in Iowa recently approved a plat
form which hluntly declared we deprecate
and condemn war against the FnipinoS' war
undertaken by this Government solely 70 estab-
lish order security and its own lawful author
ity IN territory accruing 10 IL by virtue Of the
Treaty of Peace with Spain. In Iowa-a stanch
Sound Money State-Colonel BryanS purpose
was doubtless 10 attract support 10 the Demo
cratic nominees this faN by obscuring the ont
worn and losing issue of free coinage and in
viting q reunion OF Democratic factions on the
Indictment Of the Administrations Eastern pro
gramme drawn by M Atkinson In Nebraska
few days later, where the susceptbties of
number Of expansionists among the Populist
leaders had 10 be considered the Democratic
platform. written by Colonel Bryan himself
failed 10 condemn openly and intentionally
either the present war or the purpose which in
spired II, but contented itself with merely de
nouncnc that phase Of the Administrations
policy (which has converted a war for human.
ity into war for conquest" Further than this
apparently, the politicians at Omaha could not
be driven, and the contrast between their color
less declaration and the sweeping resolution
adopted at Des Mones clearly betrays an IN
easiness over the political value OF the new Bos
tornado issue which the gradual development
Of opinion within the party is likely still further
10 emphasize and Justify
We called attention a week ago 10 the refusal
Of a representative Southern leader like Senator
John T. Morgan. Of Alabama. 70 accept the petty
aud dNarfng views of American duty and CD
portunty in the Philippines embodied in the
Des MoineS platform. Senator Morgan realizes
too keenly tho obligations Of PATRIOTISM and has
been nurtured 100 long In the spirit Of true
Americanism 10 see anything ahead but defeat
for party which openly advocates an abandon
ment 10 Aguinaldos insurgents Of this couptry's
lawful sovereignty IN Iuzon "No political
party said The veteran Alabama statesman.
that opposes the United States Government in
cts earnest attempt TO suppress the insurrec.
"tion in the Philippines will be sustained by the
American people. and ] am satisfied that the
democratic party cannot be led into any such
attitude" Senator Vest. OF Missouri one Of
the most ardent anti-expansionists in Congress.
but candid and sharp sighted politician, also
admitted significantly the other day. in an inter
view in Canada, that the Democratic party III
the South and West is by no means behind
Bryan, Altgeld and Atkinson in their pro-
grammc Of surrender and withdrawal in the Far
East. The anti occupation and retention issue
Is causing some serious "msgiyings.' according
10 Mr. Vest. IN the pleasant little family on
whose doorstep il was recently deposited by
Aguinaldos great and good friend from Boston.
Even the erring Sound Money Democrats, 10
tempt whom back into the party ranks next gear
the new campaign cry Of anti-imperialism vas
invented. do not seem 10 rise 10 the bait with the
avidity expected OF them. II ex-senator John
NJ. Palmer, Of Illinois. their candidate for Presi-
dent In 1896, reflects at all accurately the senti-
ment OF his supporters they not 10 he per
suaded 10 renew their old associations on such
barren and unpatriotic terms Of agreement.
THE Democratic party" General Palmer says