The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-01-08
SUNDAY. JANUARY s, 1899.
DEMOCRATIC LACK OF LEADER
SHIP

That very courteous journal. the Siaun-
ton Spectator. says The Times demand
that Mr.. William J. Bryan shall cease
his efforts 20 force himself upon the
Democratic party in 1900 as its candidate
for President, is "twaddle," and in sup
port OF this Indictment It says The Times
IS inconsistent also. as st supported
cleveland and free trade I'm 1892, although
II rrison had defeated him i'm 1SSS
The Spectator may be right I'm branding
our argument as "twadcle,' but we can-
not admit its argument that we are in-
consistent 10 be be sound. We support
ed Cleveland and free trade in 1892 be-
cause Cleveland was a real Democrat
and free trade was q real Democratic
principle. Mr. William j. Bryan is really
a P0puist running as q Democrat, ana
free silver IS not q Democratic doctrine.
Ii Is the doctrine of the Popuhsts and
Revolutionists who got control Of the
Chicago convention in 1896. We feel con-
strained, therefore, TO say again that
Mr.. Bryan, being as sincere a patriot as
his admirers believe him, If he under
stands the situation. he ought TO with
draw and leave the Democratic party
free and unhampered so that it may drag
itself out OF the mud and set its feet
upon rock lie is now simply placing
embarrassmonts I'm the way of the De-
mocracy by persistcntly forcing himself
upon the party. and ne ought TO have
perspicacity enough TO see it 81 he has
not.
But even 81 AR. Bryan should cease
talking free silver altogether and confine
himself exclusively 10 expansion ne stn
would not have ghost Of a chance TO be
elected President of the United States.
There are millions of Democrats who
agree most heartily with what ne says
about expansion and imperialism who
will never consent to see him President.
There are plenty Of others who are per-
fectly sound upon the great issue Of our
standard OF value who are as radically
opposed 10 expansion and Imperialism
as AR Bryan can be A great body OF
these Democrats. when selecting an anti
imperialist as their candidate Will insist
that ne shall be- sound upon the standard
OF value as well as upon Imperialism.
and they will stand aside again or vote
Tor Mckinley n they are forced 10 choose
between Mckinley and Bryan.
Free silver was cnectually buried in
1896. and as soon as the world recognized
that fact every busness interest IN the
Unitod states began to prosper until now
We see the fun tide OF prosperity rising
over the country fin a flow that IS
totally without precedent 10 IS easy to
see that the year 1899, u no calamity
overtakes as. is going 20 be tho greatest
business year this country or the world,
Tor that matter. ever saw. This is be-
cause business has no longer TO fear
that "a debased silver dollar Will turn up
30 meet drafts and checks and notes
given I'm the terms OF dollars. Confidence
is again restored in the channels OF busi-
ness and commerce is supplying busl-
ness with am the money u can use and
stands ready 10 supply 1T with much
more II business can put IL to any use.
Who is going 10 imporA that bril-
liant future that SIS opening upon the
country for experiments in making money
out Of moonshine and holding ones self
out OF a thlrdsiory window by ones
own coat tails?
We don't know what the Finp.nos
might DO. but We DO know mat the
American people are NOT going 20 do Il.