The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-01-13
THE DraroCR1TTo 1r1DrR.
Bryan EuloGised as n Commanding Per-
sonnlity "-Croker Insulted.

From ne Nss orleans Timer Democrat
It lie much to be doubted whether the history
OF American politics affords any parallel TO Mr..
Bryan's sudden and masterful resumption Of
the leadership OF the Democratic party and OF
the causes for which II stands in the politics Of
the times; for this man failed in a most memo
rable contest for the Chief Magistracy OF the
republic, and IL is a generally accented rule
that. In such cases. failure is fatal. Neverthe-
less. exceptions have ever been. and ever will
be. made In the case OF those who hold their
prlmacy by the imposition Of n superhuman
hand.
II has been his privilege to withdraw from
the arena for a season aud TO observe the
struggle from the supremest coign OF vantage.
He has thus gained n sense Of proportion which
he never possessed before. The people have
also gained a sense OF his Importance to the
public life OF the nation. We do not belittle the
patriotism or the intellectual power OF the men
who have arrayed themselves against the i'm
perialistic tendencies Of the Republican party
when VIC say that. while Mr.. Bryan was silent,
they simply beat the air. The people cried for
leadership. and there was mono to be had
among men like Carl Schurz and Edward At
kinson. who know how to address the brain,
but who have no God-glven power to touch the
heart with sacred FIRE. 1t is the simple truth
to say that the finest possible tribute to the
commanding personality OF the Democratic
leader Ia found In the instructive appeal which
the clustered intellects OF the nation have
made for the help Of his strong right arm.
Indeed. IL begins to be clear to many, who
but lately found their most congenial business
In traducing the foremost foe OF vested wrong.
that the Democratic party made no mistake In
placing the supreme power in hands so young
and inexperienced
While on this point 1t Is meet and proper to
pause for a moment. to express the resentment
OF all right-minded men over the intrusion OF
the personality and opinions Of Richard Croker.
at a time when larger questions than Doodle
and patronage await an authoritative settle
ment at the hands Of the American people.
This mans selfish and brutal domination
in the city OF New York is one OF the
scandals Of the time. His attempt to cut
a figure in national politics is pure imper-
Thence. and is precisely on a par with the per-
formance Of the dishonest valet who dons the
garb and seeks to initiate the manner OF his
master. 1t is painful to have to say that there
was a time, not very remote. when such ex-
ponents OF crude materialism In politics spoke
with authority in the national councils OF the
Democratic party. II IL consoling to be able
to assert that the chapter OF shame has been
closed.
The immense questions now under con-
sideration admit Of two radically different
views. when debated by men Of equal intellec-
tual and moral weight. There are innumer-
able politicians OF Cookers stamp in both the
great opposing parties. Let them not profane
issues which they are not competent to touch.
The American people are entitled to have this
supreme debate conducted by their noblest and
best. 1t Is the eagles privilege to look undaz-
zled on the brightness OF the sun. The vul-
lures eye is made on quite another plan.