The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1899-01-30
When the Tnmmnny Chief Said drop
Free silver in 1895.

New York, Jan. 29.-When In March,
1898, 1t was proposed that Bryan should
make a speech here under the auspices Of
Tammany Hall. Willis ]. Abbot went to see
Richard Croker about il. Mr.. Abbot said
Saturday:
Mr.. Croker asked me TO write Mr.. Bry-
an and find out whether he would be will
ing TO speak in New York but refrain from
discussing the money question. | wrote
Mr.. Bryan accordingly, and received let
Ter in reply. This letter l read TO Mr..
Croker IN order that he might have no
Illusion concerning Mr.. Bryan's position.
AS Mr.. Croker has now definitely antagon
lied the Democrats who hold to the Chi
cago platform. it is the belief of many
friends OF Mr.. Bryan that this letter, in
which he declares that New York Demo-
| Gratis should show their hands or accept
the hostility of the members OF the party
in the South and West, should be made
public
This is the letter of Mr.. Bryan, dated
March 10, 1898
My Dear MIR. Abbot am just in receipt OF
! your letter. Please say to Mr. Croker that |
Shall not be able to come East until about
I April IS
| At that time l shall he pleased to meet him
/ and talk over the political situation. II, As ]
/ have heard hc is compelled to leave for Europe
/ before that time, express my regret TO him.
/ / appreciate his invitation to speak there.
| buf he WILL upon reflection, realize that ! could
I not afford 10 make a speech upon the lines
! suggested The national platform declares the
money question to be the paramount issue and
/ | fully endorse that declaration 80 believing,
4 | could not directly OF Indirectly encourage any
State TO abandon The ma liuual platform While
the Democrats Of the West and South have no
/ right to force the national platform upon the
! people of New York vet the Democracy Of the
nation does have 4 right TO exuect The democrats
1 OF New York to stand by the platform or an
I nouncc their hostility We ought 10 know whether
1 the New York Democracy means peace or war
! TO ignore the national platform in the State
Convention will br notice that the Democrats oi
New York are hostile. 10 that platform but lack
the courage TO declare it openly.
The platform OF 90 will be reafirmed in 1900
! and l. for one would like to know as soon as
! possible whether We are to regard the New York
I democrats as allies or as enemies II the Demo.
! crafts of New York invite me to speak in New
NntL CITY while in The Fast | shall accent the
invitation with pleasure but il mus, be with The
understanding that shall not be restricted as 10
subjects discussed do not care TO he A gucs;
where the Chicago platform is denied a hearing
| believe that The restoration of bimctallism i.
( necessary and that ID to IL the only ratio
at which bimctalism can he restored. and
have no right to expect favors from those who
hostile to this doctrine can say Il
bimotallism of 10 to ! rs Ruth said 10 Naomi
..Emtreat me not to leave thee or to return from
following after tIee: for whittier thou ,ocst
J viii go. and where thou lodgc-t | will lodge
thy people shall be my people, aud thy God IN,
| God. Where thou dicst Will die and there vii
! be buried: the Lord do 20 10 me and more also
IL auylt hut deaf mart thee and me
No one is compelled 10 accept nv Judgment
but | must mvseif bc guided bv il. and in m,
Judgment tLe sttrmpt 10 chain the nation I,
!, pnld standard is so crt,rI and wicked maj
wonId he beneath copt.,npt il | should trad,
INV convictions unon His .ibirrt for any nnIi,,a
advantage. which tie New York Democrats nigh
he villa. 10 Offer
| Lot me add ,uothcr word. n il nof o,,l, ruth
,l,t ,hn Eo,y VII st,tc Ccnyer,ion sb"mii .,sn,