The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-07-27
THURSDAY. JULY q. 1879.
BRYAN LEADERS, CONFESSION.

one OF the most interesting papers
on current politics that We have seen
is a conspicuous editorial communica-
ton written from Chicago for the Louis
VILE Dispatch by Mr. Charles J. stew
art. It's editor-in-chief. Mr.. Stewart had
attended the meeting of the National
Democratic Committee I'm that city ana in
a tour column article reviews tho ac-
ton Of the committee and sums up the
situation. ills article is the more inter-
esting to us because Doe SIS one of the eX-
IRENE free silver advocates and continues
20 give 10 Mr. Bryan his cordial sup
port in spite OF the letter which that
distinguished gentleman has recently
written advising Mr.. Stewart and other
kentucky Demoyats I'm the state 90 sup
uort the Goebcl ticket The Dispatch
says plainly that Mr.. Bryans advice VIII
not be needed. but at the saline time OK
presses its cordial admiration for HIM
and rencws It's allegiance.
But TO Mr.. Stewards letter. AS much
rs we may deplorc IT," he says. 'in spite
Of an the efforts 10 suppress the truth.
IN the face OF the disposition of some TO
ignore significant events, there Is no get
ting away from tho fact that dividing
line is separating the solid phaianN that
followed Mr. Bryan and the Chicago
platform IN 1896" From such source
that Is a confession. we say, of the great
est Importance, and tho more $50 because
every student OF political events knows
that II is literally true.
The movement which we may say. was
fairly inaugurated when Senator Nor
gan came out some time ago IN opposi-
ton TO Bryan and the Chicago platform
has now taken ON definite shape and IS
growing in an sections of the country
particularly in the south Mr.. Stewart
says that there Is no great discord save
IN some purely local affairs; that no
actual clash of consequence has yet de-
veloped and that there IS as yet no bit
terness between the elements that may
become opposing factions Tor domination
IN the Democratic party But for an this
ne declares that a dividing line has APP
peared. That there are now two distinct
elements. each of great respcctablitN
both az TO numbers and the character
OF the leaders identified with them.
These ne charactcrizcs as the "conserva-
lives" and tho progressive" the form
ar containing some men who have been
pronounced for Bryan and an that DE re-
presents. others who have never agreed
with scarcely anything for which the
party stands. and stln others who are
ready 10 compromise and go with which
ever crowd may appear 90 be on top.
The "progrossivos." he tells as. insist
that there must ho no consideration of
a retreat. that the Chicago platform
must be re-ad0ptcd. and that any change
must be a progressive forward move
ment along the lines OF the action OF 's5.
There must be no backward step. be tells
US. as II I'm confirmation OF the old saying
that revolutions never 30 backward lie
declares that the "progrossivos' are hrst
OF all determined 20 have the money
plank Of the platform Of 1896 re-atopted,
put that thcy are equally anxious 10
have the party take a progressive course
as regards an other public issues. THAT
they Will rroably insist upon INC inita-
tive and referendum and they Will not
Doe content with mere declaration
against trusts and for tarn reform as
q remedy for this evil.
n This means anything II means that
the "progressivos" are IN favor OF going
right along IA the tine OF PopuiNm
which they have been pursuing and
adopting tho Populist platform In toto.
nat money the initiative and referen-
DUN. government control Of railroads and
telegraph lines and trusts. and all fho
rest Of A. II there were any doubt about
fbls 4, Is made plain further on IN Mr.
stewarts article by his assertion that
the leaders OF the "progresslves' arc
Aitseld. Tiilman. George Fred Williams.
Congressman Lsntz. Of Ohio; Judge Tar
vim. OF Kentucky. and Wilbs ). Abbott
the New York editor. Aitgeid is put AZ
the top OF the list and Asgeld has al
ready declared for ths Initiative ana