The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-19
THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 1900.
Lessons for Democrats.

Lessons for Democrats.
Among the unfortunate results of the
Democratic disorganization which existed
before the Administration was kind enough
TO furnish the party of the people with
the issue OF The Trusts against the Con-
stitution,' is the fact that the anti-mo-
nopoly element among Americans is called
upon to face a great national canvass
without that thorough organization, COM
mon understanding. and purpose which is
requisite and necessary for the proper con-
duct of the campaign.
We may deplore the designs of our OPP
ponents upon national honor, the Consti-
tuition and its great interpreter. the Su-
preme Court; we may be dismayed in
the presence of a definite determination
to subvert the free institutions of the
country; but We must admire that COM
plete and scientific mobilization. discipline.
and control of the forces opposed to us,
which alone could render the objects of
the trusts possible of attainment.
One need not despair because the
Democratic party, representing the mid
die and working classes of the, nation. is
and must always be unable TO command
the golden millions that bought the cleo
zion in 1896, and will be used in an effort
20 buy it again in 1900. The history of
organized labor informs us that success
against the most perfect strategy of ag-
gregated wealth, even when that is COM
bined with political power and unlimited
means of corruption, may be possible
The trouble is that the majority sentiment
OF opposition to the trust Administration
of the day is unorganiZed. 1t is a force
without concentration upon an object. We
are trusting TO luck to bring out the
American people in November for the pro-
lection of their liberties, and the liberties
of their fellow American citizens in Porto
Rico, Hawaii, and so on. Something more
is necessary.
To critical watcher of the days move
ment, nothing could be much more de-
pressing than the staring evidence of
Democratic inertia in the presence of a
great opportunity in Congress. When we
say that the most has not been made out
of the chance offered by the trust Senators
and Representatives, in their bold assault
upon national honor and fundamental law
in connection with the Porto Rican infamy,
We speak altogether too mildly. In the
House debate, point after point Of char
acter which, properly developed. would
have helped TO damn the Administration,
was allowed TO go by default. Mr.. Rich
ardson made a good record in the matter.
Mr.. Swanson of Virginia said some good
things; but, considering the discussion
generally. there was unhappy evidence of
a lack of Democratic study and research
which if it had been applied to the sub
feet by the many competent men on the
floor, would have resulted in making the
case of The Constitution against the
will be in the campaign.
If this be true of the House, it is much
more so of the Senate. In that body the
representatives of Democracy were as a
rule outclassed in the debate. notwith-
standing the fact that they had the Consti-
tuition and eternal truth and justice on
their side. Such an opening to make a
great and historic fight for the rights Of
the people has not occurred before in the
for decades. What happened? Resistance
TO what fifteen years ago. would have pro-
duced revolution was half hearted if 1t
was mot perfunetory. To what are we
coming?
1t is much easier to find fault with con-
ditions than to prescribe and provide rene
dies. But something must be done to over
come the fatal congestion of the Demo
cratic situation. The party needs wise and
Vigorous leaders. It needs to find common
ground for agreement upon living issues.
md people who are capable OF organizing
the masses to fight them out to a finish. II
needs men in command who are sensible
and patriotic enough TO realize that Jeffer
aonian expansion does not involve the out
rage CT governing American Territories as
Crown Colonies, and that there is not the
least excuse for surrendering a foot Of soil
now under the Stars and Stripes, any more
than there is TO deny the inhabitants OF our
new possessions the rights guaranteed to
them by the Constitution of the United
States.
We do not in this year require 10 strug-
bic over such unscientific and, TO us, i'm
practicable propositions as the referendum.
Gold recommendation is fastened upon the
country for five years at the minimum. and
Il would be foolish to make it dominat-
ing question. II Mr.. Bryan were to be
elected President in November, willy niIIy.
he would be officially monometaIlist for
the full term OF his administration. We
owe it to the party and 20 the nation to
postpone untimely Issues 10 the day when
they will be timely and vital. Above all,
we are bound, in honor and conscience, to
make fight with united front, and with
thorough organization under captains who
are intelligent, devoted, and courageous
We have a magnificent enemy to encoun-
ter. We have. perhaps the last chance in
which an array of the masses against the
privileged classes will be of any avail But
81 is a chance. What are We going to do
with II?
Womcp's Gymnasiums,
Chicago is to have "Woman's lletic
Club" 1t is suggested that this may have