The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-02-15
SEATTLE. THURSDAY, FEB. rs.
viii They Stand Pat I?

Several weeks ago the more substan-
tial Democrats OF Seattle decided that
the time had arrived for making an at
tempt to drag their party back TO Its
old moorfngs They were men who are
attached to time-honored principles and
are tired of seeing their organization
allied with all sorts of fanaticism
through reason of alleged expediency.
They beheid their party gradually losing
Its identity and lending its support TO
tnnumerable fads and isms as foreign
10 the fundamental doctrines OF DEM
ooracy az prison reform liz to the science
OF determining the weight Of astral
bodies. They. desired to break away
from these politically facilitating asso-
Citations and become Democrats once
more.
With these worthy purposes in view,
II was suggested that the approach II
the municipal campaign presented a
good opportunity to re-estabiish the
character and integrity OF the party orr
ganixation. and II was announced that
Democrats would once more stand on
their own merits and enter the contest
under the old banner, free from all the
entangiing. alliances which for several
years have Slapped the party OF Its old
virility and made Democracy little bet
ter than a mockery.
In furtherance OF this plan of rehab-
ilitation a Convention was held and a
straight ticket nominated. There was
opposition. but II proved unavailing.
There were those Who argued for con-
tinuance OF the policy OF trade and bar
ter and insisted hat II was still ex-
pedient 10 sacrifice party individuality
In return for political combination ot
all the political remnants which might
have a chance to divide spors 10
event Of victory. This programme was
rejected A straight Democratic ticket,
under a straight Democratic name. was
approved. and the first step was taken
In keeping with the promise TO reform
and iead better life
TO live up 60 these good resolutions
Is no easy matter. however The pit
falls are many. and there Is temptation
on every side. The gang OF traffickers
Is still In evidence. and their persistence
IL equaied only by their hunger for
place. The beauties of division at
political swsx are set forth In the most
attractive colors, aud the presentation
~ arguments In favor Of am alliance
against a common foe. so-called are US
adrcit. even II az diaphanous az ever.
The advocates of combine are urgent
and plausible. especially those repre-
sentlnx the rag-tag elements which
would amount to nothing n they failed
for once to job the Democracy. Every
species OF pressure and pun Is being
used. and again the stalwart follower
OF Jefferson and jackson is al the part
ing OF the ways. haitlng. hes,tating aud
IN auandary, He means WELL bat IL
stand forth free from It's weakening ef.
sects.
II Is a grewSorne alternative that the
old-line Democrat sees before him, Must
he once more be borne down with all
this political rubbish in the shape -
platforms. policies and professions is
II essential that he again be compelled
20 eoun;enance The advocacy % all these
eccentric reforms ana freak theories
Must he once more crawl into bed with
single takers. hobnoh with referendum
enthusiasts. applaud the advocates of a
dohased currency and join hands with
these who are urging municipal owner
ship ana inuumerahle other lmpracti-
cable schemes7 Is It necessary for him
20 forego his right to declare himself a
Democrat and again submit 20 the swal-
lowing UP OF his partyg Shall he speak
out and declare for the old principles,