The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-07-07
SATURDAY, JULY !, 1900.
LOST OPPORTUNITY.

The Democratic platform adopted by the
Kansas City Convention is. in many re-
spacts, a splendid platform. The principles
enunciated in the exordium are sound. and
there is a golden thread of genuine Demo-
crazy running through the entire document.
It Is only the silver thread that is faulty
The financial planks. both as 10 free coinage
and paper money, are radically inconsistent
with Democratic principles But We could
take blue pencil and easily thereof edit
that platform into a first-class Democratic
instrument Having thus expursated the
platform. We could name a Democratic
ticket that would sweep the country in
Norembei- Almost every condition is IA
vorahle to Democratic success. It is an
easy matter 10 draw d bill OF Indictment
agalns: thu Republican party, and to put
that parry on the defensive There are
thousands and thousands of voters in this
country, who, on principle. are against the
government, and the Democratic party
had only 10 nominate d man in whom the
conservative voters OF the country had en-
tire confidence and promulgate an old
fashioned Platform TO win glorious VIC
tory.
The tendency OF the Republican party is
towards centraliza ton. Imperialism and
monarchy. and IL il were not for the re-
strainins influence Of the Democratic par
~. the Republic would soon become a Re-
public in name only. We do not say that
this would happen in day, or in a year,
or In several years, but, let the Republic
cam have their way for-an indefinite pc
Tiod, and the Republic would be eventually
destroyed
The Democrats profess, and we shall
not impeach their sincerity, a genuine fear
o, another Term of Mckinleyism They
say that if the Republicans have another
term they viii commit this country 10 a
fareign policy, which Will involve US in all
sorts of foreign cntangicments, and possi-
bly, convert the Republic into an Empire
They say that Imperialism is the para
mount issue in the present campaign, and
1; is quite certain that large proportion
Of the delegates believe that the silver issue
was dead. and had no place in the present
campaign. Iet, at Mr.. Bryan's command
tha silver issue was made q leading issue,
thus making il next 10 impossible for the
party 10 carry tho States Of Maryland.
West Virginia. New York Ohio New Jer-
sey. California, Connecticut. Illinois, In
diana, Michigan or Minnesota. The whole
convention bowed down 10 Mr.. Bryan and
the silver sentiment OF a few insignificant
~ Ia
opinion of astu;e politicians. made the
success Of the Republicans sure.
And now TO the point that We are trying
to make. If Mckinney should be elected
by substantial majority, if the Democrats
should sustain disastrous defeat, viii
not The Republicans interpret the resul, as
an endorsement Of Republicanism. of i'm
per,aiism. OF militarism. of Capitalization.
of class legislation. and Will they not in
terpret is as a reputation throughout of
tbs Kansas City platform? In vain would
j. be argued that The silver plank defeated
the Democrats. The Republicans would
l-sast that their victory was vindica,ion
Of their policy. and they would go 10 great
er lengths Of imperialism.
In concluding their Platform the Demo-
Gratis say:
Believing that our most cherished issti-
tn;ions are in great peril. yha, the very
eS.stencs o. our constitutional republic is
q: stake and that the decision now to be
rendered viii determine whether or not our
children ara 10 enjoy hose blessed privi-
slssea vi Tree government, which have made
the United State great, prospsred. and
q pi,- ly
going declaration OF principles tho hearty
support of the ,!bery-loy.ng American
people. regardless OF previous party anita
t.ons.
ye.. believing al, this. for the sake of
Br,sa and tres silver. they would throw
srss sheir chanees 0. saeeess:
E@z~ss- "a
WHY Hill. Di;cL,Sisp.
i, Is no su:prisc that Hi! declined TIE
uemocra,tc nomination 70. tho vice-Pres!.