The Worthington advance., 1900-12-28
vi
THE RARTY,S HUTURE..


Philadelphia, Dec. 2o.-Former Pres
ident Grover Cleveland contributes to
this weeks issue Of the Saturday
Evening Post, Of Philadelphia, an ex-
tended article on the plight of the de-
mocracy and the remedy. Mr.. Cleveland
begins by reviewing the history of
the party, and he discusses its de-
feats since 1864 in detail. In taking
up the question of the present condi-s
tlons OF the democracy he says that
the success Of the party in 1892 was
so decisive and Overwhelming that
long continuance of its supremacy
was anticipated. Then came "the
fallacy of free silver and populism."
He proceeds:
The culmination of democratic woe was
reached when Its compact with these un-
democratic forces was complete, and when
our rank and file were summoned to do
battle under banners which bore strange
symbols and were held aloft in unfamiliar
hands. The result of such betrayal was
foredoomed. This abandonment Of the
principles of true democracy, this con-
temptuous disobedience Of its traditions,
ana this deliberate violation Of the law Of
Its strength and vtgor, were by decree
as inexorable as those Of fate, followed
BY the inevitable punishment of stunning.
staggering defeat.
THE disaster Of 1872, invited by similar
mao adventure, was quickly followed by a
return to the professions and practices Of
sane democracy. But the extent and per-
slstence of our wanderings in 1896 is illus
trated In most astounding way by the
command. issued on the day Of our rout
ano discomfture. that a second battle
tnouid enc be fought on the same field. with
the same false war cries and the same lead
ersh1p that had brought US to the sur
rounding gloom of defeat
Again he says: THUS in 1900 the lesson
Oh 1896 was contemptuously rejected, ard
every hope OF democratic success was will
1ully cast aside. Again, our long-sufrering
rank and fife, whose loyalty and obedi-
need IN cause theirs only in name; and
again 1t was demonstrated, but more clear
~ tnan ever before, that the only forces
that can win democratic success are ad-
nerence to recognized democratic principles
and reliance upon democratic councils and
leadership.
why should we not return to these, ana
IN their name again achieve victories no
less glorious and renowned than were ours
IN the days OF courageous advocacy of our
time -honored faith? Are our principles
SO shop-worn or antiquated as to require
renovation, or their displacement by others
more fashionable? There is not an honest
democrat In this broad land that will con-
cede these things, nor is there one who
would not hail the proclamation of the old
faith with that fighting enthusiasm that
1oretokens democratic triumph. AS new
conditions arise. our principles must be ap-
pied to them; but in the creed that has
GUIDED us through century of party ex-
lstence we shall find the key to every such
applications; nor shall we need the lexicon
or popul1sm to aid US in interpreting this
creed"
Further on he declares: II believe no
democrat will have the hardihood to deny
that we have fought our last two campaigns
IN alliance with undemocratic forces, and
that this alliance. was immensely costly in
de1eat: Is there not good reason to sup
pose that even In success such an alliance
would have proved Improbable and dan
gerous?"
He breaches the return of democracy to
Its old faith. saying: "Sincere democrats
OF every condition and in every part Of
the land realize that the situation of the
party needs repair. Reorganization is not
necessary; but return from our wan
derfng is absolutely essential. Let us be
frank with ourselves and candidly ac-
knowledge the futility of attempting to
gain democratic victories except in the
democratic cause and through democratic
useless; and the arrogation of superior
party virtue will breed only mischief. This
Is time for sober thought tolerant Ian
guage and fraternal counsels. We are DEAL
ing with the condition of a party that can
not be destroyed by external foes; and
since Its ruin can be wrought only from
within, it should be imperishable. Above
all things, there should be manly renun~
ciation and avoidance of undue sectiona.
control. Democracy will not operate ef-
f1ciently on sectional lines.
There is much for us to do; and the fu-
ture is full of democratic duty and oppor-
tunity. Our fighting forces will respond
listlessly and falteringly If summoned to a
third defeat In strange cause; but If they
hear the rallying cry of true democracy.
they will gather for battle with old-time
democratic enthusiasm and courage.
If should attempt to epitomize what
have written, by suggesting a plan for the
rehabilitation and restoration of true de-
mocracy, should embody it in these words:
Give the rank and file a chance
Atlanta, Ga, Dec. 21.-Hon. w. !.
Bryan, in a telegram Thursday to
the Atlanta Journal, declines to ex-
press himself upon ex-President
Cleveland's statement, to be published
in the Saturday Evening Post, and
which appeared Thursday morning in
newspapers receiving the dispatches
of the press.
Mr. Bryan says:
Until Mr.. Cleveland sets forth definitely
what he considers democratic principles
there is no necessity for comment. The
rank and file of the party expressed them
selves in 1896 and in 1900 and have no doubt
they will continue to express themselves on
issues as they arise. w. J. BRYAN"