The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1900-06-09
THOUGH THE SKIES FALL,

Deep down In the hearts Of nine-tenths
Of the Democrats in Virginia rests the
conviction that IL will be suicidal policy
for the Democratic party TO reaflrm the
silver. pl Ated platform adopted at Obi
caRo in 1896, and yet il will be seen
that few head-strong politicians will
again commit the party at Kansas City
80 the Inflated Is 60 theory. -Ohesa-
peake Waterman.
The foregoing is from Democratic
Virginia paper. The truth is often
times distasteful and, like effective
medicine nsusesting, bat must be
taken if evils would be counteraeted.
Will the great Democratic party leave
of its doses Of treakle" and take
the prescription which so many of its
eminent and far.seeing advisers pre-
scribe We are afraid not. Hon.
VIM. ]. Bryan is the author of very
able article in the June number OF the
North American Review, and in 1t he
outlines his policies for the coming
campaign-bi-metallism, snti'trusts
and anti.imperislism, placing them
in importance in the order named.
He says that he and the friends OF
silver are still unanimous in support
ing the ratio Of 16 to l.
Mr.. Bryan, if he lives. will be the
nominee of the Democratic party at
Kansas City next month, and his
views, as above expressed, will rule
the convention. This conclusion is
sad one to thousands of ardent Dem
ocrats throughout the Union, and it
means, in the opinion of THE FREE
LANCE, the defeat of the Democratic
party at the polls next November. 1t
may mean more-it may possibly re-
suit in the disintegration of the party,
no longer to be factor in national
politics. The Democratic party has
a record for remarkable vitality, but
that is chiefly because its principles
heretofore have been strong and un-
furnished. They have merited and
received the endorsement Of the rank
and file of suffragists for many dec
AIDES, succumbing only to the srbi-
trament Of the sword, political ma
chinery or money. There has, until
recently, been few articles of faith
which produce dlscord in its ranks,
and 80 it's adherents have stood as q
unit.
Four years ago, for the hrst time
within range of ordinary memory,
obsolete or untried schisms we're al
lowed to creep in and the leaders
stuck to them with such pertinacity
as to drive many thousands of its
warmest supporters from the ranks OF
the party. The party suffered defeat
at q time when it was in its sscen-
dency because of these new articles
Of faith.
That nine. tenths Of the Democrats
Of this or any other State are opposed
to o re-afirmation of the Chicago
platform may be putting it little
strong, but it will hardly be denied by
those who mingle in politics or are
interested in csnvassing the senti-
ment in this direction that quite
majority are opposed to again making
the chief issue free silver, at l6 to
1. \" They believe that it means dis
aster at q time when the people are
clamoring for other succor. There is
no stunning the truth that the people
are against it, the times are against
il and mint Of wealth can be pro-
cured to fight against it. Should the
Democratic party drop this ratio idea
and espouse the cause Of the people
a. against trusts, imperialism and
postal steals it would find aocking to
ito banner q long list of cohorts who
are hesitating as to what step to take.