The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1900-07-14

The nominations of Bryan and Stevenson
were as strong as could possibly be made by
the Democratic party. No Democrat on any
kind of platform could have carried any
New England State or Pennsylvania. New
York is always debateable state IN presl-
dental election, and New Jersey seems to
have drifted to the Republican party in re =
cent years. Maryland and Delaware are
naturally Democratic, and while many Demo
Gratis in both states are more welded TO dol
lars than to principles, both are more likely
to give their electoral votes to the Democratic
ticket than to the Republican.
The great battle ground will be IN the
Middle West-in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois,
Michigan and Minnesota. These are the
states that will determine the contest and It
was essential that ticket aud platform be
made to suit the Democracy OF these Large
commonwealths. The South will be sohdly
for the ticket. Several Of the Western states,
including California, are more Democratic
Than doubtful. The East IS hopeiessly ke-
publican, except Maryland aud Delaware,
and probably New York, leaving the Middle
West the great battle ground. No Demo
erai. except Bryan, was mentioned for the
nomination for President, aud had the money
issue been omitted from the platform, there
would have been no great change Of electoral
votes in the East with Bryan as the nominee.
While the Eastern states are all likely to
give their electoral votes to Mckinley, except
MARYLAND aud Delaware, and probably New
York, the Republican ticket will not have a
walk-orer as it had in 1896. The money
question is domestic one, which can he
dealt with whenever the people elect a
President and Congress to effect change.
II isnot a living issue, because there can be
no change during the term Of the next presi-
Disney, end this fact is known of all men, ex-
cent g few who are too blind to see--ihe men
who worship the dollar, who place the dollar
before all principle or patriotism, and who
would sacrifice the youth Of the country IN
expanding our territory that dollar may be
gained
This class. however, Is not SO numerous.
When the free coinage Of gold aud silver was
the sole issue four years ago, many thousands
of Democrats voted for Mckinley. When
that issue was beaten the most Of these re.
turned to the party again. aud the bulk Of
them sill be found With the party this
year, for they know the money question Is
settled for four years at least, and that there
is uppermost now the question Of Republic vs.
Empire The country is at the turning point.
Men must choose between a Republic aud
freedom. for which the blood Of their fore
fathers was shed, and an Empire aud slavery,
in reality, for which the Hanna Mckinley Ad-
minisiration is sacrificing the youth Of the
present in an effort to sabdue and govern IN
willing peoples. Should Mckinley and his
warrior associate be elected, the strong hand
of the government viii be felt at home as well
as in The colonies. Late, liberty aud happs-
ness will depend not upon constitutional
right. but upon the grace of the Hanna Nc
Kinley Administration. An increased army,
with an ever.increasing pension list; navy
unFivalled in number Of ships aud strength Of
batteries; international controversies and con
hicts; perpetual wars and sacrifice Of lives;
ever-enlarging debt and increase Of taxation;
trusts more exorbiiant in sxaction Of profits;
government by injuuctioni denial fthe rights
of free eitizenship-all these sud more will
result from another lease Of power 20 the
Hanna McKiuley combine Between this
and the Republic founded by Washington,
a
by Jackson and long line Of patriotic and
wise statesmen, the people must choose.
The Democrat who haggles about ratios, while
the Republic is in danger, is more welded TO
his dollars than patriotic. The Democrat
who holds aloof from his party, because Of a
baseless fear that the purchasing power OF his
dollar may be lesseued. is more sordid than
sensible. Let all such reason moment and
they viii discover their fears are entirely
eronndless. Then lei him think Of the sacri.
Gees in blood aud treasure the founders made
in order that independence aud freedom
should prevail.
The contest of 1900 is as momentous aud
critical as was that Of I776. II was Republic
VS.. Empire then. and il is the same today.
The followers Of Hanna and Mckinley and
The advocates and upholders of trusts may un
dertake to scout the idea. bus it is true never
less Eternal vigilance is the price of liber-
ty'' was never more true than it Is today.
The people must be watcbful il they would
preserve the Republic. They must vote
against Mckinley, for be has shown That he
is a mere instrument in the hands Of the I'm
perialisrs. Mr.. Bryan stands unequiyocally
for the Republic, and defes the Imperialists,
MonopoIists aud Trusts. The path of duty to
all patriotic people is plain-vote for Bryan
and Stevenson. Those who favor expansion,
the subsection Of people who would be free
and Imperialism, should vote for Mckinley.
There is no middle ground People must
vote for the maintenance of the Republic or
for an Empire.