New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-01-07
Mr.. DAHF0RTH IN CHARGE.

The Hon. Elliot Danforth is at present in
dulging in the precarious delights of correspond
ience with Democrats in various parts OF the
country on the subject Of a platform for the
coming Presidential campaign Mr.. Danforth,
who always feels deep sense of responsibility
for the Democratic party in general, and es-
pecially for that portion of it which, as he is
modestly accustomed to acknowledge, has hon.
lored him beyond his deserts, embarked in this
epistolary enterprise with some misgiyings, and
is rot yet prepared to make the positive pre-
diction that he is going to get his postage back
But he is nevertheless distinctly encouraged
He thinks he cannot be mistaken in supposng
that the rays of hope have already begun to
gid the horizon. and though less sanguine
man than wilkins Micawber in his most ex-
allied moments ne has strong impression that
something is about to turn up.
Mr. Danfortn's idea is that under the pressure
which he expects TO be instrumental in apply
ing, as a result of the indefatigable effort in
which ne is now engaged. the Democratic Ma
tional Convention can be persuaded TO be suf-
fcienfIy obscure on the financial question. He
doesn't go so far as TO say that the 16 to / issue
can be sponged of and oblterated; but he is
hopeful that il can be gently and decorously
escorted into the background, sequestered, hyp-
rsotized and put ice, while reunited and
militant Democracy rises In its might and swats
the oppressor. 1T must not be supposed that
Mr. Danforth has reached the point of unfurling
q gonfalon His proceedings are still in the
typewriter stage Of development, and the Ma
tlonal revenues are likely TO be fortified by his
industry for a considerable time to come.
As we understand it, Mr.. Danforth is greatly
cheered and stimulated by the readiness and
accuracy with which his correspondents COM
prehend his purpose and his tactics They per-
ceiYe at once that no question of principle is
involved They do not even suspect him of
pandeTing TO virtue. He assures them that in
bis judgment the Democratic party can be weld
ed into A compact and inyincible mass of
sneaIls, and nothing in his whole career-not
even the triumph of the Maynard conspiracy
has so warmed his heart as the proofs which he
is daily receiving that they agree with him.
He has been especially encouraged by his re-
spenses from the South. He had expected to
encounter hostility, or at least hesitation in
that quarter, Dut 1T looks as if his Southern
brethren were even more eager to save the coun-
try than the toiling masses of the North and
West Their fervent imagination already de-
picts the 10 TO ! idol in a comatose state, with
Just an eyelid futteripg to show that it under
stands the requirements Of the situation and re-
tans perfect confidence in the devotion of its
worshippers.
We hate TO cast shadow over this bright
and beautiful prospect but an attentive perusaI
of current news dispatches suggests an appre-
nension that the Hon Elliot Danforth forgot to
put a stamp on one of his letters, for the Hon.
William J. Bryan does not appear TO be aware
Of the arrangement. So late as Friday evening
Mr.. Bryan, being the guest of honor at ban
quet in Lincoln, Neb where only the night
before secret conclave Gf Populist leaders
had pledged pretty much everything except
their lives, their fortunes and their sacred hon
or To his cause. declared that 1--WE are now near
"enough 10 the National Convention TO feel as
'.sured that there win be considerable oppo-
Tsition 10 the reaffrmation Of the Chicago plat