The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1900-01-20
Mr.. siblsy's Courage.

MIA, who was prominently spoken Of In
1895 as Democratic candidate for vice
president, and who some months ago
surprised his Bryanite friends by re-
nouncing the free silver fanatIcIsm Of
the Democratic party treated the
Democracy In the house Of representa-
tives and the country at large to an
other awakening to the helpless condi-
tlon the party is in at this time for an
issue with which to go before the peo-
pie In the coming campaign. The occa-
sion which inspired his fearless re-
marks was the discussion Of Secretary
Cages actions during the recent incipl-
emit panic in New York financial circles,
and during which he ably defended the
secretary Of the treasury to the con-
sternatlon and chagrin OF his Demo-
cratic colleagues.
Being twitted by the Hon. Champ
Clark, Of Missouri. who does more
champIng than he does thinking, on his
former silver record, Mr.. slbley came
back at the Mlssourian to his great dis
comfiture when he said: "a cause may
be sacred in one hour and ridiculous at
a later period. believe that II we elect
Democratic President in the year
1900 that mans term will come and ex-
pIre without the possibility Of writing
one line in the federal statutes Of the
nation contrary to the viii OF the Re
publican majority insured for six years
in the United States senate. / am not
fighting because love to fight, but l
want, SO far as 1 can. to do something
practical and something helpful. When
my friend commends me to take my
seat on the other side of the chamber.
located here us pleasantly as l am"
said Representative sibley, looking
around at a group of Democrats near
him, hearing his speech in astonish-
ment, with good friends and neigh
bors who overlook my idiosyncrasies, 1
do not know that 1 shall accept that
invitation, but, Mr.. Chairman, II do, l
shall not feel altogether out Of place.
Why, 1 have sometimes thought here is
the east and over there the morning
sunshine, and they catch 1t over there
early; and think sometimes we do not
get the sunlight in our faces until 4
o'clock In the afternoon, just about as
1t is going down"
The Republicans, who sit on the west
aldo of the hall. cheered loudly at this
sally, and Representative slbley, bow
ing graciously, added: II think II the
Democratic party is going to achieve
success, or deserve It, 1t has got to have
policy of its own, to do something be-
sides carp and find fault" Then the
Republicans applauded loudly, and
Representative slbley in still firmer
tones turned to face his Democratic
colleagues. Announce your policy, an
nounce your measures, and If they
commend themselves to my reason and
1 believe in their tendency and they
make for the uplifting of the country
and humanity" he said, II will keep
step as near the front ranks as 1 know
how, but II you invite me 10 HneTe
banquet of carplng and crlticisins and
finding fault, you will excuse me If do
not so along"
How neatly Mr.. slbley has sized up
the party of negadon. Has 1t not been
forever criticlsing and never COM
mending; has 1t not always been en-
gagged in attempting to destroy good
works and never engaged in construc-
ton? 1t hes. Mr.. sibley as member
of that aggregation of irritating and
demoralizing fault-fnders knows its
weakness. He sees the light, and is in
telligent enough brave enough to repu-
dlate its vicious doctrines and leave 1T
to sip the tea Of discomfort while the
Bryan sewing circle repatches the
crazy-qullt Chicago platform.