The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1900-04-19

New York. AprtlV19.-There Were some
strange things politically about the
Jefferson dinner Of the Brooklyn DEM
ocratic Club in the Germania Club
house In Brooklyn last night. 1t was, In
accordance with the declared purpose
of its promoters. against Bryan and sill
Yer In its sentiment. 1t was the occa-
sion for declaration on public ques-
tions by former President Cleveland. 1t
was the occasion of the naming of Au-
gustus Van Wyck as presidential can
didate by Judge Joseph J. WilIett of
Alabama.
From a purely local standpoint. II
was .somewhat of a frost. There were
only lilo diners I'm the banquet hall. and
among them was none OF the Demo-
cratic local leaders. The Willoughby
street organization held aloof, and
Thomas Il. Pearsall and few minor
lights were its only Representatives Ed
ward NJ. Shepard sent a letter giving
indlsposition as the cause of his alb
sence. Perry Belmont also sent dis
patch, in which he explained that he
had missed a train at Albany, having
had luncheon with David Il. Hill. Many
OF the diners were from Manhattan.
members of the Commercial Travellers
and Hotel Mems Antitrust League.
Something Of a stir was caused by the
entrance OF a nephew of Admiral Dew
ey. Mr. Dewey said he was present
merely as a private citizen, and did
not want his name mentioned In con-
nection with the affair.
Grover Cleveiand's Letter was read by
the president of the club, A. II. East
mond. 1t was uproariously applauded
by all diners, and was as follows:
Princeton. N. j., April 12 1900.
Louis II. Burchard. Chairman, etc
Dear Sir: / regret that ! am unable to
accept your Invitation to attend the
dinner TO be given by the Brooklyn
Democratic Club on the 18th inst, to
commemorate the birth of Thomas JEFF
ferson.
When those who profess the Demo-
cratic faith met to celebrate the birth
of the man who first gave that faith
a distinct formulation, their pride in
the achievements and triumphs OF the
party which he founded should not en-
tirely displace all thought OF Its present
situation, and the conditions which. in
the light OF experience, appear 10 be
essential 10 its success.
Though the faults of the party in
power are many. y.and though its offences
against the political health and safety
of the country are fiagrant, these
things should not encourage us to base
an expectation Of success and a hope
for the restoration of wholesome ad-
ministration upon the shortcomings or
our adversaries. We should too well un-
derstand their ability TO attach to their
fortunes the powerful contingent OF sell
fish interests. TO place confident reliance
upon the weakness which ought to be
the penalty OF their zrInisdeeds.
Besides. none of us can close our eyes
10 the fact. that the Democratic party
IS only formidable in its own strength.
m lxxi victories
been found to depend upon sturdy
and consistent adherence to It's time
honored principles which have proved
sufficient TO meet every emergency or
our national life. Whatever successes
may have attended party OF opportu-
nity. with sails spread for every tran
sient breeze OF popular sentiment or
excitement. experience has abundantiy
demonstrated tnat Democracy Is so
constituted that II Is only strong wnen
courageous in the right. and only Vlcto.
rious when its forces are marshalled
under it's old and well recognized stand
ards. n..k
our principles are so simple. and they
accord so we'll with the honest Ameri-
can disposition which loves freeuon
and care for the public welfare, that
they are easily understood by the DEM
ocratic masses. As "a result or TINS.
there has never been time when false
leadership Of our party and departure
from simple Democratic fan N have not
been quickly discovered and ruthlessly
rebuked by listless SUPPORT. pronounced
detection and bitter defeat. These con-
sequences have thus far been 80 in
evitabIe that the lessons they teach
cannot be disregarded without fnvitins
calamity.
The healthfulness Of our party may
well be questioned when il shrinks from
such an examination OF hts posi- ion as
will enable Il to avoid disaster. by
keeping In a course Of safety, under the
guidance OF trne Democracy.
Therefore, those who claim to be fol-
lowers of Thomas Jefferson will fail to