The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1900-08-18
indications of Victory.

1t is nearly three months until election day,
but the indications all point strongly to an
overwhelming victory for the friends of the
Republic over the advocates Of Empire.
Every day some notable Republican espouses
the cause of the Republic, leaving behind
him the party of William the Conqueror and
Teddy the Terrible. Every day some promi-
nent Democrat who supported Mckinley on
the money issue, comes out in favor of Bryan,
the Tribune of the People and the Defender
of the Republic.
Two notable gatherings occurred at Indian
apolis this week. One was composed of gold
standard Republicans and Democrats, who
cannot sanction Mckinley policy of conquest
and empire The other was the Liberty Con-
gress of the ADti-Imperialistic League of
America, and mostly composed of Republic
cans, and entirely of persons who supported
Mckinley four years ago. At this last gath
ering the principal speakers were Ex-Gov.
Boutwell,, of Massachusetts, Gen. John Beat
ty, of Columbus, Ohio, and Edgar A. Ban
croft, of Chicago, all Republicans, and each
severely scored Mckinley and declared for
Bryan The speeches at the other gathering
were all severe on Mr.. Mckinley and his
policy of Imperialism.
Senator Wellington, of Maryland, could
not attend the Liberty Congress, as he con-
templated, but he sent telegram expressing
the hope that such measures would be taken
las will assure the defeat of the policy of i'm
perialism at the polls in November.
w. Bourke Cochran, of New York, who
supported Mckinley in 1896, could not attend
the meeting, but he sent vigorous letter, In
which he advised the support of Bryan as the
surest way to defeat imperialism. Mr.. Cock
ran. a gold standard Democrat, siumped the
country for Mckinley four years ago. He is
still for the gold-standard, but he believes
that the money issue is not now live one.
Here is an extract from his letter:
Since nobody pretended that Mr.. Bryan's
opinions on the questions raised by the Chi
cago platform of 1896 have been changed, his
refusal TO disguise them in any way is highly
creditable to his honesty, and honesty is the
first essential of patriotic Presidential service
nlr. Drytu . uhuhi oihSCic ohu vi
equivoeal advocacy of the free coinage of sill
yer forced the Republican party reluctantly to
declare in favor of the gold standard. The
result was not that which Mr.. Bryan sought;
none the less it was produced by him. Be
cause he was sincerely wrong he forced the
Republican politicians to become insincerealy
right. To this sincerity of Mr.. Bryan the
country is indebted for the opportunity to pass
sauarely and decisively upon the issue of i'm
perialism If the Republic is to be over
thrown, the assault must now be made in the
open light of day. 1t is no longer possible to
strangle it under cover of misleading aud
hypocriiical phrases. In this open fight for
liberty surely every aDii-imperialist should be
ready to bear his part. Hesitation to avail
ourselves of the leadership under which alone
opposition to Imperialism can be made effec-
tive through distrnst of the leaders views on
economic questions not now in issue would
be as senseless as hesitation to employ sur
geon on whose skill depended the sole pros
pect of life through dislike of his religious be-
Iiefs ~