Evening journal., 1900-07-07

he was self-assertive to a point closely
approaching the tone OF the average
boss in politics. He allowed # to be
understood that silver must go into the
platform in a separate declaration, that
he would not swerve a hairs breadth
from his position, and that unless the
platform was made as he directed he
would not accept the nomination
While such a spirit may commend itsell
to Mr.. Bryan's adherents in the Far
West, it is resented by many Demo
Gratis in the East who voted for him in
1896. Bossism is not liked in this Sec
tion In a national leader any more than
it is tolerated in state and city bosses
The voters OF the East cannot contem-
plate with approval any attempt to CO.
cree them, and Mr.. Bryan will be lucky
IL he loses no votes by the autocratic
attitude which he has assumed In re-
gard to the silver plank OF the Kansas
City platform. AS ex-senator Hill very
aptly observed: Just as / am opposed
to imperialism in a nation, so / am op-
posed to it in an individual. This is
Imperialism of the worst type" Mr.
Bryan would do well to reflect upon
Mr. Hills remark. II embOdies the
views of no inconsiderable number OF
Democrats in the East who are not dis
posed to swamp King Log for King
Stork
The conservative members OF the Com
mittee on Resolutions made a strong
fight against the silver plank OF the
platform and were defeated by a mar
row margin. An analysis of the vote
furnishes food for serious reflection.
Among the twenty-six members of the
committee who insisted upon a radical
silver declaration were the representa-
tlves Of Hawaii, New Mexico, Indian
Territory, Oklahoma, Arizona, Wyom-
ing, Washington, Vermont, Oregon,
North Dakota, New Hampshire, Maine
and Massachusetts. The five territories
have no electoral votes, the four New
England states are overwhelmingly
Republican, while Oregon a few weeks
ago rolled up a Republican majority OF
more than 10000 in the election OF
congressman and state officials. Wy
oming, Washington and North Dakota
have ten electoral votes, OF which Mr.
Bryan may set four. The states op-
posed to a special declaration OF silver
included such Democratic strongholds
as Texas, Virginia. North Carolina. Mis-
sissippi, Louisiana, Georgia and Flor
ida. Their views were entitled to great
er consideration than five territories.
which have no electoral votes, and the
New England States. which will return
big majorities for Mckinley. More
over, some OF the states which Mr.
Bryan must carry in order to be elect
ed voted in committee against a reiter-
alton of the silver issue. New York
New Jersey, California, Connecticut
Illinois. Indiana, Maryland. Michigan
Minnesota, Ohio and West Virginia
urged that they be given a fighting
chance on a moderate platform, but
their wishes were ignored and greater
weight was attached to the representa-
tiOns OF Mr.. Bryans supporters from
the territories, from small Western
states which will probably return Re.
publican majorities, and New England
States which are conceded to Mckinley
The action OF the convention would be
amusing II it did not involve the fate
OF a great political party.
In recognizing Imperialism, militar.
ism, trusts and the questions growing
out OF the war with Spain as the lead
ing issues of the presidential contest
the Committee on Resolutions and the
] A0hN NAAAOAA nave EMOMM AAdL NDtN dit
not wholly ignorant OF the situation
To what extent this will Offset the dec
laration for silver will not be known
until the votes are counted on election
/ day. The people of the United States
have never had an opportunity to vot,
upon the question OF Imperialism up
connected with any other issue, and 4
is to be regretted that they will no
! hnWa fhfc in, IL
silver is in the Kansas City platform
the Republicans may be relied upon Il
make the most Of IL, and the voters will
be told that a vote against McKinle!
is vote against the gold standard. AM
may lead to disastrous results. So
thanks to Mr.. Bryan, the battle of 1S9
will be fought over again in some mea
4 sure this year, and a straight poll of tn
nation on the issue OF imperialism
without reference to any other issue /
out OF the question. 1t is true there ar
many voters-how many remains to b
u seen-who believe that imperialism
! would do greater injury to the countr
than the financial system advocated b
Mr.. Bryan. Whether these voters hol
the balance OF power between Mr. Bry
an and Mr.. Mckinley, whether the
the latter, will not be known until eleC
tion day. AS it is, the situation now
confused and complicated through MI
Bryan's insistence upon a silver declaI
! alton.
! The Sun does not believe that Nj
I Bryan could bring about a radicl
p change in our financial system if h
/ should be elected president 1t believe
E that the Republican majority in tn
r Senate would maintain the gold stanC
! ard against any assaults which NJ
! Bryan might be tempted to make upo
81 it. But il is idle TO deny that theI
e. are voters who are not inclined to tab
r any risks, and while Mr.. Bryan migl
p have secured their support upon a COZ
p servative platform. it is to be feare
that they will accept his challenge. Z
in 1896, and oppose his election to II
. bitter end. Mr.. Bryan had 1t in h
I. power tOsecure the support Of that Lara
e element in his party which he ALLEVIATE
p four years ago. but he has been unwil
s ing to make any Of the concession
S which ordinary prudence and pOlitic
sagacity should have directed withol
L abandonment OF principle. Appareh
= ly he hes been more concerned abOl