New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-06-28
THE RATIFICATION.

The purpose of a ratification meeting is to
radfy, to record an intention to support ticket
and stir up the enthusiasm and loyalty OF the
rank and file of party with a view to getting
a campaign Under way. Seldom is IL an at
tempt to reach the reason of the doubtful voters
its purpose usually being to consolidate the In
terest of assured supporters. The Carnegie Hall
meeting of Tuesday was in some respects in
contrast with this general rule. Its speeches
were a higher plane than usual were devoted
less to the conventional phrases of politics, and
appealed to the reason not only of the party
workers anxious for an account of the faith
that is in Them but of Independent thinking
men critical Of policies and arguments.
President Lows address was a direct mod
crate, common sense presentation of the claims
Of the Republican party to the support Of patri-
otto citizens. AS he himself has not hesitated
to differ from his party when in his opinion at
any particular time its policy with reference to
CITY, State or Nation was not wise, his words
are of special weight. His sane view of the
questions growing out of the Spanish war are
of particular interest The opposition, which
seeks to create the impression that there is
something jingoish and adventurous in expan-
sion which educated conservative thinkers can
not approve, will find his arguments a serious
obstacle IN its path. He makes no appeal to
glory" he does not pretend that every step
taken has been absolutely wise but he does
say, what is eminently true and calculated to
win favor with impartial thinking men, that
the Republican party faces these new and diff
1cult problems with a deep sense of their i'm
portance and a capacity and adaptability for
solving them which its opponents do not pos
sess. He is right in declaring that ''the Repub-
'lcan party wished and sought for these new
Responsibilities more than other Americans,
"but it accepts them without hesitation because
convinced that that way lies the path Of Ma
"tional duty" The Spanish war. as everybody
knows, was entered upon reluctantly by the
Republicans in power, who up to the last mo-
ment hoped the problem might be solved peace
fully. Once plunged into that war, there was
nothing TO be done but meet the responsibilities
imposed and Mr. Bryan himself favored the
treaty giving us the territories which Mr.
Mckinley is abused as a tyrant for retaining
On this phase of the question Senator For
aker spoke most Convincingly showing how
Dewey could not, as the ant-expansionists
have complained was his duty sail away after
destroying the Spanish feet, and so avoid the
complications resulting from occupation. He
also met the assertion that the Republicans can
claim no credit for prosperity by figures show
ing how that prosperity had been promoted not
merely by sentimental relief over the defeat of
silver or by the great crops, but by positive
legislation Of the Republicans, TO which bust
ness conditions promptly responded Senator
Depew also, with wealth of illustration and
incident, reviewed the policies of the two par
ties AS he made clear, even the pet evils of
Democratic campaigners can be met better by
Republicans than by Democrats.
Attention was largely concentrated on the
issues, for the candidates themselves needed no
eulOgies to arouse enthusiasm Their lives were
familiar history. Nobody called on to de-
fend their character or patriotism. About their
policies men may differ and arguments like
those at Carnegie Hall are eagerly listened to,
but the candidates are open to opposition solely
on the questions of craftsmanship, which can
happily be discussed through the campaign on
the high plane OF Tuesdays meeting.