The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1900-03-17
Mr.. Bryan's Chances.

From the Washington ID. c. Post Administration.
Assuming tha: Hon. William J. Bryan
will be the Democratic nominee this year,
and there seems little doubt of it at the pres
ent moment, let us cast his horoscope, so far
as that may be possible in the lights before
ms. The campaign is close at hand. Within
four months both tickets and platforms will be
before the people. We all recall the clrcum-
stances of 1896 What will be the situation,
and what the prospects, in this year of our
Lord, 1900?
Four years ago Mr.. Bryan stood for what
many regarded AS a propaganda of anarchy.
The silver plank in the Chicago platform,
which was unfortunately for the Democrats,
made the most conspicuous and threatening
feature of the conflict, enabled the orators
and organs Of the capitalistic combinations OF
the country to proclaim that Bryan's sue
cess meant dishonest money, the degra-
dation of the dollar, and the robbery OF
the horny handed son of toll. What dread
full pictures were drawn OF the consequences
of Democratic success, it is now impossible to
adequately describe. The wreck Of enterprise
and industry, the ruin of the poor man, the
determination of agriculture, and the dawn OF
a hellborn carnival-these were only few of
the grewSome prospects dangled before the
eyes ofthe ignorant and timid voter. News
papers ranted about the fifty dollar, >
stump speakers brayed and howled over the
infamy Of paying the laborer only half his
wages. Pensioners, persons depending upon
limited annuities, all the swarms of the
salaried, we're told that they tottered on the
brink of penury Never was there so simple
and so sharply defined an issue, and never
was the opportunity for blatant and insensate
outcry so inviting. We all remember how it
ended
But what difference now The Republ-
cans themselves have deliberately removed
the hugaboo OF free silver from their property
room. The enaction Of the law fixing the
gold standard rs part Of our national policy
makes silver coinage impossible for at least
six years to come. No manufacturer or
capitalist or great merchant or employer need
be frightened into heavy contribution to the
Republican campaign fund. Were Bryan to
be chosen President next November, and were
a Democratic House to be elected sImultane-
ously, the peril of free silver. ike that of free
trade, would he no nearer or more real than
ii Is at this moment. There would still be q
majority in the Senate capable Of preventing
either calamity, and no power at the disposal
OF the Executive TO overcome the obstacle.
Those two grisly Nightmares no longer throng
the atmosphere. No one outside Of nurseries
and aSylums can now be frightened by these
bnckram spooks.
On the other hand what strength has the
Republican party gained 10 offset tins loss Of
weakness by the Democracy Very little, we
fear The splendid and successful conduct OF
the war with Spain has been sadly clouded by
the scandals Of miSmanagemeni and favor
iiism. which attended that glorious consaul.
nation. The course of the administration
with reference to Cuba and the Philippines
has lost the party many stout aud potent
friends. The strange policy recently adopted
toward Porto Rico has outraged practically
the eatire country. The Hay Pauncefote
treaty bias till further impaired Mr.. Mckin-
ley's prestige, and the rumored purpose Of the
President 20 compel It's ratification viii, Il II
should be realized. not only discredil the gov
ernmeni. but bring contempt aud od'unl upon
the party. la a word, the situation, as i
seems 10 AS. IS far more favorable 20 Mr.
Rryan and fsr less 50 10 Mr. Mckinley than i
vas iDsr years ago.
gbai will happen within the next siN
months, Is j. rot tor US 60 proiihesy. We dea
with the facts they are NJ this moment. II
our opinion, the Republican party has los
erusna to an alarming extent within the pas
three months. It's best friends and ablest ex
tsoneuts have not been able to explain the he
travail Of our national integrity involved IN the
Hay- Pauncefote treaty, or to defend the bas
lailh aud cruelty involved in our treatment Q
Porto Rieo We SAY nothing Of the stupid
mismanagemeat in Cuba and the Philippines
the ugly and appalling suspicious current wiil
reference TO bath them aud Porto Rico
/ Having no certainty, we speak no word. bu
We assert. without fear or contradiction, thai
/ the administration is daily losing strength OF
/ all these scores. and We know, Tor a certainty
( tha, thousands Of men who, four years ago
regarded Mr. Bryan with terror and aversion
now consider him fayorably IS the lesser o
tw0 evils.