Willmar tribune., 1900-12-26
]. THE PARTY'S FUTURE.
Ex-Prestdent~ Cleveland Writes an
Interesting Article ON the
sy's% Democracy.

/ Philadelphia, Dec. 2O.-Former Pres
ldent Grover Cleveland contributes to
this weeks issue of the Saturday
Evening Post, of Philadelphia, an ex-
tended article on the plight of the de-.
mocracy and the remedy. Mr. Cleveland
begins by retrieving the history OF
the party, and he discusses it's de-
feats since 1864 in detail. In taking
up the question of the present condi-
tions of the democracy he says that
the success of the party in 1892 was
so decisive and overwhelming that a
long continuance of it's supremacy
was anticipated. Then came 'the
fallacy of free silver and populism.' -
He proceeds:
The elimination of democratic woe was
reached when its compact with these un-
democratic forces was complete, and when
our rank and file were summoned to do
Oattle under banners which bore strange
symbols and were held aloft in unfamiliar
nancs. The result of such betrayal was
Ioredoomed. This abandonment of the
principles of true democracy, this con-
temptuous disobedience of it's traditions,
and this deliberate violation of the law of
us strength and vigor, were by decree
oy the inevitable punishment of stunning,
staggering defeat.
Inc disaster of 1872, invited by similar
mao adventure, was quickly followed by a
return TO the professions and practices of
sane democracy. But the extent and per-
slstence OF our wanderings in 1896 is Illus
trated IN most astounding way by, the
command issued on the day of our rout
ana discontinue, that second battle
should be fought on the same field, with
the same talse war cries and the same lead
ersh1p that had brought us to the sur
rounding gloom of defeat"
Again he says: "Thus in 1900 the lesson
OF 1886 was contemptuously rejected, and
every hope of democratic success was will
1ulIy cast aside. Again, our long suffering
rank and file, whose loyalty and obedi-
ence deserved better things, were sacri.
nced IN cause theirs only In name; and
again 1t was demonstrated, but more clear
~ than ever before, that the only forces
| that can win democratic success are ad-
herence to recognized democratic principles
and reliance upon democratic councils and
leadership.
why should we not return to these, and
IN their name again achieve victories nc
less glorious and renowned than were ours
| In the days of courageous advocacy of our
| time-honored faith? Are our principles
SO shop-Worn or antiquated as to require
| renovation, or their displacement by others
more fashionable? There is not an honest
democrat in this broad land that will con-
cede these things, nor is there one who
would not hail the proclamation Of the old
faith with that fighting enthusiasm that
foretokens democratic triumph. AS new
| conditions arise, our principles must be ap-
piled to them; but in the creed that has
guided us through a century of party ex-
istence we shall find the key to every such
applications; nor shall we need the lexicon
OF populism to aid us in interpreting this
creed"
Further on he declares: II believe nc
democrat will have the hardihood to deny
| that we have fought our last two campaigns
IN alliance with uHdemocratic forces and
that this alliance was immensely costly in
defeat. Is there not good reason to sup
pose that even in success such an alliance
| would have proved Improbable and dan.
gerous?'
He breaches the return of democracy te
its old faith. saying: "Sincere democrats
| OF every condition and in every part OF
the land realize that the situati ton of the
| party needs repair. Reorganization is moi
necessary; but a return from our wan.
| dering is absolutely essential. Let us be
| frank with ourselves and candidly &C.
knowledge the futility of attempting tc
gain democratic victories except in the
| methods. Reorganization is worse thar
useless; and the arrogation Of superior
party virtue will breed only mischief. This
is a time for bSE-thought, tolerant lam
guage and fraternal counsels. We are deal.
ing with the condition of party that can.
| not be destroyed by external foes; and
| since its ruin can be wrought only from
within, 1t should be imperishable. Above
all things, there should be a manly renun.
citation and avoidance of undue sectiona
! control. Democracy will not operate ef-
| ticiently on sectional lines.
81 There is much for US to do; and the fu-
ture is full of democratic duty and oppor-
tunity Our fighting forces will respond
! Estlessly and falteringly If summoned to a
third defeat in a strange cause; but if they
hear the rallying cry of true democracy
| they will gather for battle with old time
democratic enthusiasm and courage.
| If should attempt to epitomize what ]
have written, by suggesting plan for the
| rehabilitation and restoration of true de.
| mocracy, should embody it in these words
| Give the rank and file chance,'"