Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1900-03-29
THURSDAY, MARCH %, 1900.
POPULISTlC CROW.

There can no longer be doubt that
it is the purpose of Mr.. Bryan to feed
the Democracy ON Populistic crow at
the approaching Presidential election. 1t
there had ever been any doubt Of such
purpose that doubt has been removed by
the platform adopted by the Nebraska
Democrats at their State convention on
the 10Th inst. 1t is an admitted fact
that Mr.. Bryan was present when the
platform was constructed, and is sup
posed to be the master-builder who al.
rected its arrangement, perhaps the
architect. His speech in the convention
after the platform was adopted is proof
of the fact that he is in sympathy with
It's declarations. The remark Of Sena
tor Jones, who is chairman Of the Nation
al Democratic Committee, that tie plat
form sis on the whole fair declaration
of Democratic principles" shows that
such platform was anticipated and that
it will be accepted by the National De-
mocracy at the dictatlon of Mr.. Bryan.
The Nebraska platform re-affirms the
Chicago platform and has added to 1t
all the new fake issues that Mr.. Bryan
has succeeded in bringing into notice by
the use of bis wide.mouthed drag-net Ii
has also some of the Populist doctrines
that the Democrats have heretofore been
unwilling or not brave enough to embody
in their declarations of principles. The
old Populist doctrine, "the initiative
and referendum" is made conspicuous
plank. Speaking of this Senator Jones
says: 1.-The initiative and referendum
is something new in a Democratic plat
firm, but 1 am not prepared to say that
it is an unwise invocation"
1t is evidently the intention of Mr..
BRYAN to have the National Democratic
platform made at Kansas City modelled
after the Nebraska platform. His con-
nection with the creation of the one Is
proof positive of his resolve as to the
quality OF the other. 1t may be possible
that the earnest pleas of less ultra leaders
in the Democratic party, or the mu'ter-
ings of Giscontent that are now heard
in the ranks, may cause a change in his
intentions; but the approval Of such eX-
tremists as Senators Jones and Tillman,
Altgeld, and of the Socialistc and Popu-
listlc leaders who enjoy the confidence
and sympathy of Mr.. Bryan, will be more
potential in shaping lis conduct than
will the more conservative leaders of the
Democracy or the GROWERS in the ranks.
As to what Mr.. Rryans object can be
IN going before the American people on
a platform more extreme and dangerous
than the Chicago platform Of 1896 Is
only matter of conjecture Whilst
We have never regarded him as a states
man or man of sound judgment We
have never regarded him as a fool. 1t
cannot be possible that he is vain or silly
enough to even imagine that the people
of this country will become SO insane as
to ever make him Chief Executive of the
Nation and let the government be turned
into Populst circus. He must realize
that he is playing the role CT an agitator
and demagogue and that as such he will
only become distinguished. The more
ridiculous and extreme the doctrines lie
advocates the more conspicuous and no
torious he will become. 10 our mind it
is notoriety Mr.. Bryan is hunting for.
Will the Democrats eat the Populistc
crow? Yes. Many of them are now
gagging, even in anticipation Of the diet
which they will be directed to eat. a
few may refuse to swallow 1t, but the
most of them will gulp it down, smack
their lips, and say cit is good" Among
the various accomplishments Of the De-
mocracy none has been more conspicu-
Gus than its capacity for crow eating.
Mr.. Bryan knows this fact, and as the
stew he is determined to place before
them at Kansas City is to be an unusual
" repulsive one, he has concluded to put
his guests for a few months in training,
knowing full well that the Democratic
stomach will adjust itself to any situation
or any diet that may be spread before
it.