Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1900-11-10
THE DEFEAT OF BRYAN.

THE DEFEAT OF BRYAN.
AS the result of last Tuesdays elec-
ton, the Democratic party goes down
in defeat, and one Of the noblest, pur-
est and ablest Americans Of the gene
ration loses his second opportunity Of
becoming president Of the United
States.
For the Republican landslide many
reasons have been assigned. Most Of
the prominent leaders have different
opinions. Some gold Democrats who
affiliated with the party during the
present campaign, think that the mon
ey interests Of the country were afraid
Of free silver possibilities. Other DEM
ocrats who have all along been in full
accord with the party, attribute the
result to the successful issue Of the
Spanish war, and the flush times that
have existed since. They say there Is
a disposition to let well enough alone.
Some few Democratic newspapers say
that the proposition Of the Democrats
to abandon the Philippines, had much
to do with the verdict Of the country;
and still others attribute the whole
trouble to the power Of money.
We believe all these things had more
or less to do with the result; but Of
them all, the alleged fear Of free sill
yer and the use Of corruption money
cut the smallest figure. There were
hardly as many votes lost through
lack Of confidence in Mr.. Bryan's prin-
ciples, as were bought with corruption
money. The deflections on both OF
these accounts were not sufficient, in
our opinion, to amount to half dozen
electoral votes.
More than any one thing, the expan-
sion question probably figured. AS the
result of the war with Spain, we fell
heir to the Philippine islands. We did
not want these islands then-neither
party wanted them. When it began
to dawn upon the world. however, that
Spain, deprived Of her standing as a
world power and without navy, would
no longer be able to retain them, there
came a question as to who should sue
ceed to their sovereignty. The idea Of
independence for the Filipinos was as
absurd then as it. is now. They are
people who have to be governed. Their
sovereignty in the hands Of strong
nation carries the key to the trade OF
Eastern Asia. It was plain that no one
of the other great powers could be per-
mitted to assume this sovereignty
without danger Of disadvantage to the
United States. Common sense dictated
the policy Of the United States in the
matter, and the administration wisely
determined to hold on to the new ac-
QUESTION.
Although we did not think so at the
time, we have since come to the con-
clusion that the Democratic party made
it's fatal mistake, SO far as the present
campaign was concerned, when it de-
cided to oppose retention Of the Phil
ippines. With his remarkable ability
as statesman, Mr.. Bryan saw through
the whole situation from the first. 1t
was apparent to him that there was no
other wise course to pursue, and he did
his utmost to convince his associates
among the party leaders. Failing in
this, like a good Democrat, he yielded
to the will of the majority and did his
best to make the most Of a blunder for
which he was in no wise responsible.
1t is not likely that the so-called par
amount issue is entirely responsible
for the defeat Of Mr.. Bryan; but we
believe that the party has suffered
more on account Of 1t than on account
Of any other one thing.
Although Mr.. Bryan is defeated he
Is not buried. Such a man as he is
cannot be and will not be laid on the
shelf. 1t is not impossible that he may
yet be called to the presidency Of the
United States.