Omaha daily bee., 1900-12-29
REPUBLICAN SOLIDARITY.
The Debate on Pending Measures of
Party Policy.
Philadelphia Press

Philadelphia Press.
A few so-called independent newspapers
are discussing the effect the failure or sue
cess of certain bills pending in congress
may have on the future of the republican
party. They are moved to this discussion
by the free and frank dissent expressed by
some leading republicans and newspapers
from the policy proposed and urged on some
important public questions. This difference
of opinion is interpreted as foreshadowing
party disintegration and many sage prophe-
cies of future political alignments are pre-
dicted on It,
Similar discussions have been INDUCED
in before and predictions as wise as those
now uttered have been made by the same
authorities Such discussions invariably
relieve the political monotony following
general election and conclusions reached
in the past were as near the truth as those
now drawn. The democratic leaders built
strong hopes last spring on the candidly
expressed dissent of some leading repub-
lican newspapers from the policy adopted
by the administration. They argued that
after differing so openly 1t would be i'm
possible for these newspapers to support
their party's ticket and that such defec-
tion meant defeat for the republican party.
But when the campaign began every one of
these newspapers was found in line work.
ing heartily for the republican candidates
and policies.
The result will be the same with the
dissent expressed now and on which some
interested authorities are building so many
hopes The fact which these prophets do
not take into account is the freedom Of
opinion permitted in the republican party.
There Is no such restraint on discussion
and argument as there is in the democratic
party. Dissent is welcomed IL sincerely
expressed and an exhaustive debate of all
questions Is encouraged. As consequence
when the time comes for decision the party
is thoroughly informed and can make it's
choice wisely. The public confidence is also
| Increased in a party which permits such
| freedom Of discussio and places no re-
straint on the expression of opinion. And
the party's solidarity has not been dis
| turbed
| 1t will not be disturbed now. Honest
utterances of sentiment will be freely in
dulged in and those who differ from policies
proposed will have full and fair opportuni-
ties for debate, All sides will be listened
| to patiently and their arguments heard and
duly weighed But when the plan to be
pursued has been decided upon there will
be just as ready and hearty an acquiesc encs
as II no difference had found utterauce
The fact which the Projectors and probably
wishers for republican disintegration fail
to take into account Is that there Is an
agreement in the republican ranks on GER
tain fundamental principles, as there must
be in every well-organized party, but an
honest difference at times as to how those
principles are to be applied. But the party
is SO sure of this common ground that II
not only admits but invites discussion as
to it's methods and policies.
That Is all there Is to the present deba Il
as to certain proposed measures. and those
who hope to gain political advantage from
the discussion will meet the same discour
agement they have in the past The re
publican party has more solidarity toda,
and shows fewer signs OF disintegratior
than at any time since It hrst came int
existence.