Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-11-07
Now for the Family Row.

The American voters yesterday signed the
death certificate of Organism as a COM
handing factor in national politics. Bry-
anism has for five years dominated the
democracy. despite the protests of some of
the ablest leaders of the party, and, at
tested by the votes cast in 1896 and again
yesterday. by a majority of the people.
There comes now the necessity for a DEM
ocratic administration of the political es-
tate of Mr.. Bryan and his following and
doctrines. What shall the division be?
1t is easy to foresee a struggle among the
heirs. Old line democrats will seek to
bury with the politically deceased it's Pc
culiar, radical principles which made the
Chicago platform foul affront to the peo-
pie in 1896 and 1900. If unable to do this.
they will make no claim to these belong
ings Of Organism, but will leave them to
the populstic socialistic and anarchistic
heirs.
But the struggle over the effects after
all will not be so violent as will that over
the title to the homestead. Here is where
the claimants as heirs are destined to fall
out, with but faint chance of effecting an
ultimate compromise. They are almost GER
tain to carry the issue into the great court
of the electorate and to compel a choice be-
the democracy and each asserting itself to
be the only and the true brand
For his part Mr.. Bryan is not at all ant to
admit that he is dead. He is not likely to
find himself suddenly and wholly deserted
by followers or coleaders. The free coinage
proposition for which he prominently stands
has other supporters, as earnest and I'M
compromising as himself. That issue alone
hi u
He is natural fighter aggressive, fluent,
ready. shifty and indomitable. He is no
gutter, and he is not expected to yield
now. even after two defeats With the free
silver cry as a shibboleth and the Chicago
platform as a gathering ground he stands
today a fair chance to assemble a party
representative of the radical elements, the
dissatisfied, the propagandists, the REFORM
ers of all stripes.
Against this party is likely to form re-
organized democracy, under the guidance of
such men as German, Harrity, Hill, Whit
ney, Mclean, Olney and others who, wheth-
er they accepted Organism this year or in
1896 or not, are even yet democrats of high
repute and great influence in their own
circles and states. The question most in
teresting to the student of the political
future is whether such an organization, If
1t succeeds in winning the name and pres
tige Of the regular democracy, will hold
enough of the radical elements of the de-
mocracy Of 1s96-19OO to enable it to pre-
sent formidable front at the polls in 1891
1t will be to the best interests of the ma
ton If such be the event. 1t is not to the
public good that the menace of Organism
be continued in force. Therefore the coun-
try at large, even while resting assured of
continuation Of prosperity and sane gov
eminent as result of yesterdays voting,
Is deeply concerned in this conflict which
the election will surely precipitate Re-
gardless Of party the American people will
watch with interest the family quarrel
OF the popo-democrats until the time comes
again to concentrate attention upon clear
cut. honest issues, presented by well-deflned
parties representative Of a marked cleavage
Of opinion.