Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1900-06-14
Admiral DcwcN,s Attitude.

In view of tho popular demonstrations
which have greeted Admiral Dewey dur
ing his latest western tour, it is not
strange that he should regard his political
chances as cncourag inC. 1t is evident from
his recent utteranccs that he has learned
rafidly in relation TO politics, since he first
announced his candidacy, and his latest
replies to interViewers have been as tact
full as the answers from an experienced
politician could we'll he. while the fact
that he is not a professional politician
would naturally gain favor for him with
many people.
Just before starting out from Washing
ton he stated to a newspaper man that it
had always been his ambition to serve the
country in whatever way it desired, and
this was interpreted that he would not he
averse TO a nomination for the Nice-Prcs-
idency on the ticket with Bryan. Whcth
er or not this liz the case Admiral Dewcy's
statement has plainly tended to concilate
those who feared his ambition might in
terfcre with Bryan's plans for they re-
alize he would make a popular candidate
for the Nice-Presidency
1t is also evident that Admiral Dewey
is giving careful thought to politics. He
shows that he is having the counsel Of
men prominent in public affairs who thor
ouEhly understand the political situation
and can discuss the situation without
putting his foot in it." When asked ~
a Western newspaper man what he
thought the Kansas City platform should
lie the admiral replied that presidential
candidates do not make platforms. This
answer was thoroughly diplomatic, and
yet it might be interpreted a renuke
for Bryan who has assumed to dictate to
the entire democratic party, and has prac-
tically formulated the planks which will
be made the basis of the democratic cam
psign.
when pressed to state his position with
reference to the presidency he is said TO
have replied that he occupied the same
position as he did three months ago. Con-
tinuing he said: IF the people want me-
ana say So | will accept the nomination
or the Kansas City platform. 1t is moth
ing to be ashamed of to be a presidential
candidate or to desire that honor
1t is not improbable that by the time the
Kansas City Convention convenes the
democrats of the Bryan brand will be glad
to take advantage of any opportunity that
may present itself to strengthen their
ticket, even to the nomination of Admiral
Dewey for second place on their ticket.
With the populists going in one direction.
the social democrats in another the gold
democrats in a third, and Mr. Cleveland $
friends talllinS of the formation OF a new
party Of democratic persuasion under an
other name, it is time for the Bryanites
to consider how their strength is to COM
pare in 1900 with what it was in 1896 when
popooracy embraced both democrats and
populists.
Many admirers of Admiral Dewey will
sincerely hope that he will not allow his
name to be htChed to the tail of the Bry-
ante kite, but it is easy to see that the
democrats might be glad to profit by the
use of his cnviabe reputation in the cam
palgn. and judging from what he has said
he will serve in whatever capacity the
people may desire him to act.