The Democratic advocate., 1900-07-14

The nominations of Bryan and Stevenson
were as strong as could possibly be made by
the Democratic party. No Democrat on any
kind of a platform could have carried any
New England State or Pennsylvania. New
York is always debateable state in pres-
DENTAL election, and New Jersey seems to
have drifted to the Republican party in re-
cent wears. Maryland and Delaware are
naturally Democratic, aud while many Demo-
Gratis in both states are more welded to dol
lars than to principles, both are more likely
to give their electoral votes to the Democratic
ticket than to the Republican.
The great battle ground will be IN the
Middle west-in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois,
Michigan and Minnesota. These are the
states that will determine the contest and 1t
was essential that ticket and platform be
made to suit the Democracy of these large
commonwealths. The South will be sohdly
for the ticket. Several of the Western states,
including California, are more Democratic
than doubtful. The East is hopelessiy Re
publican, except Maryland and Delaware,
and probably New York, leaving the Middle
West the great battle ground. No Demo-
crat, except Bryan, was mentioned for the
nomination for President and had the money
issue been omitted from the platform, there
would have been no great change of electoral
votes in the East with Bryan as the nominee.
While the Eastern states are all likely 10
MaK,nlav art
Maryland and Delaware, aad probably New
York, the Republican ticket will not have n
walk.over as it had in 1896. The money
question is n domestic one, which can be
dealt with whenever the people elect q
President and Congress to effect change
1t is not living issue, because there can be
no change during the term of the next presi-
dency, aud this fact is known of all men, ex-
cept few who are too blind to see-the men
who worship the dollar, who place the dollar
before all principle or patriotism, and who
would sacrifice the youth of the country in
expanding our territory that dollar may be
gained.
This Glass; however, is not so numerous.
When the free coinage of gold and silver was
the sole issue four years ago, many thousands
of Democrats voted for Mckinley. When
that issue was beaten the most of these re-
turned to the party again, and the bulk OF
them will be found with the party this
year, for they know the money question is
settled for four years at least, and that there
is uppermost now the question of Republic vs..
Empire The country is at the turning point.
Men must choose between a Republic and
freedom, for which the blood of their fore
Iatuers was sucu, an 1uipIre anu slavery, :,
in reality, for which the Hanna Nd Kinley Ad-
minisration is sacrificing the youth of the
present iu an effort to subdue and govern I'M
willing peoples Should Mckinley and his
warrior assocate be elected, the strong hand
of the government will be felt at home as well
as in the colonies. Life, liberty and happi-
ness will depend not upon constitutional
right, but upoa the grace Of the Hanna Nc
Kinley Administration. An increased army,
with an ever-increasing pension list; navy
unrivaled in number of ships and strength OF
batteries, international controversies and con
ficts; perpetual wars and sacrifice of lives;
ever-enlarging debt and increase Of taxation;
trusts more exorbitant in exaction Of profits
government by injunction; denial of the rights
of free citizenship--al these and more will
result from another lease of power TO the
Hanna Mckinley combine. Between this
and the Republic founded by Washington,
jefferson, Madison and Monroe, and fosiered
by jackson and long line of patriotic and
wise statesmen, the people must choose.
The Demoerct who haggles about ratios, while
the Republic is in danger, is more welded to
his dollars than patriotic. The Democrat
who holds aloof from his party, because of q
baseless fear that the purchasing power of his
dollar may be lessened, is more sordid than
sensible. Let all such reason moment and
they vii! discover their fears are entirely
groundless Then let him think of the sacri.
Hces in blood and treasure the founders made
in order that independence and freedom
should prevail.
The contest of 1900 is as momentous aud
critical as was that of 1776. 1t was Republic
The followers of Hanna and Mckinley and
the advocates and upholders of trusts may un-
dertake to scout the idea, but it is true never.
less. Eternal vigilance is the price of iber-
ty" was never more true than it is today.
The people must be watchfnl if they would
preserve the Republic. They must vote
against Mckinley. for he has shown that he
is mere instrument in the hands of the I'm
perialists. Mr.. Bryan stands unequivocally
for the Republic, and defes the Imperialists,
Monopolists and Trusts. The path of duty to
all patriotic people is plaip-vote for Bryan
aud Stevenson. Those who favor expansion,
the subjection of people who would be free
and Imperialism, should vote for Mckinley.
There is no middle ground. People must
vote for the maintenance of the Republic or
for an Empire.