The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-12-20
GIVE RANK AND
FILE A CHANCE
Remedy for Plight Of the
Democracy
CLEVELAND'S VIEW.
Defeat Due to Fa'Iacy Of Free Silver
and PopuIjsm.
MUST RETURN TO OLD FAITH,
MUST RETURN TO OLD FAITH.
A REORGANIZATION Is Unnecessary, but
Return from WanderinSs Abso-
lutcly Essent ai-Dcmncratic
Victories May Be Won by
Adherence to Demo-
cratic Principles.
(By Associated prcss.)

(By Associated Prcss)
PHILADELPHIA. Dec. 19-Former
President Grover Cleveland contributes
to this weeks issue OF The Saturday
Evening Post. cc Philadelphia, an extend
ed copyrighted article on the plight of the
Democracy and the remedy.
Mr.. Cleveland begins by reviewing the
history of the party, and he discusses its
defects since 1864 in detail. In taking up
the question OK the present conditions of
the Democracy he says that the success
of the party in 1892 was so decisive and
overwhelming that a long continuance of
it's supremacy was anticipated. Then came
1.-The fallacy of free silver and Popu-
lism.' -
UNDER STRANGE SYMBOLS.
Mr.. Cleveland proceeds as follows:
THE. elimination OF Democracy was
reached when its compact with these m
Democratic forces was complete and when
orr rank and file were summoned to do
battle under banners which bore strange
symbols and were held aloft in unfamiliar
hands The result of such u betrayal was
foredoomed This abandonment of the
principles OF true Democracy, this con-
temptuous disobedience OF its traditions,
and this deliberate vocation of the la"
of its strength and vigor were by de-
cree as inexorable as those of late fol-
lowed by the inevitable punishment OIL
stunning. staggering defeat.
1.-The disaster of 1872, invited by similar
mad adventure, was quickly followed by
q. return to the professions and practices
of sane Democracy. But the extent and
,}ersistency of cur wanderings in 1895 IS
Illustrated in a most astounding way by
the command issued OH the day of our
rout and discontinue, that a second bat
tie should be fought on the same field,
with the same false war cries and the
same leadership that had brought US TO
the surrounding gloom OF deLeat
THE Lesson REJECTED.
Again he says: .'"Thus in 1900 the les
son of 1895 was contemptuously rejected
and every hope OF Democratic success was
wiIfuliy cast aside. Again our long SUI
ferin- rank and file whose loyalty and
obedience deserved better things, were
sacrificed in a cause theirs only in name;
and again it was demonstrated but more
clearly than ever before, that the only
forces that can win Democratic success
are adherence 10 recognized Democratic
nrincipies and reliance upon democratic
counsels and leadership
..Why should we not return 10 these
and, in their name, again achleVe Flcto-
ries no less glorious and renowned thah
were ours in the days Of courageous ad-
vocacy of our time-honored talth? Are
our principles so shOp-worn or ahtiqllateo
as to require renovation or their dsplace-
ment by others more fashionable! Ihefe
is not an honest Democrat in this broad
.l,
is there one who would not hail the proc
lamation OF the old faith with that tight
ing enthusiasm that foretokens Democ-
racv's triumph. As new conditions arise
our principles must be applied 10 them
but in the creed that has guided US
through a century OF party existence, we
shall find the key to every such appIca-
ton: nor shall we need the lexicon OF
Populisn to aid US in interpreting TINS
creed
FEEE SILVER.
Mr. Cleveland touches in turn on Lree
silver and the Federal courts, ana oe-
lieves that the Democrats are against
condemning the general Government Tor
protect ne itself in the exercise Of its
functions against violent OBSTRUCTION Win
in a State"
Further on he declares: Il believe no
Democrat will have the hardihood to deny
that we have fought our Two last cam
paigns in alliance with un-Democratc
forces and that this alliance was I'M
mensely costly in defeat. Is there not
good reason to suppose that even IN
success such an alliance would nave proved
Improbable and dangerous:
tie breaches the return OF Democracy to
its Old faith saying:
sincere Democrats OF every cohultioil
and in every part of the land feltlze that
the situation OF the party needs repair.
Reor,a,7ization is not necessary; but a re-
turn from our wandering is absolutely
essential LET MS be frank with ourselves
ana canIidlv acknowledge the fEtllity of
attenutine- to cain Democratic victories
excent in thc Democratic cause and
through Democratic methods. Reorgani-
zation is worse than useless; and the AFRO
cation of superior party virtue Wi! breed
only mischief. This is a time for sober
thought tolerant language and fraternal
counses We are dealing with the condi-
ton OF a party that cannot De destroyed
by external foes; and since It's rum can
pc wrought only from Wlt'ii+' II Stlou!c
be impelishaole.
AVOID SECTIONALISM.
above all things, there should be a
manly remuneration and avoidance of un-
due sectinnaI control. Democracy will moi
operate erectively on sectional lines.
There is much for US to do, and the fu-
ture is full of Democratic duty and cppor-
tunity. Our tighting forces Will respond
listleSsly and falternsiE If summoned to
a third defeat in strange cause, but ii
they hear the raiiyins call Of true Demo
cracy they Will gather for battle with old
time Democratic enthusiasm ana courage
IF / should attempt TO epitcmize what
I have written by suggesting a plan for
the rehabilitation and restoration of true
Democracy, l should emhody it in these
words: Give the rank and file a chance >
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