The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-07-10
Duty Of Conservative Democrats

Duty Of Conservative Democrats.
AS Judge Bond points out In an in
terview In the Post-Inteiligencer, one
of the results OF the overwhelming de-
feat of Bryan in the election this No
vember will be to redeem the Demo-
cratic party from the control OF the
men into whose hands its machinery
has fallen. This is a contamination de-
voutly to be wished by Democrats and
entirely aside from party politics There
was a time when the Democratic party
leaders had the respect OF their oppo-
nents. Although committed to the sup
port OF what the Republicans looked
upon az political and economic heeesies.
neither their character nor their abiii-
ties was seriously questioned. While 1t
was felt that the material interests of
the country might suffer through Dem
ocratc success. II was also recognized
that the dignity and honor of the coun-
try would not be jeopardized by Demo-
cratic control OF national affairs. when
the leaders of the Democracy were such
men as Thurman. Bayard. Randall. sey-
mour Tilden, Endicott. Gov. Russell.
olney and Cleveland.
1t Is with a decidedly different feel
ing that conservative men OF all par
he
ers, who have absolute control of the
party machinery and who would die
tate the policy of the national admins
tration IN the event OF Democratic sue
cess. No thoughtful. patriotic citizen
can regard with equanlmity the possi-
biiity of a national administration
dominated and controlled by such
men as Tiilman. Lentz, Sulzer. AIT
geld Bryan and Pettlgrew. Argu-
ment IL scarcely necessary 10 show why
such a feeling exists. The blatant dem
agogy OF these men, their open anxiety
to hamper and embarrass the govern
ment In dealing with all International
affairs. their willingness To make any
alliance with the forces OF disorder and
discomfort, II by SO doing they can at
tract any votes to their cause. are pat
ent to all men and are displayed with
amazing and cynical traukness.
n. when the Democratic party was
ofiicered and controlled by the ablest
men. e the highest character In it's
ranks. lie legislative record should have
been. as u was. one OF incompetence.
leading 10 widespread disaster 20 the
material interests Of the country. what
could be expected 70 IL secured a lease
Of power under Its present ieadershipr
II is FER these reasons that the hope
Is entertained that the result Of the
election In November will be more than
a simple defeat of the Democratic party.
Its defeat should be 80 crushing, so alb
solUtely oyerw helmlng as 20 leave no
chance Tor rehabilitation under its pres
cnt leadership IN the hope that out OF
the scattered fragments new party
may be created under able. wise and
conservative leadership. which could
revive some ~ the Old traditions OF the
Democracy. take up the abandoned
principles OF that historic party. and
properly tllali the necessary function
Of the minority. that q acting as con
sentative. restraining influence upon the
majority which = responsible Tor the
conduct u government
That this end may he accomplished.
the country has a reht 90 expect that
=. in the coming election the votes or an
conservative Democrats ~ the old
s, hool shall he recorded for Mr.. Nc
kinlsy Under our system OF govern
nleus. a minority party has an smpor-
tant function 10 tuihB 1t IS as neoes-
sary ira; IS leadership should De IN
the hands - vise. strong aud patriotic
men as that the majority party should
tc SO ealcercd. The only WY In which
- emoeratie p1.ty ca. h l,hablll-
tat"d is ny its throw nE overheard all
of ITS present leaders: and the only way
| 70 get rid Of tasla Is - IN ossr~ helm