The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-08-04
Circulation Statement.
The Rising Democratic sun.

After the Kansas City Convention there
was for time in the Democratic ranks,
following the wild enthusiasm manifested
at that great gathering. calm succeeding
The storm; a time when the party was
looking itself over and weighing the con-
siderations which seemed to promise sue
cess or thSeaten defeat. For time
judicial attitude was maintained and the
chances pro and con were studied, and
seemed to tremble in the balance.
But this feeling of uncertainty has been
of late superseded by a~spirit of confidence
in Democratic success. Nor are the causes
of this confidence hard to find. Democrats
all over the country who left the party
in 1896 are renewing their allegiance. The
large German-American element among
our voters who have heretofore cast their
lot with the Republican party are in great
numbers transferring their support to the
Democratic candidates. Prominent Repub-
licans who have always supported their
machine organization in the past are an
nouncing their change Of alignment and
freely Offering their services on the stump
and in the press in behalf Of the Demo-
going on in many quarters amounts almost
to a revolution. Leading newspapers of the
country which exeIted so tremendous an
influence in behalf OF the Republican can
didates in 1896 are now either avowedly OPP
posing that party or else, while withhold
ilz the expression OF preference, are de-
nouacing the policies set forth in the
Philadelphia platform and the Presidents
speech of acceptance.
To Offset this great diversion from the
Republican ranks, what recruits have they
enlisted from the opposition? 1t is true
they may be able 10 retain part Of the
strength which boltcd to them in 1886, but
what gains have they to show which can
counterba!ance the certain losses2
When it is remembered that a chang.
Of less than % eco votes properly distrib
uted would in 1896 have altered the YER
diet at the polls it will be seen how IA
yorable are the prospects OF Democratic
success.
Il seemed a hopeless task to reverse he
enormous majority Of 1896 in the State Of
New York. but now It is predicted by those
NEST familiar with the situation that the
city viii give for Bryan and Stevenson its
old-fashioned Democratic majority Of
o. cighty-fiye or ninety thousand which. in
view OF the OBJECTIONS that have taken
plsee n the state at large, makes the pros
peet that the electoral vote viii be found
in the Democratic column exceedingly
bright Roosevelt. with all the prestige OF
his fresh war record. was only able 10 Sc
cure his election as Governor by small
plurality; and 1t may be said, by the way.
that his indiseriminate and baseless vitu-
peratIon of Democrats will not attract sup
port to his standard.
From Illinois. Indiana, and Kansas come
the most encouraging reports of diversions
from the Republican ranks. Men of the
highest standing in the party's councils
have severed their former ties and openly
announced their support OF the Democratic
candidates. One of the most significant
sentiment is the proposed Liberty Confer
ence TO be held at indianapolis en- August
Is. No matter what action may be taken
by that assembiage, whether they nomi-
nate candidates Or simply make declara-
tion OF principles, the effect win in either
event rebound TO the advancement OF the
Democratic cause. II viii serve to arouse
the people and compel attention to the
dangerous tendencies of the Administra-
TONS policy. In November the voters will
know that there are only two parties hay-
ing the least possibility of success, and but
few votes Will be thrown away.