Mexico weekly ledger., 1900-11-15
CATCHING
Furnishes an Extended Interview Re-
garding the Future Of the
Democratic Party.

Congressman T. c. Catching, a
prominent Democratic leader OF Mis-
sisSippi, discusses the future Of the
Democratic party as follows:
drop free silver, which has twice
been overwhelmingly r~epudiated by
the American people, who do not
want it and will not have it. Drop
fusionism, which degrades the party,
taints it with the heresles and yaga-
ries of Populism, repels conservative
voters and forces the party, in order
to effect fusion, either to modify or
lay aside true Democratic principles.
"Drop the cry Of government by
injunction. II never had any founda-
tion, and car have none under our
system Of government. 1t was incor-
porated In the platform of 1895 solely
to CRAFTY Altgeld, who was angered
with Mr.. Cleveland upon his assur-
ance that he would carry Illinois for
the Democratic party. It was unfor-
~tunately repeated In 1900. Altgeld
has been repudiated by the people
twice, and his plank should follow
him, in accordance with the proverb
that the tail should always 60 with
the hide.
drop the cry Of Imperialism and
militarism, for nobody can be made TO
believe that the American people
win eve tolerate or submit to either.
Drop all discussion as 10 what we
should do with the Philippines until
peace has been restored and the SOW
ereignty Of this government recog-
nized. When that has been effected
We can retain them or sail away, as
We may see best for the interests OF
the American people.
"Drop the constant appeal 70 the
passions and prejudices Of the idle
and disconnected, and appeal to the
Judgment Of the thoughtful, cOnsery-
atlve and patriotic masses for they
will always be in the majority and
will therefore always control.
TAXATION AN ISSUE.
Revive the question of taxation.
which is fundamental and must re-
main with US always. Teach the peo-
pie once more the good old Demo
cratic doctrine that they can not be
made rich by taxing them. ASSail. as
of old, the fayoritism, inequalities
and wrongs Of a high protective tariff,
and demand that its burdens be taken
from the shoulders Of the producing
classes.
STAND for the control of all trusts
and combines destined to suppress
competition All good men will agree
to this, and it can be done without
war upon all combinations of capital,
for many Of them are but the result
Of legitimate evolution in business
methods, and are not harmful or OPP
pressiye.
Demand the enlargement OF the
power OF the Interstate Commerce
Commission, to meet the defeats in
the present law, so that all persons
and communities shall receive fair
and equal treatment from railroads
and other transportation agencies.
Demand the liberal improvement of
our harbors and nayigable streams, 80
as 10 reduce the cost Of transportation
to the people and especially to the
farmers. Insist that the federal gov
eminent shall exercice no power
which can as well be exercised by the
state, thus giving the fullest etfect
possible to the wholesome doctrine Of
local self-goyernment
"Finally, let our next candidate for
the Presidency remain at home dur
ing the campaign. Rushing oyer the
country for weeks and making multi
tudin0us speeches to all sorts OF
crowds, which usually assemble
mainly through curiosity, may be
spectacular, but it lowers the dignity
of the great Office and frightens away
the sober-minded masses"