The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-07-11
The Hon. Charles A. To,vne.

1t would be difficult to discover, in the
array of people politically prominent in
America at this time. character more
worthy of respect and admiration than
that OF the Hon. Charles A Towne, of
Minnesota. True to his faith and princi
pies, single-minded. sincere and unselfsh,
he stands before the people today an ex-
emplar OF simple. self-sacrifcing Ameri-
can honesty and patriotism.
No doubt Mr.. Towne would have liked
to be Vice President of the United States.
II he had used his opportunities at Kansas
City as a demagogue would have utilized
them, he might perhaps have forced him
self upon the ticket with Mr.. Bryan, who
wanted him as his running mate with all
the intensity OF his aggressive and deter
mined nature. But Mr. Towne had aims
and purposes higher than the qualification
OF personal ambition. Already the Vice
Presidential candidate Of the Populsts. he
could have been named for the same Office
by the Silver Republicans at their Kansas
City Convention. Thus REINFORCED. his
claims upon the Democratic National Con-
the year. might have been dangerous to
ignore. But, rather than embarrass the
great leader he hopes to see in the White
House next year. or to bring any element
Of dlscord into the camp OF the popular
army which has been modified to igrt
for the people and institutions against he
trust and monopoly forces who would sub
before the Silver Republican Convention.
and has now announced his Intention to
decline the Populist nomination when he
shall be formally notified thai it has been
given to kir.
Without shadow of regret or soreness
one OF the distinguished receiving party
which greeted his successful competitor.
the Hon. Adlai z. Stevenson, when that
gentleman reached Lincoln on Monday to
pay his respects to the Presidential candi-
date II he concealed wish that he
might have been the nominee instead of
the Illinois statesman and ex-Vice Presi-
dent 1t did not show in speech or manner,
and nothing of the kind could possibly de-
tract from the earnestness and fixity of
purpose with which he will enter the fight
for the preservation of liberty and the Con-
stitution.
1t Is a remarkable and a pleasant spec
tacle! Charles A. Towne. when he with
drew from the Republican party in 1896
because he felt that an honest man could
no longer remain in it, VIGOROUSLY resigned
a political future a Republican. which
his striking ability and remarkable accom-
plishments as a public man and thinker
made it certain would be distinguished in
an unusual degree He realized the sacri-
flee. but did not hesitate to make 1t on the
altar of his conscience. During the four
years that since have elapsed, he has never
sweryec from the path of duty he then
marked out for himself He is one who
like the chieftain he does battle under,
is incapable Of concedlng the least modi- |
cum of principle for the sake Of exped- |
iency. He is Of the stuff of which grand |
leaders Of men are made. He cannot be |
Vice President next year, but, happily. he
is young and may come to even higher /
honors hereafter. He thoroughly deserves |
the respect Of friend and enemy alike. He |
IS Chevalier Bayard OF American politics. |
type nearly extinct. He has richly !,
the people can give him, in recognition |
OF his devotion and service, should their |
cause be blessed with victory in November. |