The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-05-23
WEDNESDAY, MAY %. 1900.
coon ADVICE TO DEMOCRATS.

We print on this page to-day an edi-
toriai article from the Washington Post
headed "Democracy's Opportunity, which
is worthy of the most serious considera-
ton of the leaders of the national Dem
ocratic party In 1896 the Post was in
sympathy with the Chicago movement,
and while processing TO be an independent
paper it aided the Democratic party
greatly in its canvass and was regarded
as a friend of the party, as friend OF
free silver and as a friend of candidate
Bryan.
The advice of such a friend, therefore,
is not to be lightly turned aside The
Post tells the Democrats plainly that they
made a mistake in the radical course
which they pursued four years ago. made
q mistake in departing from Democratic
principles and in taking up with Pooulists.
But it thinks that there are now signs
that the Democratic leaders have come
to their senses and are determined to con-
duct the campaign on straight out party
lines The Post thinks that the leaders
bold but conservative issues defined long
ago by Jefferson and Jackson-issues
which hundreds of thousands Of patriotic
voters will enthusiastically advocate, and
all the more so because the crazy and
fanatical feather-headed yagaries of
Populism have been repudiated.' More
over, the Post expresses the opinion that
Il it be true that the Democrats are cut
ting loose from the false guides and mis-
leading chneras Of the past few years,
is on the eve of a complete reaction, and
if wise policy be adopted the Post be-
lieves that the Democracy has a splendid
chance to win.
The political shadows of the campaign
OF 1900 have already appeared in the bus
mess world. Business men recall the dark
days of 1896 when there was threat of a
complete revolution in our financial af-
fairs, and when it is intimated that there
may be a repetition OF that campaign in
1865 there is necessarily more or less halt
ing in enterprise. The Democracy of the
United States allied Itself with the Ponu-
lists. adopted some Of the Popujst POLL
/. cies of government and SO forfeited the
confidence of the business world. The
frst thing. therefore, for the Democratic
party 10 do in inaugurating its campaign
this year is 10 cut loose from Popuiists
and Fopulisrn. to return 10 old time Dem
ocra1ic principles and policies and so re-
gain the confidence which It has lost. If
the party will pursue this course, if it will
take up any one OF the platforms adopted
prior 10 the convention Of 1896 and revise
it to suit rev conditions and let it be
known that the Democratic party does
not propose TO do anything that will in
jure the great business and industrial in
terests of the country. the party will
have regained al once the confidence OF
the public and business enterprises will
take on new life. Democrats, who in 1886
forsook the party and refused TO supper.
IL. viii see their way quite clear to res
turn to the Democratic organization and
rejoin their brother Democrats In an es-
for. 10 protect the republic against the
entertainments of the impe-ialists.
The Democratic party cannot possibly be
strengthened by an alliance with Poou-
Asts or silver Republicans The party is
strongest in its own integrity. is strongest
when il is battling for Democratic nrin.
ciples, FOR fhen it may be sure OF -he
cordial support OF all true Democrats, and
there are enough true Democrats in thi,
country, If they can be braugh, together
10 elect Democratic President.
Away with the idea that the gold Dem,
ocrats of this country are Republicans
in disguise II Is cruel and nnjas.
charge. These Democrats are true TO tins
principles OF Democracy, they have no.
thing in common with Republicans. and
It will be a day Of rejoicing for them II
the convention which Is to assemble In
saan.ss City shali adept platform upon