The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1900-08-18
Indications of Victory.

1t is nearly three months until election day,
but the indications all point strongly to an
overwhelming victory for the friends of the
Republic over the advocates of Empire.
Every day some notable Republican espouses
the cause of the Republic, leaving behind
him the party of William the Conqueror and
Teddy the Terrible. Every day some promi-
nent Democrat who supported Mckinley on
the money issue, comes out in favor of Bryan,
the Tribune of the People and the Defender
of the Republic.
Two notable gatherings occurred at Indian
apolis this week. One was composed OF gold
standard Republicans and Democrats, who
cannot sanction Mckinley policy of conquest
and empire. The other was the Liberty Con
gress of the Anti -Imperialistic League of
America, and mostly composed of Republl-
cans, and entirely of persons who supported
Mckinley four years ago. At this last gath
ering the principal speakers were Ex-Gov.
Boutwell,, of Massachusetts,, Gen. John Beat
ty, of Columbus, Ohio, and Edgar A. Ban
croft of Chicago, all Republicans, and each
severely scored Mckinley and declared for
Bryan. The speeches at the other gathering
were all severe on Mr.. Mckinley and his
policy of imperialism.
Senator Wellington, of Maryland, could
uot attend the Liberty Congress, as he con
templated, but he sent telegram expressing
the hope that such measures would be taken
'as will assure the defeat of the policy of im
perialism at the polls in November.
W. Bourke Cochran, of New York, who
supported Mckinley in 1896, could not attend
the meeting, but he sent vigorous letter, IA
which he advised the support of Bryan as the
surest way to defeat Imperialism. Mr., Cock
ran. a gold standard Democrat, stumped the
country for Mckinley four years ago. lie Is
still for the gold standard, but he believes
that the money issue is not now live one.
Here is an extract from his letter;
Since nobody pretended that Mr.. Bryans
opinions on the questions raised by the Chi
eago platform of 1896 have been changed. hls
refusal TO disguise them in any way Is highly
creditable to his honesty. and honesty Is the
first essential of patriotic Presidential service.
Mr.. Bryan frank, sincere anu w
euuivocal advocacy of the free coinage Of Sli.
yer forced the Republican party reluctantly to
declare in favor Of the gold standard. The
result was not that which Mr.. Bryan sought;
none the less it was produced by him. BE
cause he was sincerely wrong he forced the
Republican politicians to become insincerely
right To this sincerity of Mr.. Bryan the
country IS indebted tor the opportunity 10 pass
squarev and decisively upon the ISSUE OF lm
perialism. II the Republic Is TO be over
thrown. the assault must now he made "a the
open light Of day 1t Is no longer possible 20
sIraugle it under cover of misleading aSd
hvpocritical phrases. Ia this open tight for
liberty surely every angi-imperiallst should h.
ready to bear his part. Hesitation 10 aTaIl
ourselves ct the leadership under which alon"
opposition to Imperialism can be made etiec-
tive through distrust OF the leaders vieSs on
economic questions not now IA issue would
De As senseless as hesitation 10 employ a sur
cenn on whose skill depended the sole pros
pect Of lie through dislike Of his religious be-
tr.4s