Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-11-09
Democratic Reorganization.

Every days contributions to the subject
IF the future of the democratic party
show how varied the views are OF those
whose hearts are bound up in the organiza-
tion. and who will figure in whatever may
be done toward putting 1t in shape Tor the
next presidential campaign. Necessarily
there is a display of bitterness. The Bryan
tie attitude toward the democrats VINO as
sisted in the election of Mr.. Mckinley Is
this: at is the height of assurance for men
who have twice assisted in the defeat OF the
party to put themselves forward as It's
representatives, and saviors. You g. hang.
And the attitude of the anti-Bryan demo-
crafts toward the Rryanites is of the same
Jmiable character. 1T is cheek Itself Tor
men who have twice led the party to de-
feat on issues which were either puerile or
Inarchistic to propose third venture. You
20 hang But much of this spirit in both
factions will pass. An earnest effort will be
made to get together and the country Will
watch it with interest.
This is the proposition of Representative
-Catchings Of Mississippi-a man who has
served his constituents. and indeed the
whole south. for fifteen years faithfully in
he House but will retire in March as the
result of his rejection OF Bryanite theories:
Drop free silver drop fusionism, drop
the Crv of government by Injunction, drop
The cry of Imperialism and militarism
drop all discussion about the Philippines
InIu peace has been restored; drop appeals
10 the passions and prejudices of the idle
md disconnected. Revive the fundamental
question Of taxation. teach the democratic
doctrine that people cannot be made rich
ny taxing them, aSSail the fayOrltlSm and
wrongs of a high protective tariff, stand
for the control of trusts and combines by
methods not oppressive. demand enlarge
ment of the powers of the interstate COM
merCe commission, and the liberal improve
mert of harbors, and insist local self
government. and let the next presidential
candidate remain at home during the cam
paign.
The difficulty with this is that 1t revives
the shibboleth of free trade. with which no
party in this country ever again could or
,ught to win. Trusts cannot be made a
.olitical cry. Both parties are in favor of
liberal Improvement of harbors, and of
local self-government." So that while it
would be wise enough for the democracy
20 put away the Chicago platform, it could
Promise itself nothing from a platform
which would simply be another assault on
The policy Of protection. Free trade is as
cad as free silver.
Ard there is Mr.. Bryan still to be reck-
ned with He announces that he will con-
;inue to take an interest in politics. And
you may be certain of that. Othellos &C
rupation is not gone. While he lives he will
insist upon a hearing. and if he is anything
ne is an agitator. He is not likely to go
backward, but rather forward. New cries
and not old cries. are the ones for him. He
IS much more nearly in agreement today
with Eugene Debs than with Grover Cleve-
land.
But there need be no haste. Let the
brethren cool of before inaugurating so
nomentous work. In the spring say
about the time the robins nest again, and
defeated politicians farcieS lightly turn to
thoughts of power-will be soon enough to
''cuSs and discuss all the agencies that
have contributed TO the parJy's present
plight and to consider means for the fu-
lure.