Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1901-07-30
Signs Of the Times.

Chairman Jones Of the Democratic
National Committee, expresses the
opinion that the next nominee of his
party should be either discreet
jurist' or a "level headed business
man." 1t is evident from this that Mr..
Jones is not in favor Of a third nomi-
nation for Mr.. Bryan, and his view Of
the matter doubtless represents the
Judgment of a considerable majority Of
analysis of Mr.. Jones opinion will dis
close some rare although perhaps un-
conscious humor 1t will be remem-
bered that one of the strong planks of
the last Democratic national platform
was an attack upon the judiciary.
This, next to its free silver clause. was
the most conspicuous feature of that
remarkable document. 1t is evident
that two decisive defeats have imbued
Mr.. Jones with some of the elements of
practical wisdom. He appreciates the
fact that a declaration of political
principles breathing the spirit of
anarchy is not calculated to win the
support of the intelligent American
people. He therefore advocates the
graceful retirement" of the plank as
saulting the judiciary. for Of course he
could not expect it to constitute any
part of platform upon which "a dis
Greet jurist' would be willing to
stand
1t is evident. also. that Mr.. Jones
favOls the retirement of the free silver
fallacy as Democratic shibbOleth. 1t
has proven delusion and a snare in
party councils. Even so sanguine a
man as Mr.. Jones, with all his rain
bow chasing propensities. would
scarcely expect to find a "level-head-
ed business man who would be willing
to stand as a candidate upon a free
silver platform. The last two cam
paiyns have fully demonstrated the
fact that men Of this character cannot
be induced to endorse such a rank
and palpable heresy.
1t is not difficult to read between the
lines of Mr.. Jones' recent propaganda.
He would SO far as possible wipe off the
slate. obliterate the past. and start
anew upon lines that would be less
repugnant to the American conscience
intelligence and patriotism. He would
forever repudiate the old assault upor
the judiciary and the old endorsement
of the free and unlimited coinage Of
silver. He would nominate "a dis
erect jurist" to show that the Demo
cratic party is not opposed to law and
order, and would associate with him "a
level-headed business man" to prove
that it is not hostile to the country.
commercial interests. This would
certainly be wise policy: bu
unfortunately for the Democrat,
party as an organization it ha.
not the personal wisdom o
Senator Jones. It's capacity fo
blundering is unlimited. 1t may there
fore reasonably be depended upon t
retain all the worst features of the oil
platform and to supplement them will
others even more obnoxious to tn
American masses. 1t is scarcely prob
able that Mr.. Bryan will ever again b.
the candidate of his party in ma
tional campaign; but it can easily g
further and do worse John P. Altgeld
the Chicago anarchist, appears to be il
line for the successorship to the Ne
braskan leader. Intellectually he
probably stronger man than MI
Bryan. but is sadly lacking in the per
sOnal graces that have constituted tn
latter's strongest hold as a factor il
our national life.
AS between these two men Bryan
with all his mistaken zeal and devotio
to dangerous political vagaries an
economic fallacies, would be vastl
preferable.
Neither Of them, however. will eve
be called to the highest Office in tn
gift of the American people Tn
prosperity that has come to the coun
try under Republican rule. has bee
SO vast and far reaching that the pee
pie Of the United States. with the har
times of the Cleveland regime sti
green in their memories may be Dc
pended upon not to risk return
such conditions for many years
come.