New-York tribune., 1901-08-16
ANOTHER pEspoNDENT PROPHET.

Senator George G. Vest, of Missouri. has been
induced to enroll himself among the political
prophets now busily engaged in forecasting the
outcome of the Democratic partys struggle to
equip itself with new principles and new leader
ship. In an elaborate interview in THE Kansas
City Times" the veteran Missouri statesman dis
cusses with engaging frankress the present
causes of Democratic weakness, and outlines
the notifications of party policy he deems essen
tial if the national organization is to enter the
next Presidential canvass with any prospect OF
success Mr. Vest does not assume that atti-
tude of cynicism and disillusionment which has
marked the recent utterances of other disguised
party critics like Coin" Harvey and Charles A.
Towne The Missouri Senator is apparently
neither panied nor shocked by the ''recreancy to
principle" exhibited in this years platform dec
larations in Ohio and Maryland. He does not
seem to think that all party virtue is at an end
because the free coinage issue has been con-
signed in these two States to the political junk
heap. Many of the issues of 1896 and 1900 will
be saved, Mr.. Vest declares, for future Demo
cratic use. despite the efforts Of those Eastern
Democrats who wish TO force a return in 1904
to the ''reactonary" policies Of Mr.. Cleveland's
| two administrations. But, though viewing the
outcome with more cOmplacency Mr. Vests
analysis of the processes by which the neces-
sary reorganization for 1904 must be effected
| runs as straight as Mr.. Townes or Mr.. Harvey's
/ to one inevitable conclusion-the absolute can
/ collation. of Colonel Bryan's present title to
party leadership.
In the Missouri Senator's opinion the Ne
braska orator is already fallen party idol. Mr.
Vest cannot forget or forgive the part taken by
Colonel Bryan in aiding the ratification Of the
Paris Treaty-a step which he considered as
absolutely inconsistent with Democratic theories
and fatal TO Democratic political interests. The
Nebraskan's pretensions to continued party au-
thorty he therefore thrusts aside without hesi-
taton or regret. Il have no personal feeling
against Mr. Bryan" says the Missouri Senator
''and admire him as a man of ability, courage
'and high character, but l do not think he is
"a great leader. and do not believe he can lead
"the party TO victory" With Colonel Bryan
Mr.. Vest also shelves the Nebraskan's favorite
issue of free silver coinage-an issue on which.
he says. 1t would be Suicidal to go into the
next Presidential contest
If, however, he rejects Bryan and free silver,
the Missouri leader writes a platform for the
next national contest little less radical than
that of 1900 1896 lie would favor three
fundamental declarations-for an income tax,
against trusts and against the acquisition or
litically incorporated into the United States
Certainly If some of the doctrinal husks Of 1900
are cut away, the kernel of last years platform
survives in Mr. Vests revision of party faith.
On another interesting point of prophecy the
Missouri Senator finds himself entirely in har-
mOny with Mr.. Towne and Mr.. Harvey To
these two despondent readers of the signs OF the
times repudation Of Colonel Bryahs leadership
meant inevitable Democratic failure three years
hence at the polls Mr.. Vest sees the same
pOrtents of disaster ahead. but he is disposed TO
attribute the coming disaster TO more imper-
sOnal influences IF conditions remain as they
are today" he admits dejectedly, 1.-The Repub-
''licans will elect anybody they choose. If their
policy gives US the enormous balance Of trade
I'VE had last year and opens market for agri-
cultural and manufactured products in Japan
land China there will be little chance to change
the administration" No political prediction
could be truer or more judicious. But 1t is not
calculated to add much zest or energy TO that
reorganization" process within the party, which
is only TO bring its managers and benehciaries