The Banner-Democrat., 1901-01-05
DEMocRATIc REORGANIZATION.
The Daily States in. a'well written
editorial on the much discussed ques-
tion of Democratic, reorganization,

The Daily States IN a'well written
editorial on the much discussed ques-
lion of Democratic, reorganization,
says: II
Certain criticisms which have APP
oeared in the press since the late elec-
lion pointing out the opportunities Of
the Democratic party and its mis-
takes seem to have been construed
l,y great many papers as being
demand for an immediate reorgani-
zation of the Democratic party. In
deed. some of the harsher critics of
that party, some who in recent years
have Eot contributed much to its up
building, have seized the occasion to |
loudly clamor for such a reorganiza-
ton, but such clamors are not likely
to have great weight with those who
have followed through storm and
stress the fortunes of the Democracy.
TX President Cleveland struck the
nail squarely on the head when he
declared that reorganization was i'm
practicable at the present time and
its advocacy hurtful to the best in
terests of the. party; that the time
had now arrived for thoughtful con-
sideration, earnest efforts at coneiii-
alton and return TO first principles.
The needs of the party could not be
more strikingly summed up In few
words. Hasty or intemperate criti-
cism, elimination and recrimlnation,
instead of helping to mend matters
can only serve to make them worse
and TO drive farther away elements
that are absolutely essential to future
success.
At the present moment Mr.. Bryan
and ex-President Cleveland represent
the two extremes of Democratic
ideals, each has at his back band of
devoted admirers and followers, and
any attempt at reorganization at
this time would necessarily mean an
effort to cast the fortunes of the
l'party in accordance with the views
of one or the other OF these Leaders
representing the extremes OF party
policies. To attempt to commit the
party to an acceptance of either at
the present moment would be to Gre
ate a yawning chasm in the midst OF
the party ranks and to divide rather
than cement the party. Such d
course, it is needless to observe,
would be to commit political suicide.
In its future encounters with Repub'
Ilicanism entrenched in power the
Democracy has need of the services
of both Mr.. Bryan and ex-Preslden'
Cleveland. In order to win the
efforts of its leaders must be directed
to closing up the breach and to
strengthen the weak points. 1t Is
time to attract and not to repel.
!, The policy of exclusion. and of pun
ishment by political prescription has
been carried too far already and the
party has paid dearly for it in two
successive and progressively over
whelming defeats. The tearing -dowr
process INDUCED in from motives o.
personal revenge has operated will
destructive force upon the solidarity
and the moral of the party and the
time has now come to build up, tt
draw together all the forces thai
make for Democratic unity and sue
cess. Ii Democratic success is
eonsummation TO be desired it,. q;
we contend, the great principles o.
constitutional liberty are nseparabll
linked with the triumph of the prin
ciples embodied in the Democratic
faith, its success is an object worthy
of making some sacrifices to obtain
sacrifices not of cardinal principles
nor of well settled and universally
accepted policies, but sacrifices Of th'
less important details of policy anC
expediency.
The thoughtful Democrat wht
loves bis party and desire to see i
succeed is admonished to pondel
well the question, whether it is bet
ter that his party should continue t
, be dragged down to successive de
feats by its. fatuous persistence IL
clinging to fads, or whether by cast
inc aside every impeachment ant
holding fast to the old-time princi
, ples and doctrines lit should marci
!. forward to assured victory. This i
{ the question to be considered ano
: settled, and upon Its proper settle
, meut depends the fate of the Demo
! cratic party for all time to come
& Neither Mr.. Bryan's opinions no
Mr.. Cleveland s opinions or persona
\ wishes constitute, binding force up
on the Democratic party. Both hav'
been honored by the party as few
men. in its history have been honored
and if there be obligation anywhere i
rests upon them rather than upon thu
party. Neither has any right TO die
tate what the course of the grea
party which has done so much TO
both of them shall be; but in view 0
: the honors heaPed upon them, botl
are in honor bound to make its vel
fare their chief concern, to avoid th
obtrusior of personal issues which
. can only have the effect OF alternating
D some. and their solemn duty is t.
i lend the weight Of their influence il
the direction of conciliation rathe
than alienation.
Mr.. Cleveland epitomized th
e whole situation when he said. Civ
/. the rank and file chance" LIE
!, the Democrats Of the country ap
proach this great question in a spiri
4 of loyalty and patriotism and wit
e the welfare OF the Democratic part
. rather than that OF Mr. Bryan o