The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-07-19
T0HNE IND RRY1N.


The reported interview of few DAYS
ago with Charles E. Towne shows that
that gentleman is not to be included
among the political irreconcilables. He
does not live wholly in the past, and he
shows himself capable of accepting the
inevitable.
Mr.. TONNES opinions do not go as far
as certain newspapers indicate. He can
not really be said to have repudiated the
free silver fallacy, for the advancement
of which he left the Republican party.
He merely recognizes the truth that as
q subject of public discussion it is as
dead as the question of the right of the
federal government to make internal i'm
provements.
1t seems inexplicable how men like Mr..
Bryan, for instance, who have been
long in touch with the sentiments of the
people, can ignore the truth, stated with
so much clearness and completeness by
Mr.. Towne in his interview that the
Democrats of the West are in search of
success; and that they are not disposed
10 give themselves over further to the
advocacy of doctrines or policies which
the voters of the country have discarded
in two successive presidential elections
The difference between Mr.. Bryan and
Mr.. Towne in the recent situation is plain.
Mr. Bryan shows himself to be still
welded to his idols He occupies the ut
terly illogical position of recommending
the support of the Ohio Democratic state
ticket, while denouncing the action OF
that convention as undemocratic and ST.
lently allowing his immediate followers
in that state, in his name, to organize an
opposition. Mr.. Towne, not finding him
self able to secure further hearing for his
political and economic views. has sense
enough to withdraw from the political
arena, and devote himself to business pur-
suits
Mr. Towne is chargeable with desertion
of Bryan only on the theory that man
must remain in politics whether he Will
or no, and must surrender mis- individual
judgment on the questions of the hour
to the opinions, interests or preferences
of another. Mr.. Towne is certainly not
chargeable with a disposition to surrender
his convictions on any public question
on account of amy extraneous considera-
ton whatever.
1t will be found not to matter very
much what Mr., Bryan of Mr. Towne may
say or do politically in the future. If
the former persists in assuming the role
Of leader he win find his pretensions in
that behalf seriously questioned by the
very men who gave such unquestioning
allegiance to him in the last two cleo
tions. He has not taken up the posi-
ton of editor of weekly paper; and
the value of his opinions will depend en-
tirely on the force and conviction which
he throws into his work as editor. He
may dispute with the brilliant but aged
Watterson, and develop a. degree Of edi-
torial ability higher than he has thus
far evinced. But he will be always cir
cumscribed in his political relations bv
his editorial character and surroundings.
Neither Mr. Dana nor Mr. Watterson,
nor even Mr.. Greeley, ever attained the
position of national political leader. The
weight of their influence on political life
always depended on their superior ability
as writers. 1t may be that Mr.. BRYAN
will win for himself the same position In
the editorial calling which they occupied.
He is young in the profession, and ev,sy-
thing is possible; but whether he does
or does not, the baton of leadership has
passed from his hand and the BODY of
the Democratic party voters are looking
elsewhere for example and direction
which will lead them on to national sue
cess.
1t would be well for Mr.. Bryan had he
followed the good example which his first
lieutenant in his political career has set
for him.