The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-05-24
AN OLIVE BRANCH.

Our esteemed contemporary, the Nor
folk yirsinian- Pilot, has lifted its voice
in the interest of harmony in the DEM
ocratic ranks. Our contemporary says
that it is weary of strife and the futile
threshing over of old straw. It is tired
Of controversy as to issues not now vital
before the people. It would like to feel
cnce more that it can turn Its face to the
common enemy without running the FISK
: of stab in the back from the ranks OF
Its own party. It desires every Demo-
crat of every shade of opinion to feel the
same way. Its voice is for peace.
With the olive branch in its hand, 1t
approaches the Charlotte Observer ana
The Richmond Times with the follow
ing:
Do the Charlotte Observer and The
Richmond Times still decline to be re-.
conciled and harmonized? Do they sui
prefer to harp on the frayed string OF
what they regard as Democratic plumbers.
rather than make a united and strenuous
attack all along me line, on the burning
issues of RepuL..can crlmest
That is cruel stab. If there is one
thing that Tho Richmond Times has
preached more than another it is this
same sermon on party harmony. we
have begged our Democratic associates TO
nut aside those dead issues of the past,
about which they formerly commended. ana
get together in harmony and cordiailty
upon an old-fashioned Democratic plat
form If we have occasionally alluded
to the past it has been because Mr.. VIM.
J. BRYAN and his intimates have been
continually proddIng those Democrats
who refused to affiliate with them IN 1870
and 1900 We should be very glad indeed
to retire the Bryans and the Tillmans
md the Jones, but they will not be re-
tired. Unfortunately. they represent
large element In the party, and SO far as
they can prevent it there will never De
any harmony in the party between lhe
Silver Democrats and Gold Democrats.
Mr.. Bryan still insists that no man W-.o
refused to subscribe to the doctrine Oh
5+,,ose, two platforms shall be received into
Fellowship. lLr. Bryan and ms 1ntlH1ates
have determined to rule or ruin. lhes
do not want me Democratic party re-
stored. Only recently Mr.. Bryan gave
6amhovaat warning to his associates that
.hare we're indications that the party was
drifting back into the position 1t occu-
pied when Mr. Cleveland was President.
Mr.. Bryan thinks that that would be
calamity. and from his point of view 1t
would be. for whenever the party gets
h,c,. to that position there will be no
room In it for Populists, and the Popullst
Is very dear to Mr.. Bryan's heart.
We desire to impress upon the mind OF
bur esteemed Norfolk contemporary bear
Ing neace offerings that it is not Inc
g,imes nor papers like The Times. nor
i those who have been of The Illness way
Of thinking that stand in the way OF
peace and harmony in the party. MI.
Bryan and his fellows are the persons
10 be reconciled. and we commend them 70
the consideration and sure mercies of the
Sirginian-Pilot. If there is to be any
stab in the back it will be from that quar-
tor Give us a good Democratic plat
form and good Democratic nominees. ana
The Times does not need to be har-
monized. The Charlotte Observer is
ar,ply able to speak for itself, but with
out consulting that esteemed contempt
rary we feel at liberty to say Tor II thst
the Observer is quite as anxious as The
Times is fer peace with honor.
Now hoist your flag Of truce and GO
to the commoner. and tell US how the
matter stands in Nebraska
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