The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-02-16
Celebrate the Anniversary of the
Eighty-Eighth birthday of the
sage of Gramercy Park.
LETTERS OF REGRET READ
FROM MEssRs. CLEVELAND, OLNEY,
HILL AND w. j. BRYAN.
Latter's Note Accompanied by an Edi-
toriaI-speeches by w. Bourke
Cochran and T.. VI. Shepard.

NEW YORK, Feb. 15.-Democrats prom
inent in this and other sections Of the cOun-
tr7 met at dinner by invitation OF the
Brooklyn Democratic Club at the Germania
cil.broons I'm Brooklyn tonight TO do honor
TO the memory of Samuel ]. Tilden. Three
hundred and fifty men sat at the tables.
President Herman a. Metz presided. and
seated near him were former Gov Robert
E. Pattison of Pennsylvania. w. Bourke
Cochran. Representative David a De Ar
mond OF Missouri. Edward NJ. Shepard,
John F.. Redmond Lewis Nixon, Justice
William j. GaynOr and ex-ContrOlier COler.
Representative James Hay, OF Virginia,
who had been expected to speak. was un-
able TO appear, owing TO illness in his
family. President Metz read a number of
letters OF regret One from former Presi-
dent Cleveland fJllOws:
'Westland Princeton. N J.. Feb. T.
Herman A. Metz. President:
MY Dear Sir-I am sorry that | must
fOregO the pleasure Of joining the Brooklyn
Democratic Club ana its invited guests in
celebrating the Eirth of Samuel j. Tllden
on the 18th inst
at a time when the beneficence and suf-
fciency Of the principles Of pure democ-
racy commend themselves 50 plainly to our
at time when Democratic opportunity so
palpably awaits their sturdy and consist
that those who profess our party faith
should celebrate this anniversary with en-
thusiasm.
''In any effort TO put the Democratic ship
upon its true course light and inspiration
will be afforded by a contemplation OF the
career OF the great leader who. resisting
every strange temptation and all false
lights, steadfastly followed the old and
safe landmarks OF Democratic doctrine,
and those who sincerely labor for return
OF Democratic triumphS VIII fnd thelr
strongest hope and encouragement in re-
calling the Victories won under the stand
ard which Samuel J. Tilden held aloft.'
OLNEY'S REGRETS.
Richard Olneys letter follows:
my Dear Sir-Though unable to attend
the exercises Of the Brooklyn Democratic
Club the 18th, L recognize their inter-
esting and significant character, and, at
your instance. venture to suggest the FOL
lowing sentiment pertinent TO the occa-
sion: The memory OF Samuel j. Tiden-
not only a wise and resourceful party
leader, but statesman of the hTst RANK TX
His patriotism was pure and ardent, his
knowledge OF political science profound,
his conviction of the superiority or the
American people and in the efficacy of ap-
peals TO their reason and conscience I'M
bounded. With him the distinctively Amer
lean ideals-gOvernment only by consent
OF the governed no taxation without rep
reRuNatiOn nor except for the actual needs
government: personal liberty and
freedom OF speech, limited only by that
order which Is heavens first law; equal
opportunities under government for all,
without favoritism for either individuals
or classes-these things with him did not
resolve themselves into mere sounding
phrases running trippingly from the
tongue to catch the ears of the grOundlngs.
They were living principles by which pO-
litfcal action was 10 be guided and political
aims and aspirations to be determined
Though a division I'm our form of govern
me1It may not yet be on foot the plain
NRfn- of
the dominant party since the outbreak Of
the Spanish war are 10 destroy the ideals
which were once the peculiar glory of the
American people, and the loss OF which
makes governmental form of but slight
moment The Democratic party, at this
hour and at critical stage OF the national
life, can In no other way deserve so well
OF the country and Of the human race as
by reaffirming its allegiance to the vital
features of our American policy and by
declaring Its unwavering opposition to
every attempt TO eliminate OF emasculate
them
HILL AND BRYAN
Writing from ''Wolfert's Roost" Al
bany David b. Hill said in part:
II knew Mr.. Tilden well and intimately.
and regarded him as one OF the foremost
men OF his time, whose unsullied career
reflected credit upon the country and
honor upon his party. / followed his leader
ship when he was alive. and / cherish his
memory now that he is dead. He was a
student OF public questions. able states
man, profound thinker. a sagacious poll
tfcian and a cautious and prudent political
adviser who made few mistakes. He was
always cOnciliatory, always courteous, al
ways just. His war upon corruption in
New York city in lS7l-lS12, his overthrow
OF the notorious canal ring in the State in
1915. and his victory for hard money I'm the
Democratic national convention of 1876
were among his most notable achieve
ments. He believed I'm honest politics
wholly divorced from business interests.
With high conceptions Of public duty. he
I'll
young man. as under obligation To take
active part in public affairs. and not
leave the direction of politics to those who
would use them for mercenary and selfish
purposes IL he was ambitious it was in
the hope OF accomplishing something for
the general welfare.
This is my brief description of Tilden-
his high Ideals and his lofty purposes.
Our party should profit by the sample of
MS great career, and steadily maintain The
principles which he so ably championed in
his public papers and speeches and so well
exemplihed in his official and private life =
William Jennings Bryan wrote from Lin
coin. Neb.:
az thank you for the invitation. and re-
greet that cannot be with you on the occa-
sion OF your dinner in commemoration of
the birthday of Samuel j. Tilden."
There was a postscript To Mr.. Bryan's
letter, which read: Enclosed editorial on
.steadfastness' will serve as a sentiment
In case you desire one" The first para
graph of the editorial said.
"A party must have principles or IL can
have 10 claim on public confidence. and
how can IL commend its principles better
than by standing by them? Who will have
faith In the creed OF "A party III the party
stands ready TO barter away its creed in
exchange for promise OF patronage? 4
hating. hesitating. vacillating course not
only fails 10 Invite recruits, but il alienates
and drives away veterans The party that
has no higher purpose than TO save It's own
life viii die. because il deserves 10 die; the
party that Is willing 10 die IL need be for
the sake OF a great cause. will live. because
IL deserves TO live"
Mr.. BOurl<e Cockran's Speech.