The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-02-16
MIR. CLEVELAND WRITES
Return to the True Faith
 Urged by Ex-President.
Bryan and Hill Also Regret Their In- ability to Attend and Send Sent iments s- Bourke Cochran
 Makes a Speech.

nent in this and other sections of the country met at dinner by invitation Of tho Brooklyn Democratic Club at the Germania Club rooms, in Brooklyn, to- night to do honor to the memory of Sum- uel J. Tilden. Three hundred and fifty men sat at tables. President Herman A. Metz presided. and. seated near him, were former Governor Robert E. Pattison of Pennsylvania, W. Bourke Cochran, Representative D. A. DeArmond of Mis- souri, Edward M. Shepard. John E. Red mond, Lewis Nixon, Justice William J. Gaynor and ex-Comptroller Coler. Rep resentative James Hay of Virginia, who had been expected to speak, was unable to appear, owing to illness in his family. President Metz read a number of letters cf regret. That of President Cleveland follows:
 "Westland Princeton, \. J.,
 Feb. z. 1902. Herman A. Metz, President:
 My Dear Sir--I am sorry that l must forego the pleasure of joining the Brook lyn Democratic Club and it's invited guests in celebrating the birthday of Samuel J. Tilden, on the 18th instant At time when the beneiicence and suf- liciency of the principles of pure Democ- racy commend themselves so plainly to our countrymen who are honest-minded, and at time when Democratic oppor- tunity so palpably awaits their sturdy and consistent advocacy, 1t Is especially appropriate that those who profess our party faith should celebrate this anni-' versary with enthusiasm. In any effort to put the Democratic ship upon Its true course, light and inspiration will be af- forded by contemplation of. the career of the great leader who, resisting every strange temptation and all false lights. steadfastly following the old and safe landmarks of Democratic doctrine and those who sincerely labor or a return of Democratic doctrine and those who sincerely labor for a return of Democratic triumphs will find their strongest hope and encouragement in recalling the victo- ries won under the standard which , Samuel J. Tilden held aloft
 Yours very sincerely,
 "Grover Cleveland"
 In expressing his regret at being unable to be present, MT. Richard Olney. former Secretary of State said in part
 With Samuel J. Tilden. the dis tinctively American ideals-government only by consent of the governed-no taxa tion without representation nor except for the actual needs of the government personal. liberty and freedom of speech limited only by order, which is Heavens first law-equal opportunities under gov ernment for all without favoritism for either individuals or classes-these things with him were living principles by which political action was to be guided and political aims and aspirations be determined. Though a revolution in our form of government may not yet De on foot. the plain tendencies of the policies and measures of the dominant party since the outbreak of the Spanish war is to destroy the ideals which were once the peculiar glory of the American people and the loss of which makes govern mental form of but slight moment. The Democratic party, at this hour and at 4 critical stage of the national life. can in no other way deserve so well of the country and of the human races as by re- affirming it's allegiance to the vital features of our American policy and by declaring its unwavering opposition to every attempt to eliminate or emasculate them."
 William Jennings Bryan wrote from Lincoln. Neb.:
 "I thank you for the invitation and reorot that I cannot be with you on the occasion of your dinner in commemora- tion of the birthday of Samuel J. Tilden." '" Writing from Wolferts Roost, Alabany, David B. Hill said in part:
 ..J knew Mir. Tilden well and intimately and regarded him as one of the foremost men of his time, whose unsullied career raeected credit upon the country and honor upon his party. Our party should nroft by the example of his great career and steadily maintain the principles ,yhtcb he so ably championed in his public naners and speeches and so well exem- plitied in his official and private life."
 letter of regret was also read from l M Pearson. Mayor of Mckinley, Tex. There was a postscript to Mr! Bryan's letter, which read:
 ..Enclosed editorial on 'Steadfastness will serve as a sentiment in case you de- sire one.
 The first paragraph of the editorial s.id. "A party must have principles or i, can have no claim on public confidence. ,rd how can it commend it's principles better than by standing by them? Who nil have faith in the creed of party if ,ha marty stands ready to barter away tts creed in exchange for promise of ,'a+rnnage? A halting. hesitating, vacil- iatine course not only fails to invite re- nr,its but 1t alieniates and drives away atorans The party that has no higher t,.,osa than to save its own life will die tNoause 1t deserves to die; the party .hot Ia willing to die if need be for the "t,, of a great cause will live because 1t deserves to live"
 Tor,owing brief welcome by Chairman ,,l,n ex-Governor Pattison spoke, de- nrscat,ng the policy of the Republicans in tho,- treatment of Cuba, Porto Rico and ths philippines. Congressman DeArmond noro .no in the same strain, and Lewis N'xnr Tammy Halls leader, asked for a Tnited Democracy in Brooklyn, New York City and the State so that victory '' po,,rpa Cochran spoke next.
 ,'1t seems to me" began Mir. Cochran ...,,a+ at this time when many men be- ,,''a inc disasters which have overtaken nnnocratic party portend its final nnanss we will honor Tuden's memory