The age-herald., 1902-02-16
Letters of Regret Read from Cleveland, OIney, Bryan
 and David 3, HiII
CLEVELAND SAYS STICK
 10 THE OLD LANDMARKS
olney Thinks Departure From Old Principles Will Eventually Hurt Republican Party-Mr. Bryan
 Expresses Sentiments.

New York. February 15.-Democrats prominent in this and other sections of the country met at dinner by invitation of the Brooklyn Democratic Club at the Germania Club rooms In Brooklyn tonight to do honor to the memory of Samuel J. Tilden. Three hundred and fifty men sat at the tables. President Herman Metz presided and seated near him was former Governor Robert E. Pattison. of Pennsyl- vania; W. Bourke Cochran. Representa- tive D. A. DeArmond, of Missouri; Ed ward H. Shepard, John k. Redmond, Lewis Nixon. Justice William J. Gaynor and Ex-Comptroller Coler. Representa- tive James H. Hay. of Virginia. who had been expected to speak was unable to appear. owing to Illness in his family President Metz read number of letters of regret. They were as follows.
 "Westland. Princeton, N. J., February
 7 1902.
 Herman A. Metz, President:
 My Dear Sir: I am sorry that must forego the pleasure of joining the Brook lyn Democratic Club and it's invited guests in celebrating the birthday of sam uel J Tilden, on the 18th inst. At time wher Ahe bens ieence and sufficiency of the l'neiples Of 15ure Democracy conn mend themselves, so ainlss to our coun- trymen who are honest mi aed, and at a time when Democratic oppoEtunity so pal pably awaits their sturdy and consistent advocacy, it is especially appropriate that those who profess our party faith should celebrate this anniversary with enthusi- asm.
 Tn any effort to put the Democracy ship upon its true course. light and in spiration will be afforded by contem- plation 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 for return of Democratic triumphs will find their strongest hope and encourage ment in recalling the victories won under the standard which Samuel J. Tilden held aloft. Yours very sincerely.
 GROVER CLEVELAND"
 Olneys Letter. In expressing his regret at being unable to be present, MT. Richard Olney, former secretary of state. said in part:
 With Samuel J. Tiden. the distinc- lively American ideals were; 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 that order which is heavens first law: equal opportunities un- der government 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 aspirations be determined. Though a revolution in our form of government may not yet be on foot the plain tenden- cies 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 governmental form of but slight moment The Democratic party at this l hour, and at critical stage of the na- tional life can in no other way deserve so well of the country and of the human races. by re-affirming it's allegiance to the 1 vital features of our American policy. and by declaring it's unwavering opposition to every attempt to eliminate or emasculate 1 them.
 Bryan Writes From Lincoln. William J. Bryan wrote from Lincoln. Neb.: I thank you for the invitation and l sion of your dinner in proper commence ration of the Samuel J. Tilden. l Writing from s'Wolferts Roose,' All 1 bany. N. r., David B. Hill said in partt | l knew MT. T1lden intimately and re- | garded him as one of the foremost men of his time, whose unsullied career reflected credit upon the country and honor upon his party. Our party should profit by the example of his great career and steadily maintain the principles which he 50 ably championed in his public papers and speeches and so we'll exemplified in his official and private life. z
 There was postscript to MT. Bryan's letter which read: Enclosed editorial on 'Steadfastness' serves as a sentiment if you desire one"
 The first paragraph said:
 "A party must have principles or 1t can have no claim on public confidence. and how can 1t command it's principles better than by standing by them? Who will have faith n the creed of a party if the party stands ready to barter away it's creed in exchange for promise of pat ronage. A h;ilting. hesitating. vacillat- ing course not only fails to invite rec cruits. but 1t alenates and drives away veterans. The party that has no higher purpose than to save it's own life will die, because 1t deservts die: the party that is willing to die if need be for the sake of a great cause will live because it de- serves to live.
 Following welcome by Chairman Metz. ex-Governor Patterson spoke, de. precating the policy of the Republican, in their treatment of Cuba. Porto Rico and the Philippines. Congressman Dear mond spoke in the same strain and Lewis Nixon Tammany Halls leader asked for a united Democracy tn Brooklyn, New York City and the state. go that victors in future contests would be assured Bourke Cochran came next.