Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1902-07-08
Cleveland suggests Platform.


Grover Cleveland and David j. Hill
met on the same platform in New York,
and both talked Democratic unity and
how best to restore the party to some
thing like It's former prestige. The
occasion was the opening of the Tllden
Clubs new home. 1t was Claveland's
first putlic appearance as 81 pnlitical
speaker In five years and his meeting
with Hill. his ancient enemy. ON MEND
ly ter,as gave the affair double aigniti-
earce.
Ex-President Cleveland, wha g'as i'm
troducetl by President Bowling Of Tie
club, received rousing reception when
he rose to speak. He said:
Il have been urged TO participate in
this occasion by those who haze assur-
ed ssse that this handsome structure
is TO be dedicated TO the rehabilitation
and consolidation of the Democratic
party under the inspiration of a name
which, during the days of Democratic
strength and achievement. was honor
ed in every Democratic household
Such an assurance made to iona who
followed with hearty devotion the lead
ership of Samuel ]. Tilden when liv-
ing and who has since found in his ca
reer and fame the highest incentive to
Democratic steadfastness could hardly
fail to overcome the temptations of
my contented retirement from political
activity.
Perhaps there are those who would
define my position as one of Danish
ment instead of retirement. Against
this | shall not enter a protest. 1t is
sufficient for me in either case shat l
have followed in matters of difference
within our party the teachings and
counsel of the great Democrat in whose
name party peace and harmony are to-
night invoked. No confession OF par
ty sin should, therefore. be expected
Of me. have none to make; nor do
crave political absolution. ] am here
to take counsel with others processing
the same party faith concerning the
Democratic situation.
II suppose we are all convinced that
this situation might be improved; and
some of us may think 1t is perilously
undermined. Whatever the measure
Of its impairment may be, our condi-
ton as an organization cannos he inn
proved by calling each other harsh
names nor by inaugurating system
Of arbitrary prescription and banish-
ment"
After urging q return to the Demo
cratic faith of the fathers, Mr. Cleve-
land said:
II believe the times point to another
Democratic opportunity as rear at
hand, but l believe we shall reap the
fruits. on 1T only by following the line
Of conduct l have indicated. In any
event have a comforting and abiding
faith in the indestructibility of the par
ty which has so many times shown its
right to live and its power for good,
and am sure the reserve of patriotic
Democratic wisdom will at some time
declare itself in the rescue of our eoun-
try and our party.
MY days of political activity are
past and shall not hereafter assume
to participate in party councils, ! am
absolutely content with retirement; bur
I still have one burning, anxious polit
ical aspiration. want to see before l
die the restoration to perfect health
and supremacy of that Democracy
whose mission it is to bless the people,
a Democracy true to itself. interrupted
by clamor, unmoved by the gusts Of
popular passion and interrupted by
offers of strange alliance-the Demoe-
racy of patriotism, the Democracy Of
safety, the Democracy of TIldeD ana
the Democracy that deserves and wins
suceass "