The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-06-27

YNDOUBTEDl4Y Robert Emory
Pattison is a man very much
bigger than the kind Of
Democrat chiefly in evidence
at Erie---the manipulatve. uneasy kind,
like the Guffeys and the Gordons and
the Kerrs. Their view rose no higher
than cOvetOusnesS of control of the
party machinery because of such per-
sonal and selfish advantages as it might
bring--an elemental passion not espe-
cially different in principle from the
struggling among dogs for Il bone. Mr..
Pattison. we say, rises higher in public
stature than that. He has ideas and
ideals and, within the limits which sur
round an ambitious and a kindly
natured man in politics, he is doubtless
actuated by lofty principles, In devotion
to which he is more or less sincere.
But how sincere? Is he in reality the
strong man needed in the present emer-
gency IL what the Erie platform charges
be true? That platform assures us in
most lugubrious terms that our grand
old commonwealth is fast going to the
devil, and that it is the urgent duty of
all good citizens. putting aside party,
to rally around Brother Pattison, and
incidentally around Guffey & Co.. for
the purpose of saving the outraged
state That alarming invitation excuses
an inquiry as to Mr. Pattison's qualif-
cations for such an important mission,
and gives timeliness to any information
bearing upon his political characteris-
tics.
In 1896 crisis arose in the Demo-
cratic party so grave that it caused
thousands of the most intelligent men,
bers of that party to abandon it's presi-
dentiafnominee in alarm and give their
support to the nominee OF party with
which most of them had never before
affiliated. This crisis had to do with a
matter Of the most vital concern to the
national welfare; and while there We're
many citizens who at that time hon
estly believed in the economic doctrine
so eloquently championed by the Demo-
cratic presidential nominee, Robert EN-
ory Pattison was one of those who re-
fused to bow down to Bryan and free
silver. Pattson knew that the doc
tiiieS VI IoiSstIllslil were lnlllllcal TO the
country, and quietly but with firmness
he took his stand for sound money and
law and order. The Pattison of 1896, IL
not as courageous and outspoken as
prophet of reform should be to fulfill
all the traditions of the law and the
prophets, was at least respectable and
conscientious.
Could the curtain fall at this point it
would be we'll for Mr.. Pattisons repu-
tation. But there is another scene to
be spread before the notice of the dis
cerning. In 1896 error as to free silver
had in a measure been eXcusable. In
1900 events had so completely demol-
lshed the foundations of the free silver
movement that no man who was not
deliberately stubborn in his demon-
1strated mistake could with endorsement
repeat the Democratic avowals of the
SRaadrennium previous without inviting
reflsctions upon his sincerity or his in
atelligense or both. Where was Pattison
In l9O0P On the stump, supporter of
William Jennings Bryan and the whole
kit OF heresies for which Bryan stood
like the fibre necessary in prophet
and q, redeemer?
- I'VE see no reason, after such an en-
ohibition, why any Republican should
1;iist his vote for Pattison for governor
The figure which he cuts as promlser
'ofsbetter things is not convincing.
ssfruS ha
! If the "man of destiny" could only
sorset Philadelphia, nomination honors
Iwbuld be enjoyable for few days at
least, IN. to.. .l...
IT is not to be believed that there is
substantial truth in the report from
Rome that the authorities at the Vatl-
IAN are unwilling to come TO amicable
terms with Judge Taft concerning aues-
tions at issue in The Philippines unless
he judge will for the American GOV
,rnment pledge that the public schools
N the Philippines shall rentain tinde,
he tutelage Of THE church IFS az vel!
<nowp at Home as It's ins Scrarilo
hot nd l.