The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1903-06-11
TIME FOR A CHANGE
CLAY THINKS NEW PARTY
SHOULD RULE.
PUT THE DEMOCRATS IN
AND LET THEM TURN LIGHT ON
THE DEPARTMENTS.

1t Has Two Parties About Equally
Matched-Issues in Next Congress
May Bring Forth "a Democratic
Presidential Candidate-Regnrds
Roosevelt as "A Matter of Course.
Democrats Must Be Careful.
BY R. NJ. Larner.
Washington, June lot is worth
while just now to recall the presiden-
tial campaign of 1885, suggested Sem
ator Clay of Georgia, recently re-elect-
ed forsa six-year term by the Legisla-
ture of the Empire State of the South,
last evening at the Empire. THE Re-
publican nomination almost went beg
ging in the convention that year. Ed-
munds went before the delegates with
a few votes; Bristow had a few votes,
and so had Sherman. Nobody seemed
to care great deal about being named
as the standard bearer. 1t seemed to
be in the air that Grover Cleveland was
certain of another nomination and an
other term. The country seemed to be
committed to him. and to the Demo-
cratic party.
We'll, the sequel is a. matter OF his
tory" continued the Senator; "Cleve-
land secured the denomination, but to
the surprise of nearly everybody he
failed of the reelection. Harrison,
whose nomination was supposed to be
worth little, beat him.
"Of course, there isn't any doubt
that President Roosevelt will be nomi-
mated at the next Republican National
Convention"
But you think the Democratic NOM
ination next year may be something
more than a convention honor" was
suggested.
Want a Conservative Man.
1--WE want a conservative man for
our nominee" declared Senator Clay,
''but one can't say yet with any as
surance what his name will be. The
next session of Congress may bring for
ward issues, which will develop some
suitable candidate whose name thus
far has been little mentioned, If at all.
THE names 1 have heard most men
toned throughout Georgia have been
those of German and Parker. l thought
a one time Parker was almost GER
tain of the nomination, but German
apparently has been gaining strength
before the public in the discussion of
possible candidate during the summer.
cleveland undoubtedly has friends
in our state. a good many friends, but
I do not believe he seriously considers
becoming a candidate. If the matter
should go far enough, 1 believe Cleve-
land would come out with a statement
making it plain he would not accept.
The failure of the third term move
ments in Grants behalf demonstrated
that other Presidents cannot aspire
to more than eight years in the White
House."
What should the party issues be?"
Mr.. Clay was asked.
conservative, said he. Georgia,
- you will remember, has always been
conservative. 1 believe all elements in
the Democratic party must be con-
sidered, but we ought to. demand econ
omy in general expenditures and care
lest the functions of the general gov
eminent usurp those properly belong
ing to the individual and the state.
Then, for the sake of the general well
fare, we should demand a change.
To Show Up Extravaganza.
Il am not one of those who believes
that all the public virtues and all the
ability are confined to one party. We
are all American citizens, and human
nature is about the same in the gen.
eral run among men of both parties.
1t is a splendid thing for good govern
ment when there are two parties IN
the nation pretty near matched one
closely watching the other, and It is an
excellent thing when an occasional
change is made in party government.
"A conservative Democratic admins
tration, possessing tile confidence of
the country, including the rich and
the poor, would prove of decided ben
eft" continued Senator Clay. "a DEM
ocratic Congress would turn the light
on transactions in the various depart
of know what
can administration has cost. l do
not want to be understood as making
any specific charges, but as saying
that a general overhauling would be
decidedly beneficial"
would you omit the tariff from the
next platform"
mo" replied Senator Clay, cal
though. / would not favor any sweeping
changes that would upset business"
And what should. in your Judgment
be done with the old Democratic issues
of the last two campaigns =
Something to Please All.
'I would omit mention in the plat
form of that" said Senator Clay, FOR
il belongs to contentious that are past
was an advocate OF silver; neneVe
in it now. but at the same time
realize that the time is at hand for us
to make a conservative platform on
which all of the party can stand.
1--WE must have candidate that will
be acceptable to the doubtful states OF
the East. AS I said at the beginning,
there is nothing definite to indicate now
who that will be. 1t may not become
evident till the Democratic convention
meets and ballots. I think one thing
certain that any man who strives 10
bring Democratic sentiment to his cam
didacy is likely to fail. The best any
of the candidates can do is to drift
along with the tide. The man who nts
in best under circumstances and con-
ditions prevailing at the time of the
convention, will probably be nomi-
mated"
Senator Clay says that Georgia is IN
very prosperous condition, the recent
cyclones being the only causes Of Ia
ment. The people of the state are very
busy, and as a matter Of fact, are CIV
ing little attention to politics. The
Senator returned to Georgia this even
ing.
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