The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1903-11-30
HARRISBURG, W. Va, NOV. 80, 1908
CLEVELAND LOSES NO FAME.

Cleveland gets no additional fame by
his retirement from active politics. There
was time, when he seemed to be I'M
der the impression that it was possible
for him to do something that no other
american has done, that is, to fill the
presidential chair third time. 1t is
strongly suspected that he entrusted to
the editor of the Brooklyn Eagle the
task of bringing and springing his can
didacy before the people, This was done,
and for time, on account Of the parI-
yzed condition of the Democratic party
and It's utter hopelessness, the mention
of CleFeland's name in connection with
the nomination for the presidency by a
recognized Democracy found favor, but
gradually other interests of the party
asserted themselves and none more
strongly than the South, from which
came notes of warning in such unmis-
taxable terms that it was not difficult
to conclude that there would be peril
from that quarter and in the end the
result would be to lose even the solid
South" Doubtless Cleveland himself was
shrawd enough to appreciate the signif-
canoe of these threatening chimes OF the
Democratic melody of resurrected and
reconstructed song, but he was loathe to
give up an ambition that seized him the
moment it was apparent that the party
was willing to undergo reconstruction
Subsequent developments were disap.
pointing, but of nature that brought
fright, and Cleveland and his friends
soon got scared out of their boots" and
it was deemed advisable for him to re.
tire and to do that it was necessary to
write letter TO the friends that had
been entrusted to sping him on the people.
with the request that it be given public.
ity. The plan has been successfully car
ried out and sense of relief comes not
only to Cleveland and his following but
also to the other element of the Demo,
cratic party, but Cleveland's act does
not clear the horizon for the party. II
Is as much puzzled as ever to know what
to do. The Cleveland followers have been
relieved of handicap and are free now
to undertake to dictate to all others Of
the party and to assume independence
and the right to repudiate the platform
and nominees, if they are not in accord,
ance with their dictation.
The truth is the only effect Ceve.
lands retirement has so far as clearing
mp the situation for the Democratic par
ty Is concerned is that it eliminates one
Of the prospective candidates, but the
effect amounts to nothing since it does
not eliminate his following and there
will no doubt be a substitute for him
that will command the support Of Cleye-
lands following as strongly as he did.
The act Of retiring from the contest
does not bring him more glory for the
circumstances and conditions readily con-
vince all that it would have been most
difficult for him to secure the nomina-
ton and there was not even a possibility
Of his being elected. The finale being
this, he would have trailed his name in
the dust and the luster that is attached
to it now would have been clouded with
the shadows of humiliation. The hopes
OF man in his dotage would have been
blasted and his days would have been
shortened. He might have died OF
broken heart. He concluded rightly that
It was better for an ex.president OF his
advanced age not to bring sorrow to him
solf in his old age and chagrin to his
family.