The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1904-03-01
TUESDAY, MARCH I, 1904.
DEMOCRACY GREATER THAN ANY
MAN.


In the opinion of he Glob some
unnecessary debate and a great deal
of unnecessary feeling are being
wasted upon discussion of the best
Democratic candidate for the presi-
dency. With single exception, which we
shall indicate more definitely and more
at length in later article, hardly a
prominent Democrat can be mentioned
to whose support the party would not
rally with confidence and enthusiasm.
The old line of division that SO I'M
fortunately cleft the Democratic party
in twain was drawn not by any man Or
men, not by any war of Municipalities,
but by an honest difference of opinion
over matters of principle. Men on
both sides of that line command and
deserve respect, for both were in dead
earnest and both made terrible sacri-
fees for their faith. That yawning
chasm has now been closed.
1t has been closed not because of any
victory or defeat or surrender, but be-
cause events have marched past the
point that made it possible. Time it.
self and the progress of the world have
rendered discussion of the subjects of
difference both fruitless and foolish.
No one would now dream of attempting
to revive discussion of issues prevail
ing before the Civil war, which were
then deemed so vital that men were
ready to die for them at an instant's
notice. The making of history, the acts
Of legislators, the decisions of the
courts have pushed all these issues into
the background, and he who would now
disturb them leaves the domain of liv-
ing politics for the graveyard of the
past.
So it is with the issues that tenn
porarily divided Democrats. We can
see no possible reason why there
should be in them any cause of
offense or any Indictment to divi-
sion today. AS to the selection
of a candidate, why not follow
the same line of broad and gener-
Gus discussion that T h e GIobe has
championed in recent article, in
which it declared that the control of
the Democratic party belonged to
those who should win it by proper ac-
tivity in the various districts and state
conventions and in the national body.
There is no reason for the shying of
bricks at any head.
A statement deliberately false and
intended to deceive has been made
public by the political opposites of
The Clio e to the effect that it's edi-
tor had urged upon leading Democrats
the nomination Of Mr.. Cleveland. T he
Glob e, here as always, has no candi-
date to urge upon the party. 1t is a
fact, whether we Hike it or not, that Mr..
Cleveland's name is almost the only one
mentioned prominently in the East to-
day in connection with the Democratic
nomination for the presidency, and that
1t is in everybody's mouth.
This may be wise or unwise
It may mean his nomination or
1t may amount to less than moth
ing; but in any case 1t is a
fact which. whether welcome or I'M
welcome, should not be bIinked. The
people Of the East desire Mr.. Cleve-
lands nomination and believe that he
could be elected. They may be wrong
in both particulars and their ideas
may be absolutely negatived by thou
sands of other Democrats, but such Is
their present feeling; and the statement
Of this fact, without recommendation,
Endorsement or objection. was the only
foundation for the canard referred to.
The same right is to be conceded to