The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-05-16
Hearst Or-What?

h 1t is peculiar situation that con-
fronts the thinking democrats Of the
west The contest between William
r. Hearst and Judge Alton B. Parker
Is their dilemma, and they do not
seem disposed to seize either horn of
1t. Neither candidate comes up to
the measure that they are demanding
for the head of their national ticket
e Judge Parkers views are an UNI
known quantity, except as they are
brought out in the New York plat
form, which has not been approved
by the sober second thought of de-
mocracy. 1t is too plainly a vote-get-
ting platform, rather than a declara-
ton Of principles. Aside from this
Parker's Endorsement by Grover
Cleveland, David B.. Hill and August
Belmont is distasteful to those demo-
Gratis who stood by Bryan in 1896 and
1900. Altho they are somewhat dis
gusted with the peerless leader at
the present time, the mass of western
democrats are not ready to submit to
anything that resembles control Of
the party by those who bolted at the
last two elections.
This feeling has driven thousands
OF the most radical element to the
support of Hearst, whose platform
contains everything that they want in
abundance. But neither the platform
nor the man is satisfactory to large
element Of loyal Bryan democrats,
h.
or pilot, hoping for the best, but
fearing the worst. Hearst does not
appeal to them as statesman of cali
Der, or a safe man in any respect.
They look upon his candidacy as "a
species of insanity" and yet they have
no rallying point from which to OPP
pose it. T
The battle in this state, and in
many western states, is not going to be
between Hearst and Parker, but be-
tween Hearst and anti-Hearst fac
lions. Without some more cohesive
influence than opposition to Hearst
the latter element may fail, as in
Iowa. However, if they win, the dele
gates from Minnesota will not go in
structed for Judge Parker. They will
go opposed to Hearst, and looking for
leader. If none better presents
himself, they will vote for Parker, but
many sincere democrats are hoping
that the party will find candidate
who possesses dignity and ability, and
yet is free from the eastern gold
bug" influence so distasteful to the
men who went down with Bryan.
With such a candidate they would
hardly hope to win, but at least they
could be consistent, and not ashamed
of their colors.
Republicans are not anxious to see
the democratic party make a dis
graceful blunder this year. 1t would
be to the discredit of the whole nation
as well as Of the democracy, if dem
agogue or tool were placed in nom
ination against Theodore Roosevelt, to
contend with him for the SURFACES OF
ten million American voters.
1t will strike the attentive observer that
Judge Collins showed a commendable de-
gree Of prudence in refusing to be en-
lightened by Mr.. Hill on the interesting
question of who it was that solicited and
received this money-St Paul Pioneer
Press Editorial
That is simply rank, unadulterated mis-
representation of the facts, and the Pho
neer Press ought to be ashamed of itself
Judge Collins, in the letter which the
Pioneer Press printed, asked Mr.. Hill tc
ray to whom, when and where and how