The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1904-02-03
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8, 1904
KEEP COOL.

There is an immense amount Of dis
cussion going on at the present time
about the future control of the Demo-
cratic party, which seems to us both
Incorporate and foolish. We can I'M
derstand the persistence with which it
appears in Republican newspapers, for
they have a definite purpose to serve.
Anything that can give the appear
ance of Democratic discord is proven
der for them. But Democrats should
not allow themselves to be carried off
their feet or persuaded to handy hard
words with one another because of a
situation that calls at this time, as far
as we can see, for no asperity of feel
ing ana no recrimination.
All the big and little horns are toot-
ing all over the country the news that
Mr.. Bryan says this, that or the other,
and that Mr.. Bryan and his friends are
organizing to control the next Demo-
cratic national convention, to write the
platform and to choose the nominee.
Well, what of it, if it is true? Have
they not right to do so? Are they
not all Democrats, and is it not the
privilege of every member of the party
to have views on these important mat
tiers, to express them to others and to
get others to act in harmony with
him? Who bars out Mr.. Bryan? Who
questions or denies his right to direct
the party policy and programme again
if he can do so? To accuse him be-
cause at this time he is outspoken and
active is utterly absurd
1t is just as absurd to shy bricks at
other Democrats for doing the same
thing. More serious than that, how
ever, it is an offense against Democra-
cy to intimate or consent to the asser-
ton that the existence of differences of
opinion and of purpose in the Demo-
cratic party means factionalism, a row
and a bolt. 1t means, rather, mental
activity, definiteness of purpose, di-
rectness of hope and all that contrib
utes to- party life. That party in
which there is only one candidate, one
boss and one machine is in a bad way.
Even our friends the enemy may con-
graduate themselves upon the little
rumpus that the friends of Hanna and
those of Roosevelt are kicking up. be-
cause it is a sign of party health.
We see no reason to reprehend any
Democrat for interest and free and ac-
tive participation in the preparation
now going forward for big party
council and a most happy outcome.
Here is Henry Watterson shouting
from the housetops that the world is
on fire because another Democrat. who
may be wiser or more foolish than
himself, just as people happen to look
at 1t, is expressing his opinions and
giving his advice. III the eyes of The
Glob e all heated controversy on this
topic is foolish, unwise and hurtful. IT
is intended to SOW dissension and to
create a split in the Democratic party
if possible.
We will have none of it in ours. We
believe in individual freedom and in
party freedom and in the right of free
men within the party to act and speak
as each believes to be for the party's
good. If he is mistaken, as some are
show him his error. If he advocates a
wrong policy with weak or inproner
candidate, organize against him and
beat him in the convention. Meantime
let all these things be done with fair
ness and good humor. 1t seems to us
to be time when honor and honest
difference of opinion should be allow
ed to exist without any breaking of
heads or sull1ing in tents.
We are delighted with the activity
the interest, the earnestness and the
determination displayed in Democratic
circles these days. These things mean