New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-08-18
THE ANNOUNCEMENT CAUSES DISM4Y At DEM(
CRATIC HEADQUARTERS
Major John Bne President of the Democratic Honest Money League
and I9OO also for Republican Ticket
NOT SOUND ON MONEY
Major Byrne's Criticism Of the
Democratic Position.

Major John Byrne, president of the Demo-
cratic Honest Money League in 1896 and 1900.
which had branches in nineteen States and was
instrumental in influencing number of gold
Democrats to vote for President Mckinley. has
announced himself in favor Of the election of
President Roosevelt He gives his reasons so
that his friends and followers may understand
his position. and II convinced that he is right
follow in line.
In reply to the question Where do you stand
in the political contest this year, Major Byrne
replied:
Il stand precisely where I stood in 1896 and
in 1900 and in the Congress campaign of
1897 in national potics-wth the friends of
honest money and national integrity. en-
bodied in the gold standard and represented by
the men who have supported and who are sup
porting IT principle"
You do think both parties stand for
that?"
NO; as | view the situation and the ques-
ton, the Democratic party does not. II had the
opportunity at st. Louis place itself
platform Of that character but il positively re-
fused to do by kicking out of the proposed
platform a plank which though weak and apol-
ogetc and entitled gold plank offered by con.
servative men who would rescue the party from
Populistic influences and restore it to Demo-
cratic lines, was obnoxious to the radical and
Populisttc hosts controlling the convention and
evidently still I'm control OF the party"
You do not agree with some Democrats. then.
that Judge Parkers telegram. which the
vention accepted cured the defects Of the plat
form?"
mo. do not so regard il. Judge Parker, real
izing no doubt. that absolutely 10 hope existed
for his election the platform adopted. in
formed his representatives that he regarded the
question OF the gold standard settled. and
would govern himself accordingly, and could not
accept the nomination on any other understand
ing And the convention. facing a crisis and real
izig that chaos and party disntegration and
ruin would follow rejection of its nominee gov
erned solely by expediency. violated its princi-
pies and under pressure of political necessity
cepted Judge Parker his terms. 4
transaction of doubtful character, of problemat-
iCal value to the country. and. I view ii, not
creditable either party. Tho deal that secured
the surrender by Senator Tillman of his cher
shed convictions and his acceptance of Judge
Parker as the party candidate on the terms set
forth in that telegram BODIES good to the
country If Judge Parker is elected.
HE WOULD HAVE LOST THE NOMINATION.
Had the declaration of his views been made
by Judge Parker before his nomination ne would
be under consideration: his name would
have met the fate of the gold plank. There Is
nothing in Judge Parker's telegram. the action
of the convention on it or in his speech of
cCptanCe that voices q note of reclntatiOn of the
hereses of 1896 and 1900 or word of regret for
his action in supporting those heresies.
word in acceptance of the principle of hc ncs-
money as embodied in the gold STANDARD, a
conviction and confirmed by the country i'm it's
reputation of Bryanism. Judge Parker simply
recognized an established condition, ured
against his effort and consent which he merely
in substance, assures he will not assault.
This his friends and partisaUs call very brave
and honest. To me Il looks simply like
mon sense and saGacious politics 1t displayed
judgment and gercralship more than frankaess.
He does not pledge, If elected his support ard
the support of the party TO the completion Of
the gold standard by the perfection of a none
tary structure Of which Ii is the bottom and
vital chord. This studied evasion of a vitaIIy
both by the convention ard the candidate, on the
false assumption that the question has oeen set
tied. coupled with the fact that In 1SgG and
again in 1900 when loyal citizenship. ire
spcctive of party, was battling for the country's
honor and safety against the hosts of free
silver" and repudiation. Judge Parker from
his lofty position calmly and deliberately sided
with the enemies of his country-repeating i'm
1900, Notwithstanding the condemnation by the
people of the Bryanite heresies of 1896 i'm which
condemnation n million Democrats who loved
country more than party regularity saved ~
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