New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-03-23
MORE DEMOCRATIC CONSERVATISM.

Mr.. Cleveland's recent efforts 10 tempt the
Democratic party back to the safe highway of
conservatism" seem to have touched re-
sponsive chord in the heart OF Mt least one dis
tinCuished Southern statesman. The Hon. Au-
gustus O. Bacon. Of Georgia, is also disposed
to think that the salvation Of the Democratic
party hinges on a disavowal OF oil fits radical
follies and a repentant return 10 what he and
Mr.. Cleveland vaguely call conservative" doc
trine. The Georgia Senator is even moro ur-
gent and positive than the ex-President in his
appeal for party regeneration He wants no
halfway mea sures. The conversion TO con
servatism" must be complete and absolute.
Radicals and radicalism must be eXterminated,
and the party OF jefferson and Jackson must
be refashioned into an instrument of compro-
mise-a mouthpiece of moderate, not TO say
reactionarv. opinion. Mr.. BACON proposes 10
affix the conservative" label 10 anything and
everything Democratic. In an interview I'm
The Philadelphia Ledger he thus outlines his
programme for the approaching Presidential
canvass;
We should have a thoroughly conservative
man at the head Of the ticket. one recognized
and conceded 10y all to be such and couser-
vative platform, IN thorough harmony and ac-
cord with the character and record Of such
candidate such changes and reforms may
be necessary should be undertaken I'm such q
conservative manner rs not to disturb or un-
settle the business Of the country. and the man
selected should bA a Democrat whose record
ana known character would be a guarantee 81
his conservatism. The candidate should 10 IN
himself a safe. conservative platform.
The Georgia statesman goes further than Mr..
Cleveland. too. in defining conservatism" He
discarls the money issue as settled Nor does
he think Il wise 70 plan a general assault on
the protective tariff. Mr.. Bacon once made
himself famous by gropound!ng his theory Of
a brick by-briCk' reduction OF the tariff wall.
He would lower tho schedules gradually and
impereeptibly, and would not be discouraged IL
IL took a century or two 10 get them 10 a pure
" revenue level. Now nc hods--as perhaps Mr.
Cleveland himself dOes-thHt the Democratic
party should go before the country I'm the atti-
''tude Of n conservative policy respecting the
tariff" Trusts, most Southern statesmen seem
to believe. are 70 be inveighed against IN tho
distract, but allowed TO shelter themselves.
when brought to court, under the accommo-
dating mantle Of State sovereignty Mr.. Bacon,
therefore would not be too rash I'm prosecuting
combinations I'm restraint OF trade. He an.
nounces that on the trust issue also the Demo
crafts should be conservative, and endeavor in
"no way to inJure legitimate business interests
while trying to reach unlawful enterprises"
Mr.. Bacon is for conservative platform be-
cause he believes IN conservatism. Other Demo
crats-manv Of them IN Georgia-are for con-
servative platform because It may win, not be-
cause Il is conservative. Whether as stalking
horse behind which 10 steal into power or as
a serious recasting OF Democratic theories, tho
Bacon programme lacks neither courage nor
cand0r. But in attempting TO read genuine
conservatism into Democratic beliefs and Demo
cratic practices fits author merely demonstrates
his own capacity for paTadox-his inability 20
measure the forces behind Democracy or 20 roc
ognize the historical groundwork on which its
achievements as an American party rest.