The St. Louis Republic., 1904-04-15
United on POLICIES.

Democratic voters need not wait for the various
decisions OF the National Convention. They should
be making those decisions themselves Fhst of all.
they should be telling the leaders that the knitting
together of Democratic forces is the work which
distinguishes leadership from self-seekng.
With union the Democratic party can win a na-
tional victory and regain control of several i'm
portant States
What is to prevent? Nothing except the rivalries,
the jealousies of individuals. Ambitious men strive
to hold or increase their power in the party by pro-
vokfhg irritations and fighting against peace.
II there were vital differences of opinion upon
the issues of the campaign 1t might be expected
that prominent party would contend TO the last
for principle The rank and file Of the party would
expect an honest dssersion; and would expect it to
last until the questions in controversy were settled.
No real differences appear. Recent speeches IN
Congress, directed definitely aud with mature con-
sideration at the issues of the coming campaign,
disclose no sign of conflict The intellectual
party spokesmen in both houses, represent
ing all sections Of the country, have given preced-
ence in the deliberate arguments to the same
issues Of government. They have addressed them
selves to the same faults OF Republican legislation
and administration.
In the situation of parties there is not timely
or pressing issue upon which the Democracy is d.
yided. There is every reason-except the reason Of
individual selfshness-for consolidation of all the
elements which naturally range themselves under
the banner of Democracy.
This motive of individual selhshness needs the
attention of voters who hope for a restoration of
the Democratic party to control of national affairs
In one State group of men seek by proongins
to reach power Of which they have
been deprived. In another group does not hes
tate to jeopardze the interests of the party In or
der to retain an influence which has given them an
advantage
Some men still talk Of reorganizing the Demo
cratic party; others still threaten to dsorganze and
defeat the party.
The Democratic party needs no reorganization
1t is organized, from the National Committee to the
village club. The issues plain and under
stood. The voters are ready to support the party.
The sole contention when analyzed is over the mat
ter of what set of men shall WELD the power OF
party leadership
The rivalries of ambitious men are healthy
enough when they conducted within the rules
of fairness and With the larger welfare of the party
Kept in mind. If one man holds an office another
can't have it. If wins. somebody must lose
Honorable striving with generosity among the win
ners and ganleness among the losers, Is good
American political way of doing things. But foul
deadly fighting which prevents subsequent union
against the common enemy means so much of harm
to party and nation that those who engage in
1t ought to be ruled out by the voters.
When the st. Louis Convention meets. there
should be calm reflection the fitness Of candi
dates and the statement of principles. The situa
ton of 1904 does warrant any other attitude
the part of a delegate from any State Essentially
the party is now united on every question before
the country. When leader talks Of provoking strife
over nothing. it makes difference whether he
lives in New York Oregon. he is not fit for leader
ship. Why should the people who are anxious for
Democratic success permit such men to he leaders
at all? The necessity is for Democratic amity and
The time has come when obstacle
to harmony exists in the actual issues forced by
upon the attention of the people. Let have
Democratic peace. Let the voters tell the leaders
that he who is not for peace is no Democrat.