Milford chronicle., 1904-02-26
REPLY TO DIR. PRETTYMAN.


In the CHRONICLE Of two weeks ago I saw
a seathing expression of the Hon. George
Gray's character as a Democrat, by Dr. John
). Prettyman. 1 am not concerned to answer
the writer or hold controversy with him;
but as a Democrat, and being in full accord
with Judge Gray's political views, and hav-
ing given my full support TO the Palmer and
Buekner ticket.I will say in my own defence
OF my own course in that campaign; that the
better element Of the Democratic party who
had been lifelong supporters ofthat party,
considered the Democratic convention Of 1895
an unwise surrender to the Populists and
Free Silver Republicans-of which Dr. Pret
lyman is fair sample, and for their views
then there is surely no reason why eight years
after they shall be read out of the party for
failure to endorse the platform of that year. I
All sane and patriotic Democrats. Il seems
to me- should desire 10 turrRtheir backs on
all past discussions, and look hopefully and .
courageously to the future. Unite for the
achievement Of the ends as to which we all (
agree. No one man, not even Mr. Bryan, or
Dr. Prettyman, can formulate or dictate the
issues Of the Democratic party in the coming
campaign.
Neither do I think DR., Prettyman has a
mo, opoly ofinterest'i in the cause of the peo-
pie; nor in opposing of giving undue advan-
tases to the wealth of the country, or he priv
iieged classes, which has charact erized Re
publican legislation. 8
can't say that court the appreciation of Dr.. Z
Prettyman, those who think Iire him poiiti-
cally, as they.cannot shape my course for Like
Judge Gray, not only agree with those who voted b
for Palmer and Buckner, but with more than b
-hree-iourths of those who voted for Mr.. Bryan
who, while disapproving Of his subordinaiing OF a
everything to the free silver issue, preferred to q
'ote for him rather than refuse vote the party
icket c
The great mistake Mr.. Bryan made in the con- nj
ention of s96 was, in opinion, to insist that IN
he platform should make the free coinage of sil-
er the paramount issue; yes, the sole issue h,
all other questions,no matter how in
rgcnt as it plainly said, matter how repre-
-ntative Of Democratic opinion or tradition the r.
'ttlement of the free silver proposition. tn
But few Democrots would have refused to vote
r ticket which on the whole was Democratic ,,e
thought,evea though it contained an unsound {
iancial plank; but when men are asked to line fri
IN campaign where but single issue is pre-
1ted, they must if they are honest, line up on
side OF the question approved by their judg-
int and consciences. .,
NoN ASSURE DAs AGttyHdu Anat true DeinOc-
" will never be guilty Of that folly again -,
do not wish TO disturb DR.. Prettymans self ~
isfied position, nor any other Of these self ~
led Free er-Republican- Democrats who 1
ee with him. for am bat one Democrat ell =,
ing the right of free thought, and like Judge =
for the success of my party, ,believ- 80.
that upon its success depends the prosperity II,
Happiness Of my country. -
he Honorable George Gray needs no defence 80
n my feeble hand, but no one knows better 80,
/ Dr. Prettyman, that he stands pre-eminent ~,
shining star among the brilliant men of Deli
erica and the Democratic partyand might ders
ofal true patriots regardless of party aiia ger
D anil
= is houored as the noblest living son OF -
ware to-day,
all OF the conspicuous positions of his use
areer, no man can point to a dishonorable q
r betrayal Of trust. He is not a candidate. u
while our bosom swels with pride at the
lion Of his name for the highest Office that 4
'e given to mai, and for which he is so we'll
Ihed, his nomination from this State is an
ssibility; but could such possibility be re-
d. he would sweep the eountrv with plor-
victory. W. s. DIcKpReo,,
eudaie Def