The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1904-04-03
NO COMPROMISE. BUT COMMON
SENSE.

We have rarely printed a communca-
ton that showed a clearer appreciation
of the significance of the 1896 movement
iii the Democratic party than that of Mr.
/ w. P. Stradley in to-day's paper 1t
was not silver alone, it was not the
cal uphcaval'' 1t cannot be directed
into channels where it will make itself
felt if it is attempted TO hold it TO a
hard and fast declaration for the free
IcoiEage of silver. 1t must be employed
to stand for "a fearless application OF
the principles enunciated by the fathers
to the problems which confront us"
Nh. Stradley's able article does not
warrant his conclusion. Mr.. Hearst is
not presidential size, and though his
lpauers have done a great work to show
up the trust evils, Hearst tho man has
not demonstrated the ability to warrant
putting him forward as the leader of
the hosts OF Democracy. He does NOS
Inspire that enthusiasm, confidence, and
nlent that makes for political and indus
trial freedom. His nomination is advnca,
ted by many good and sincere men, but
it would be a grave mistake.
The repression to Cleveland would be
disastrous, and Mr.. Stradley is right in
Saying that unless the Democracy stands
Tor progress and justice to the masses,
some other PARTY will seize the oppor-
tunity." The nomination of Cleveland in
1892 made the Populist party powerful,
and was the Indirect cause of the Re-pop-
lican ills that afflicted North Carolina.
His nomination this year would be the
lSignal for the launching of a now party
that would prove formidable. IT. would
give North Carolina Democracy a blow
so heavy that it might compass its de-
feat, for 'the country people have long
: memories" They will tolerate no return
to Clevalandsm, and there are thousands
of town people who feel the same way.
But, thanks to the wisdom of Democracy,
the alternative of Cleveland is not Hearst.
The party is not so poor in presi-
Dental timber that it must either
have the ex-President on the New
York editor. 1t has plenty of good men,
able men, sincerely devoted TO Demo
cratic principles who will save the party
from either extreme.
This is no time for compromise, but it
is the time for the exercise of the saw
ing grace of common sense. The Demo
cratic party at st. Louis should adopt a
live issues of today. We have 40 doubt
: that it will be all that Mr.. Stradley de-
sres in arraigning trusts, monopolies,
subsidies, and every species of special
privilege. 1t will be an able indictment
of Roosevcltism. 1t will be an appeal
; to all men who oppose industrial and
political feudalism, and it will be worthy
the support of the toilers in every de
paItment of labor. To securing a sound,
progressive and honest Democratic plat
form that challenges Republicanism and
Special Privilege the best efforts of all
. lgccG Democrats should be directed. We
have no doubt that such a platform will
be adopted.
Now, as to the candidate, we do not
believe in accepting the dictation of Tam
many or OF New York. They do not mean
the same, as Mr.. Stradley seems to think
Foi more than month hard contest
has been going on in New York between
Tammany which is demanding the nominal
ton of Cleveland, and the up State
Democracy that is champIonng the nom
iuation OF Judge Parker. 1t looks like
Tammany will be defeated and that New
York will present Judge Parker as its
candidate. We have observed that such
men as Elliot f. Danforth, who presided
owe, the Bryan notification meeting IN
1895, Norman f. Mack. national commit
tetman frcm New York, and tie other
tparty leaders who were true blue in 1885
anG 1900 are earnestly championing the
Nomination OF Judge Parker. They vouc!i
for his Democracy. His record is
straight" He has never failed to sup
port the nominee since he Became Of age
BtLore ne went On the bench-nnet cen
lyears ago-he was county chairman, dis
trict, chairman, county surrogate, and
Estate chairman. He then gave full proof OF
his political astuteness and devotion to
Democratic principles. As judicial off
Ger, he has RETAINED from active par,ici-
patton in politics. but has never failed
to show proper interest in party success.
In 1897, when Democracy was everywhere
in the North defeated, Judge Parker was
elccted Chief Justice in the Empire State.
and he has the confidence Of the people
Of all parties in that State to marked
degree. He is a great lawyer and nus
grown 10 be a great judge His opinions