New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-08-23
GOLD DEMOCRATS AND OTHERS.

In an editorial article which is by no means
| so convincing as the writer tried hard to make
| it, The New-YoTk Times ascribes the chief
| credit for establishing the gold standard to
| Democrats who regarded the course of their
| party with abhorrence in 1896. We have no
wish TO diminish the pleasure with which our
esteemed contemporary evidently recalls its
own services to the cause of honest finance at
that time. 1t is unquestionably entitled to en-
joy the recollection. Moreover, the freedom
which it uses now in eulogiZing the gold Demo
Gratis Of eight years ago is worthy or acKhoWi-
edgment, for every word which 1t utters IN
their honor is an indictment of its present can
didate. When it depicts the nobility of their
conduct and dwells the inestimable aid they
rendered in preserving the welfare and the
reputation of the country 1t inevitably reminds
every voter that Judge Parker, so far from join
ing in that work of national salvation, did what
he could, not once, but twice. to bring ABOUT
national shame and disaster.
Judge Parker was on the bench in 1896 and
1900 and he presumably felt that he was not
al liberty TO take an active part IN the cam
paigns of those years, but it is universally
known on his own authority that he voted for
BRYAN at both elections. Nor is there any rea-
son to suppose that he has ever regretted his
action in either instance. II is certain that
be took care at time when general silence
on political topics his studied policy, to GER
tify TO his regularity" throughout the period
of defiant irregularity on the part of the gold
Democrats whose honesty and patriotism The
Times" proudly acclaims When he had been
securely nominated for President he made the
timely announcement that he regarded the gold
standard as firmly and irrevocably established;
but even then he did not so much as intimate
that he rejoiced in that settlement of the Ques-
ton. His dispatch 10 the convention merely
acknowledged an accomplished fact 1t may
be said that he promised to act accordingly If
elected. But how much does that mean? 1t
does not necessarily mean even that he would
not be glad TO act otherwise. Certainly no
body could expect him 10 be so foolish as TO
attempt reversal OF the monetary status of
the country so long he considered 1t irrevo-
cable For aught that is known TO the con-
trary Judge Parker may still lament the de-
feat OF the free silver crusade which he twice
supported at the polls. and be ready to welcome
any indication that he is mistaken in believ-
ing that the gold standard cannot now be over
thrown.
That these considerations may have occurred
TO The Times is at least suggested by this
remarkable statement In the leading editorial 10
which we have already referred: The men
who proved by their acts and votes in 1895
that they were the strongest and most coura-
"geous gold men in the country are now back
Eat the head of the Democratic organization"
Back at the head Of the organization which is
endeavoring to elect candidate for President
who was free silver man in 1895 and 1900
and who may be free silver man at heart TO-
day, In q strict sense, the leader OF the party
is not. perhaps, at the head Of the Demo
cratic organization whose managers he select
ed, though our contemporary here seems to be
guilty of an avoidance which contrasts Unfa-
vorably with the general tenor OF its article.
But If that point be conceded, is there any
doubt that Mr.. Taggart, chairman Of the Demo
cratic National Committee is at the head Of the
Democratic organization? And is be one Of
"the men who proved by their acts and votes
in 1896 that they were the strongest and
most courageous gold men in the country?
1t would be impairment TO remind The Times
Of Mr.. Taggart's devotion 10 Organism long
as Organism maintained its ascendancy In the
Democratic party.
In conclusion, must regret that our con-
temporary is now willing TO stray so far from
the path which it has seen with clear eyes
and pursued with honor in two ational cam
pagns.