Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-04-22
The Olney Boom.

The only difference between Mr.. Olney
and his Massachusetts admirers relates,
not to qualities. but to the individual who
best embodies them. Agreement exists
that the democracy should nominate at St.
Louis some citizen not only acknowledged
throughout the Union to be of pre-eminent
ability and unquestiOnable integrity and
patriotism, but also one whose proved
attachment to the Constitution and laws
Of the United States is sure pledge that
De will obey their injunctions submit to
all their restrictions upon executive au-
thority and execute them personally"
At public dinner eaten in New York
last winter Mr.. Olney volunteered the opin-
ion that Mr.. Cleveland best filled this bill.
At Boston yesterday the Massachusetts
democrats in convention assembled ex-
pressed the opinion that Mr. Olney himself
did, and they instructed their delegates to
st. Louis to vote accordingly. Neverthe-
less. Mr.. Olney is not presidential guam
tity and will not become one, while a we'll
defined movement is on foot to stampede
the st. Louis convention to Mr.. Cleveland.
And these Olney votes will assist in that
movement IL the opportunity presents it.
self.
The really interesting thing in yester-
days deliverance is this portion of the
warm and well-deserved tribute to Mr.. Oh
hey:
Just and impartial toward all the coun-
try's needs; one who has respect for the
law in letter and spirit, whose courage
ana vigor In maintaining our rights ma
uonal and international. at home and
abroad, have been put to the test and
demonstrated in high public office; one who
vigorously enforced the traditional policies
OF our country by protecting a weak sis
yer repuolc In south America from the en-
croachments of strong European power;
one In whom the spirit of justice and of
. scrupulous regard for the rights of the
people, singly and collectively is INFORM I"
This is rather bold, is it not? Is it far
from lese majesty? 1t accords with popular
opinion. The country has always under
stood that 1t was Mr.. Olney and not Mr..
GIeVeiand who took the stand against
Great Britain In the case of Venezuela. and
wrote the message which was put out on
tnat subject But here the credit is spe-
cihcaily claimed for the Boston man, and.
1t Is but fair to assume, with his knowledge
and consent.
The inside history of the second Cleveland
administration is coming out Henry Willard
mas told the story of the fight for the re-
peal of the purchasing clause of the Sher-
man act. which exhibits Mr.. Cleveland as a.
wobbler between factions. As we all know.
ne mad finally to turn to the republicans in
order to secure the desired legislation. In
the matter of the tariff he lost control of
the situation. and at last found a bill on
his table which he hated. but lacked the
courage either to veto or to sign The ac-
ton taken In putting an end to the Chicago
strike has always been attributed to Mr.:
Olney. who at that time was the Attorney
General. And now the authorship of the
Venezuelan message is openly settled in Mr.
Oiney's favor by his own neighbors. speak
ing. unduestionably. with bis knowledge and
approval and ostensibly with the view of
forwarding his political fortunes
Gradually the jackdaw has been reduced
to his own feathers.