New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-08-20
ZIP KArS0NS ARGHnENT.

The Hon. Thomas Z. Watson promises TO play
q role OF no slight consequence In this years
canvass. His speech at Cooper Union accepting
the Populist Presidential nomination cannot be
pooh-3oohed or saeered at II is entitled to
serious consideration. We have never been in
sympathy with the ideas or policies which Mr..
Watson champions. but we can recognize In
him man of force and character. sincere
and coura geous advocate Of the causes he up
holds and believes In. Mr.. Watson suffered po-
ftcal ostracisIn III Georgia for taking IN earnest
as long ago as 1892 the economic theories to
which the South then generally leaned. but
which it was willing 70 forsWear for the mo-
ment TO accomplish the reelection of Grover
Cleveland. The Georgia Representative was
driven by fellow Democrats out Of public life
because he chose to put principle above
nediency. He became a Populist but within
four years the whole South had followed him
into the Populist camp, and Ia 1896 he ran IN
many States with William J. Bryan on the
Democra tic-P opulist-Sver Republican national
ticket Now that the South and the Demo
cratic party have found radis aisIn a losing
venture and have gone back 10 the Sleeps
clothing Of Conservatism" and sanity" Mr.
WATSON has accepted the Presidential nomna-
ton OF the only party still standing openly for
Democratic principles as they were defined in
1896 and 1900. He remains consistent and
honest radical. and from a fixed and logical
platform Of radicaism he appeals for the sup
port OF those radical Democrats who do not think
that party principles should be shaken off like
an old coat or that party platforms should be
shaped merely 10 fit the needs or advance the
interests Of piace hunting politicians.
To the Democrat who has believed and still
believes in the platforms Of 1896 and 1900 II is
only too easy 70 expose the shams and weak
nesses Of the Democratic position to-day The
Democratic party is now trying TO pose as safe
and sane" as convert TO the gold standard.
ana because OF that conversion somehow en-
titled 20 be railroaded into Office. But as Mr.
Watson cruelty but justly says: "It seems IN
'srae to De the most amazing piece of effront-ry
for the Democratic party TO 20 before thu
'Amer!caa people and proclaim thar for eight
years they have been wrong and the ReIubi
"cans have been right and at the same time
demand that the crowd which has been wrong
"shail be put In the places Of those who have
--been right II the gold standard b,
fright. both the OLD parties now say II is
tile people Of the country viii give the credi
"snd the support to The men who were brav,
''enough TO pioneer its way. fight It's battle anc
swim stE triumph"
= On every other issue the radical Democrat,
leader can show that Judge Parker's candidac,
rests On surrender of what the DemocratI
voters have for eight years accepted as prime,
piss: that "ooiled down 10 ifs real essence
"slfted TO its real meaning, the Democrat,
.Scampnign of 1904 IL a mere interruptions hun
flor Office" The Democratic platform of 100
ignored the vigorous demand within the part
for an income tax. On what pretext. Mr.. Wa