The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1904-07-21


Editor Independent: The declara-
ion of the Hon. VIM. j. Bryan that
le "shall vote for Parker and Davis,
he nominees of the democratic ma
iOnal convention" will disappOlnt
thousands of his friends and followers.
Mr.. Bryan offers the following rea-
ons for voting the democratic ticket:
/. Because the democratic ticket
stands for opposition to imperial
ism, while the republican ticket
stands for an ;mperialistic policy.
On this question, which was the
paramount issue in 1900, and which
must remain an important issue SO
long as an attempt is made to hold
colonies under the American flag
on this issue the convention was
unanimous. The platform is en-
phatic, and have no doubt that the
candidate will carry out the plat
form.
2. Mr.. Roosevelt is injecting the
race issue into American politics
and this, if it become national. will
make it impossible to consider eco
nomic questions that demand solu-
ton. The election of the demo-
cratic ticket will put quietus upon
this attempt and permit the race
question to work itself out without
the bitterness which Mr.. Roosevelts
conduct has engendered.
8. Mr.. Roosevelt stands for the
spirit of war. His friends present
him as a man of blood and iron.
He believes in strenuousness and
incu1cates a love for warlike things.
The democratic ticket stands for
peace. for reason and for arbitra-
ton, rather than for force, conquest
and bluster.
A. The democratic platform de-
clares in favor Of the reduction OF
the standing army, and as this
plank was unanimously adopted
there is reason to believe that a
democratic success on this subject
would bring some advantage to the
people.
The first Is not well taken. as i'm
perialism has become the fixed policy
Of this nation under many acts OF
congress and the decisions of the su-
preme court 1t cannot be changed
without changing the personnel OF the
of each branch OF con-
gress and Of the majority of the su-
Dreme court. and this cannot be done
by the election of Judge Parker.
To accomplish these reforms and to
adopt a domestic policy, which the
fathers of the republic said was the
only true and safe policy, will require
the repeal of many acts OF congress
and the overruling of DeLima VS.. Bid
we'll. 1872 u. S. 1 The Diamond Rings,
1873 u. S. 176; Downes VS.. Bidwell,
1872 u. s. 244, and other recent deci-
sions of the supreme court. These
cannot be accomplished by the elec-
ton of Judge Parker.
Mr.. Bryan has no sufficient cause
for believing that the second reason
is well taken, as Judge Parker has
made no declaration on the race prob
lem and it is not certain that the race
question Is not to become national
issue. In fact. the rapid increase OF
the negroes and the endless tide OF
from undesirable sources
are forcing the race problem on the
attention Of the people OF the United
States whether they would have 1t in
iected into national politics or not.
The race problem must be met and
solved.
IL may be admitted that Mr.. Roose'
velt was unnecessarily spectacular In
Inviting Booker T. washington tc
dine with him in the White house;
but In so far as he has enforced ths
law TO protect postmasters in the
southern states he should be upheld
not because negro domination is do
sirable or permissible. but becaus,
particular individuals. having beer
appointed postmasters. should be pro-
tected against violence until such
time an q change IN made and more
desirable persons appointed.
hut Mr.. Watson. the nopulIst nomi.
nee for the presidency. being a south,
ern uen and knowing more ~ ths
rcwrn auaafina than ntfhar Mr. Hos.e..