The Penn's Grove record., 1905-06-09
Mr.. Bryan's Plan
Sharptown, N. j., June l, 19C

SnarptoWn, N. D., June L, l5Uo.
EDITOR OF THE PENIS GROVE RECORD.
Esteemed Friend-In the issue of the
Commoner of March II, Mr.. Bryan pub
lished an editorial with the caption
"Back to the People" | hope you can
find space for that editorial i'll the same
issue i'll which you print this letter.
| have looked for comment and in
dorsement of that editorial in the organ
OF the democratic party OF the county. Ii
any has been made | have not seen it.
1t is believed that the national platform
and candidate conceded much nearer to
the real sentiment OF those now in con-
troll than did the platforms Of 1896 and
1900.
Therefore, l made this appeal through
the journal, whose editor stood then and
stands now in a position not only uni
quiyocal, but cordial towards both the
party platforms and its virile candidate
III those years.
That the last democratic national con-
vention vas packed to secure Parker's
nomination and the platform which
should be acceptable to plutocracy of the
nation, and to relegate to the rear the is
sues OF 1896 and 1900, and those similar,
AZ hAOnA w CNCAJ OlC NCll oS
to what occurred in the State conYen-
tions, which elected delegates thereto.
In Illinois, the leader of the machine
called Il of his henchmen to the chair.
This man appointed the various commit
tees and declared every motion carried in
the interest of the ring without calling
for the negative. He refused every mo-
ton for roll call, except that for govern
on and oplu fhnn haoo,ca fhn docira1
candidate would not accept without it.
An overwhelming protest against such
high handed work, was presented to the
national convention, but that body posi-
bly, because too many of them knew they
held their own seats through means
equally indispensable, refused to correct
the fraud, or to denounce its perpetrators.
The Chicago labor men said then and
there, that that decision meant that Hi
nois would 60 republican by an over
whelming majority. They were true
prophets.
Men who attended the convention at
Trenton to elect delegates to st. Louis,
remember how i'll county after county,
delegates elected by regular primaries
largely attended, were ousted and others
seated in their places, who derived their
credentials from a few p%artisans standing
outside the place of the regular meeting.
1t was even attempted to enforce the unit
rule in the Salem County delegation, thus
permitting a bare majority, a majority
including | do not know how many proX-
les, to dominate and control the whole
delegation. But the courageous and Wig
orously expressed opposition of Mr.. Geo.
w. Hewitt, and of a delegate from one of
the ~Pittsgrove's, the democracy of Meth
er of whom could be questioned, warned
those urging it to desist. The contest
ants which such action sent to St. Louis
from n. j., of course were not seated.
As in Illinois and New Jersey, so in
other states that it could be believed that
a platform formulated and a candidate
nominated by delegates thus secured
could be respecti vely endorsed and elect
ed, except by fraud and the grossest
bribery, is beyond credence. The defeat
was disastrous, humiliating and over
Whelmlng. The way to win political
battles is to advocate the true interests
of the masses.
Therefore, the plain people will ulti-
mately recognize their rights and to
voice in legislation is their just demands.
No n can SO well speak for all the peo-
pie, as all the people can speak for them
selves. If a man is a genuine democrat,
he will urge and foster the expression Of
the peoples will, and it is the supreme
excellence of this plan of Nj. Bryan's,
that it seems just that result; regardless
whether or not such result comedies with
his own views. No man who believes in
democratic government can give a valid
reason for opposing this plan. 1t has
been endorsed by many leading men in
the party. 1t will promote harmony. 1t
will hasten success if the party shall de-
serve success.
l suggest the RECORD print the pledge,
and acknowledge the receipt OF those re-
turned signed, and subsequently forward
them to the Commoner. W. j. Bryan is
without doubt an honest, able and elo-
quent statesman, thoroughly devoted to
The interest Of the common people, but
he can not, single handed, win a victory
for democratic principles. He must have
help. Will the democrats of Salem
County, who in two campaigns followed
his banner with ardent enthusiasm, give
it? l inclose my pledge. Hopefully yours,
j. WALTER PANCoAsT.