The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1907-08-16

LOUISVILLE, KY, Aug. 12.-Under
the heading, The Insensate," Editor
Watterson says in the Courier-Journal
today:
In discussing Mr.. Bryan as the Dem
ocratic file-leader for 1908, the Courier
Journal has hiteherto limited its argu-
ment to the question of his avaflabil-
ity.
Unless the Democratic party can put
its past behind it, uniting upon some
candidate and platform which will at
tract the independent vote in the de-
batable States, it cannot hope to win
the election. Mr. Bryan stands at the
forefront of the faction-fighters. He
puts the ban of prescription upon all
Democrats who refused to follow the
free silver fusion movement OF 1896.
He has learned nothing and forgotten
nothing. His adherents carried this
prescription to the length of black
balling Judge Parker in 1904, though
Judge Parker had Loyalty supported
Mr.. Bryan in 1896. Is it possible for
a party rife with such a spirit to
elect any candidate, least of all, that
candidate who not only represents its
intolerance, but who is most Identified
with public policies decisively rejected
by the country?
Is Mr.. Bryan stronger now than he
was in 1896 and in 1900? If 1t be
claimed that he is, on what does the
claim base it's assumption? Mr.. Bry-
an returned from a tour abroad less
than a year ago. In advance OF his ar
rival thousands of Democrats, the
Courier-Journal in the lead, hailed his
coming as the advent of a new era OF
Democracy. They said in effect to
themselves, and they sincerely be-
lieved it, This man is ten years older
than he was in 1896. He is no longer
the Boy Orator of the Platte. Twice
has he journeyed round the world.
Twice has he met defeat as a Presl-
Dental candidate. He must have
grown in graciousness and grace, have
broadened and heightened in wisdom,
have risen to the needs of the country,
the party and the time. He is clean,
attractive, typical American. Let US
throw all bygones to the dogs OF war
and rally about him. One who has
survived so many disasters must be
chastened and sweetened-must have
been educated to the responsibilities
of government-andm may be trusted as
President to administer the AFFAIRS
both Of Democracy and the Nation
with prudence and Justice"
SO those who had antagonized MT
Bryan reasoned. So The Courier
Journal felt when 1t flung to the
breeze a banner bearing the inserip-
ton, "Hurrah for Bryan" What hap
pened? Mr.. Bryan reached New YORK
the 29th of August, 1906. He was re-
ceiyed like a conquering hero. the
next evening he addressed an In
mense throng in Madison Square Gar
den. Enthusiasm rose to a fever-neat
of ardor and expectancy. -Four years
before it had been the enemys coun-
try" Now, it was Gods country, ana
Bryan's country. The highway to the
White House lay directly before him.
He had only to fling out the flag OF
Democracy-unterrifed and undenieu
to throw himself upon the conn
dence OF his countrymen as an non
est, sensible and safe men-to pianI
himself on no other platform than
that OF Home Rule and Revenue ne
form. pledging himself and his party
in the matters of High Finance ana
Railway Legislation to restore ING
lost poise and balance of Government
al power under the Constitution OF tine
United States as the one sure specinc'
the sole political cure-all, at once the
source and resource, the solar isn''
OF our Republican system, In oruer
to carry all before him.
IN lieu OF this, what did Mr. Bryan
do? He made capital, captivating
speech. He never appeared to better
advantage. He yielded a pail OF the
purest richest milk, and then, OF
sudden. he turned and kicked 1t over
The Railway Ownership passage was
simply ruinous; as measure oi eo'-
eminent It was preposterous; even
as a bid for votes, it was boomer
ang. From that hour to tms' MI
BRYAN has been alternately qualifying
and reasserting, until at last-wneh IL
is too late to mend the golden DOW
that was broken at the fountain-ne