The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-04-21
TUESDAY. APRIL II, 1905.
4 RECURRENCE TO PRINCIPLE.

RECURRENCE TO PRINCIPLE.
The Democratic party has surely had
sufficient instruction to teach 1t the
lesson that its success lies in adherence
to Its principles rather than in its
politicians views OF cxpediency. Until
the Democratic party became tainted
with Populism its ideals were all con-
servative. In Virginia, for. many years
after the war. it was called the Con-
servative party" while the Republican
party was known as the Radical
party" and there could not then be 4
much severer denunciation OF the Re-
publicans than to call them the Rad-
cal party.
1t was the radcalism of the Repub-
lican party that gained for the Conserv-
alive Democrats the victory which TIL
den Won over Hayes in 1876, but which,
was wrested from them by Republican
power and corruption. 1t was the dis
gust OF the country with the excuses
OF Republican power and radicalism
that put Cleveland into the presidential
chair in 1854 and again In 1892. Wher-
ever the Democrats have Won it has
been by reason of the excuses of the
Republicans and their own conserva-
tism 1t seems plain that an oppor-
tunity is now presented TO the Demo-
cIats to assert their old spirit of con-
ecrvatism and to win victory which
i,,< o,
It is a well-establshed fact that
nothing Is more conducive to change
OF administration than panic and hard
times. The Republicans have certainly
had everything their own way. and
what is the result? The industries OF
the country Frustrated hundreds of
thousands of men out of work, financial
institutions wrecked, hundreds of mil
lions of good dividend paying securi-
ties in default. If ever there was a
time for the Democratic party to win
the confidence of the country it is
now.
Does any sane man believe that this
confidence can be won by .belaboring
can msrule? Can confidence be re-
stored and industry revived by pursu-
ing in an exaggerated form the same
course that the Republicans have
adopted? Have the high protective tariff,
..trust-busting" and the vindictive pur-
suit of swollen fortunes been so sue
cessful that the Democrats will want
to adopt these policies, or anything
like them:t Is it.:wise for any party to
ADOPT revenue policy which tends to
create large fortunes, and then, having
created them, to proceed to denounce
and threaten them? Is it not open to
the Democrats to present to the coun-
try general policy OF reasona bleness
and moderation which Will command
the confidence and respect of the coun-
try, and which will place both the In.
dustries Of the country and the pos
session of fortunes upon a safer and
more stable foundation than anything
the Republicans have yet offered? But
how can this confidence be obtained
by attempting to Guido the Republicans
in their assumption and abuse Of
power?
The time is ripe for the wisest men
OF the Democratic party to nut their
heads and their hearts together and
lay down a policy based upon perma-
nent principles of economic truth and
plain Justice, and, having chosen
leader who believes in those essential
Democratic principles, to appeal to the
country to maintain the principles and
elect such chosen leader President OF
the United States. The idea that the
Omaha platform. or any other platform
already laid down, is bound to be
adopted, and that Mr.. Bryan or any
other man IS bound 10 be nominated,
Is inconsistent with the Very idea of
free conference. The primary essential
of success Is a conservative platform
elnbodylng the essential principles O,
the Democratic party, as they have
been since the party was founded
without novelties, and then to choose
the best man to put upon that platform
one who believes in the platform and
will pledge himself to support its prin-
oiples. The candidate is immaterial
when compared with principles and
their success,
The Democrats have not, since 1876,
had sucn an opportunity for successful
revolt against the Republican party as
they now have. II they fail to avail
themselves Of 1t at this favorable crisis,
they VIII be Justly rclegated to an OBJ
security where they can only weep and
gpash their teeth,
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