The weekly true Democrat. (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1905-1912, 1908-01-24
POR M BEST nAH.

DeuoItatie party TOT Lue Frequency.
incidentally the Journal also places
the News-Record in line with the ablest
parers Of the South, notably the Louis
vile Courier-Journal, the Charleston
News-COurior, the Sa yannah News and
other leaders Of the Democracy.
That the Journal Is mistaken when Il
says that the News-Record may be
heard from in opposition 10 Mr.. Bryan,
detraets not one whit from the implied
compliments, which this paper appreci-
ates.
The News-Record is not opposed to
the nomination Of Mr.. Bryan.
II is not opposed 10 any man Of great
ability and integrity who stands for
democratic principles and who by his
position 10 in a position 10 command the
votes Of the people in sufficient num-
bers 10 make his chances Of election
good.
Democratic principles will live forev-
er, but faithful democrats are wearied
Of the continual procession 10 defeat.
10 seems 10 the News Record that the
wisdom Of the democratic party should
be exercised 10 select the best man,
whoever he may be, that stands the
best chance Of being elected TO q posi-
tion where he can enforce democratic
principles in the administration.
Sentiment is all very well in its right
place, but sentiment never carried a
national election, never relieved The
people Of a burden Of taxation; never
controlled corporations; never restricted
privileges; never accomplished anything
for the benefit or welfare Of the com
mon people.
The great heart Of the democracy
goes out TO and always will beat in SYM
pathy with the matchless Bryan who,
for twelve years, has been the sole lead
er Of the party. Not a man now living
Of the countless hosts who supported
HIM in 1896 and 1900 has or will abate
one jot Of loyalty to that great states
man, orator and democrat.
1t is 70 be noticed that Mr. Bryan
himself, with true patriotism, is not in
sisting that he again be made the can
didate Of the party.
The sole duty Of the democrats and
Of the party, as the News Record sees
1t, is to substitute loyalty to democratic
principles for loyalty to an individ-
pal man, however great that man may
be.
The question Of a nominee should be
determined by the fitness Of the candi-
date and his chances Of success.
We may preach principles forever,
but without power 10 enforce them our
efforts, outside Of their educational
value, are vain and futile.
There Is, or should be, no question Of
the man, but whether the democratic
party can achieve success and control
the policy Of the government. That is
the sole and only question that now
ought 20 be seriously discussed.
II Mr.. Bryan h the man who can
lead the party to victory, he has all the
other qualities necessary to make q
great president, as his abilities have
made him a great statesman.
But the question must be faced now
by the thinking democrat is, in the
light Of the past, under all the condi
tions that now prevail, ean Mr.. Bryan
be elected?
There is no necessity Of going over
again the history Of the brilliant, but
Hateful and disastrous campaigns of
1896 and 1900, nor Of the sombre cam
paign Of 1904. That is all a closed
book and affords US no reason to believe
that this country Is ready to reverse
the verdcts then given
The republican party is hOpelessly
divided and there is, from that fact, a
chance for democratic success.
What the Democrats needs TO do, be-
Tore primaries and conventions are held, |
d 70 soberly and honestly settle the
question Of availability and to do his
best TO have his conclusions reflected in
he choice Of the national convention.
Il that sober choice Il Mr. Bryan,
hen well and good
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