Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-03-14
nurk "a 0ld-TImc Dcmocrncy

To the Editor OF tho Times Dispatch:
S!r.--As one who has been voting
ciples Of democracy longer than prcsi-
don, Wilson, | feel warranted in su3-
hitting Few suggestions 70 those
who are assuming leadership OF q once
great party.
We are nearly approaching another
Democratic National Convention. Evcry
hopes that that convention Will pre-
sent to the people IA ringing Demo
cratic candidate. that will not only
win. but deserve to win. y majority Of
tho people Of this country believes in
fundamental Democratic PRINCIPLES.
This fact was clearly demonstrated in
the elections OF 1876, 1881. 1855 and
1892. In 1876 Tilden ran on a plat
form that was Democracy crystal
lied. In that election. Tildcn carried
an Overwhelming majority of tho vote.
was "a Democrat. and ran on Il genuine
Democratic platform.
In 1854. 1888 and 1892: Cleveland,
Demoeratic principles. though H'i antas.
onzcd by ali the political demagogues
and hgithtors Of his purity, was twice
he fell short OF tho requisite number
OF the electoral vote, he received l00.-
600 mort Of tho popular vote than his
Sow then. Vice president Marshall.
In his recent pronunciamento on the
snbjeo, hit the bulls eye in urging
Dcnocratic principles. His advice is
worthy Of the acccptatiou OF every
true Democrat.
The Democratic party can not hope
70 win in the coming presidential ciec-
ton without directly repudintinE many
CON 90 'hy oc ai, aG,s Of mrsside Len, VII
in the premises. !, the party IN the
next national convention inaorses all
dreds OF thousands Of true Democrats
Will revolt. and thereby make dcfent
Of The party inevitable. The burden
The party cannot afford 10 indorse
the following and many other acts of
the President:
form on which he first ran and was
elected. in the matter OF the Panama
Second. HIS urging the passage o.
the Ada'nson law under the threat ~
less than one-half or per cent Of
u" Thisd me IIis vo pf2lp,f; ,,rao
me woman suffrage question. opposing
IL IN ,0to Tor while, later favorlng
by the states. and finally running
fern containing the following plank:
We recommend tho .extcntion OF the
franchise 10 the women of the coun-
as TO men" The national Republican
platform contained the same plank, In
substance Hence. tho view on that
question, was Endorsed by 100000
men aud women. Very soon after that
election he changed his opinion on the
subject again. ignored the expressed
w!ll OF tho people. rcDudiatcd that
plank In his platform, by urging the
Congress 20 submit tho Anthony pro-
posed amendment. and subsequently
urged the Legislatures OF the states TO
rati!y III" amendment. nolens volcns,
regardless Of the wishes of the con-
st!tuenclcs Of the Legislators.
Fourth. His appeal 30 The United
states voters Immediately preccdin =
tho election In 1918 10 indorsc his
policies. give him u vote OF confidence
by el.c,ing only those who indorscd his
policies.
Fi.;h. His leaving his own country.
in December. 1913. and remaining in
foreign country for six or eight
months. AZ. perhaps. tho most critical
period OF his country's history. :pcnG-
ing his time IN this foreign country in
assisting the formulation Of 81 league
Of nations without any constitutional
authority. His constitutional author
i'y only consisted in 8 negotiation OF
:; naacc treaty
The Democratic party cannot AFFORD