The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-03-22
REAL CAMPAIGN OPENING

| William Jennings Bryan at this time,
| in view OF the fact that not only in
Florida, but throughout the nation at
tention is focused upon Mr.. Bryan as
possible candidate for the United
States senate from Florida.
| F1oridians who have come TO feel
| that Mr.. Bryan IS indeed one of and
with them, will be interested in the
| following editorial from the Pittsburg
Post, which goes to show that as
national leader, Bryan still holds his
place in the hearts OF many loyal dem
ocrats
! No meeting addressed by William
| Jennings Bryan, the world famous
commoner. is an ordinary affair. With
this understood, the luncheon given in
Mr. Bryan's honor here yesterday by
the local democratic committee. turned
out TO be even beyond the treat ex-
pected in that the distinguished guest,
| TO the great delight of his audience,
made il practically campaign opener
/ for tho democracy OF his state. After
giving his blessing unqualifedly to
the work of the committee of seventy
two for harmony paying tributes to
each of the candidates suggested, he
"cut loose" (no other term fits) with a
ringing speech on democratic princi-
pies and opportunities for the cam
paign that had his hearers frequently
at the very height of enthusiasm. AL
though now past 60, and with his hair
becoming sparser and sparser, he
showed the same fiery zeal for the
| cause OF the people as when he was
"the boy orator Of the Platte" twenty
six years ago. Unquestionably the
message he delievered will be kept
ringing by the democracy of Pennsyl-
vania throughout the campaign.
The greatest stress of Mr.. Bryan,
was laid upon principles. He empha
sized that where the principles are
right they do more for a candidate
than he can for them. The people may
not know a candidate-may never see
him-but they do know intimately their
own economic conditions and if he pro-
poses something they believe will i'm
prove their state he stands a good
chance of getting their support This
year it is of extraordinary Importance
that the democrats of Pennsylvania
have a strong, progressive platform. 1t
is not enough thGs the deplorabie state
of affairs due to the long rule of the
every point of denunciation, there is
a demand also for constructive sugges-
tions. After telling OF the badness of
republican rule In certain departments.
it must be shown how the democrats
would bring about Improvement if
given the opportunity. The criticism
must be intelligent and show through
out disposition to be fair. The de-
nunciation should be specific, instead
Of general. There are so many big
evils to attack that no risk should be
run, through general denunciation, of
doing injustice to some department in
which merit may be shown
For instance, it is to be kept in mind
that the new education program of the
state represents an independent move
ment rather than partisan one; that
many democrats al we'll as republicans
throughout the state worked faithfully
for il and are steadfast in their sup
port of it. This should be emphasized
by the democratic candidates and any
criticism they offer on public school
activities should be Of a constructive,
progressive nature.
Mr.. Bryan's suggestions to the dem
ocrats on how to treat the results of
the Washington conference on arms
limitation are sound and good also |
from the standpoint of political STRAIT |
egg. The treaties in the interest of !
the world peace are in keeping with |
the sentiment promoted by democrats
and the latter should keep this point !
well before the public, claiming their
share OF whatever triumph there is in |
connection with the work of the con- |
ference. They must not emulate |
Lodge, who put partisan considera- |
tons above world peace. 1t is for |
them to follow the true policy of citi-
zeuship and craftsmanship by acting
upon the treaties without regard for |
personal or partisan considerations.
The democrats have a great triumph |
in that, although far in the minority, |
in congress, they were responsible for
any relief that was obtained for the |
people in the direction Of tax reduc- |
ton or prevention If shifts from the |
wealthy to the masses.
The democrats must take a strong |
stand in this campaign against the |
laxity of law enforcement that has I
made Pennsylvania famous for boot
Logging. Irrespective OF W nat one may |
think of the principle os prohibition, /
no true American can countenance vio-
latior of the eighteenth amendment. |
Until repealed ever there is senti- /
ment for such action--it must be up |
held as any other part Of the consti-
tuition. the Sproul administration /
has injured the fair name of the /
state by continuing the saloon license |
system, and it ought TO suffer for 1t |
at the polls.
Everything for the democrats in this
campaign depends chiefly upon the |
platform upon which their candidates /
go before the people. II it is not pro-
gressive and broad minded. showing I
constructiveness as well as the ability /
to tear down where necessary, it can
not attract the support it should in |
the unusual political situation in the |
state today.