The politics of the country are rapidly taking shape looking towards the Presidential election next fall. So far as can be judged at the present time, the contestants" will again be Bryan and McKinley. Apparently there is more of unrest and dissatisfaction in the Democratic camp than in the Republican, but the crack of the party whip is already heard it the ears of the recalcitrant, and some "off horses" are falling into line. Notwithstanding the period of prosperity in which the country is still rejoicing, marred only by the foolish labour strikes, Mr. Bryan and his admirers still clamour for bimetallism at the ratio of 16 to 1. But it now looks as if that would have to be left out of the platform to prevent fatal split in the party. The sensible business men of the party recognise the relation of sound money to this prosper and are not to be misled by fine theories. Others while working against the nomination of Bryan as the leader of the party, "will vote for him if nominated rather than leave the party." If one may indulge in prophecy, Bryan will head the Democratic ticket, 16 to 1 silver will be left out of the platform, and many sound money, genuine old-time Democrats will vote for McKinley rather than risk present prosperity by supporting a silver plank, or voting for a third candidate and so add to Bryan's chances of success.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.