Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 97, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 August 1898 — THE STRAIGHT OF IT. [ARTICLE]

THE STRAIGHT OF IT.

Democrats Claim Credit (or the gplendld Achievements of Oar Warships. Those democratic newspapers which are trying to make political capital out of the achievement of the United States warships by claiming that the democratic party originated the new navy are not wise. The claim thus made suggests an appeal to the facts, and the fucts are against the claim. It is a frequently-repeated assertion that Hon. William C. Whitney, while secretary of the navy in President Cleveland’s first cabinet, started the creation of the ships which have won such distinction for American arms. Secretary Whitney was an energetic and capable official, andno fair minded person seeks to deprive him of the credit that is his due. But the superserviceable democratic newspapers are protesting too much. Let’s see. Mr, Cleveland’s first administ ration began March 4, 1855, and ended .March 4, 1889. A reference to the official records will show that four vessels—the first of the new navy—were built prior to the incoming of the democratic regime. The keels of the Atlanta, Boston, Chicago and Dolphin were laid in 1883, while President Arthur was in the white house. All four of these ships have done good service, and although the Cleveland administration objected to the Dolphin on the ground of structural weakness, that craft has proved to be one of the stanchest in the r.nvy. The Bostou took part in the famous Manila fight, and is one of Admiral Dewey’s best ships. Mr. Cleveland’s administration in building naval vessels showed a great partiality for English designs, nenrly all of which proved defective or absolute failures. The republican administrations have relied on American designs and American material. The results at Manila and* Santiago sufficiently vindicate their judgment.—Troy Times. cr Every democratic state convention held this yeur with the exception of Peunsylvauiu has declared foa silver, and every democrat ic state convention, including Massachusetts, will do the same with the exception of New York. This state then will stand alone, a strange position for the state of Van Buren, Marcy. Wright, Tllden and Seymour. But then the deinocracv of »w York is in strange hands to-day. and Wonder should not be excited that its influence wanes! —Albany Journal. CTThe imports of gold during the fiscal year just closed were the largest in the history of the country, reaching .a total of 104,985.279, and the balance of trade in our favor was $015,259,024. In ihe light of such figures It is proper to say that the 1 election of 1890 was rightly settled.—St. Louis Globe-Democrat.