It’s once again time to journey back to the days of old and peruse the news from The Baldwin Times of yesteryear.

This week in 1896, the political scene was heating up. For example, an article reported that at the National Republican Convention in St. Louis the previous week, William MicKinley won the party’s presidential nomination based on his support of the gold standard.

However, a large group walked out and held their own miniature convention.

“We protest against the single gold standard proposed in the platform as being in flagrant fviolation of the principles and traditions of the Republican Party,” protestors collectively stated.

The Democratic Party had no such split, especially in South Alabama. This is evidenced by an article reporting the June 18 Democratic Convetion for Baldwin, Escambia and Monroe counties, where those present endorsed the platform adpoted by the state Democratic Convention.

“And especially do we affirm our unqualified devotion to that plank in such platform, which places the state Democracy squarely on financial question of the free and unlimited coinage of gold and silver at the ration of 16-1,” the article stated.

The group also niminated Captain C.S. Lee of Escambia County as the 21st District Senatorial Representative.

“I have been a life-long Democrat, loyal and true to the principles of the party,” Lee wrote in his acceptance letter.

Democratic enthusiasm reigned in Baldwin County, especially in supprt of its soon-to-be-elected governor. So much so, that an advertisement in The Times displayed an obvious sway.

“Go to the big barbecue at Bay Minette July 1st and hear Capt. Joseph Johnston, the people’s favorite,” the advertisment touted.

 It seems that while language remins the same as in Victorian Baldwin County, its interpretation might differ. This is evidenced in an editorial comment in which Times Editor Abner J. Smith boasts support of silver coinage.

“Now it’s the poeople’s time, and they will try the double standard,” he wrote.

Another article quips a time-worn phrase that we don’t fully get in the 21st century.

“An old calculation of gain and loss proves a stone that is rolling will gather no moss,” the quip stated.

Once again, it appears that the more things change, the more they remain the same. That’s it for this edition. Check back next week for more news from The Baldwin Times of yesteryear.