Cleveland attempted to counteract the growing strength of the Free Silver movement , but Southern Democrats joined with their Western allies in rejecting Cleveland 's economic policies . The Panic of 1893 had destroyed Cleveland 's popularity , even within his own party . Though Cleveland never publicly announced that he would not seek re-election , he had no intention of running for a third term . Cleveland 's silence on a potential successor was damaging to his faction of the party , as Cleveland 's conservative allies were unable to unify behind one candidate . Cleveland 's agrarian and silverite enemies won control of the Democratic National Convention , repudiated Cleveland 's administration and the gold standard , and nominated William Jennings Bryan on a Silver Platform . Cleveland silently supported the Gold Democrats ' third-party ticket that promised to defend the gold standard , limit government , and oppose high tariffs , but he declined the splinter group 's offer to run for a third term
Democratic National Convention
1896 Democratic National Convention
Presidencies of Grover Cleveland