The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-11-07
Alliance Caucuses.

A somewhs. curious condition Of affairs
exists in the legislature. TwO-thirds. or
threefourths of the members are alliance
men. They were elected as democrats, but
they seem to wish to withdraw themselves
from those democratic members who are
not alliaaoenen. According 70 our dis
patches they have held several caucuses
from which non-sll!ance democrats were
excluded. And it seems to be the under
standing that they propose 10 continue
holding caucuses at which only alllancemen
shall be permitted to be present.
A remarkable feature of the caucuses is
that while non-aniance democrats are not
present, alliance leaders, who are not mem
bers OF the legislature. are welcomed. And
some Of these leaders are not even residents
Of the state. This looks very much as if
few alliance leaders would control the legis-
lation and dictate the measures to be passed
and name the men to be chosen for positions
of honor and trust.
II this sort Of thing continues the people
of the state viii soon begin to ask If the
alliance is not really a political party. If
the alhancemen ignore the non-alliance
dC4AA0CA 1So cAh oLatc AHC ClulcC VI but
legislature to suit themselves they can
hardly be considered Representatives of the
Democratic party. They will have TO take
position independent of that party. The
people will insist upon this, SO that they
may be able to know with whom they are
dealing.
Thus far there has been no disposition
anywhere III The state TO make a distinction
in the legislature between alliance demo-
Gratis and non-aliiance democrats. but if
the alliance members of that body with
draw their confidence from the non-alliance
democrats they will themselves virtually
say that they are not in sympathy with the
Democratic party.
All Of the alliance members of the legis-
lature were elected by the Democratic
party, and they were understood 20 be
democrats. They cannot, therefore, flock
by themselves, as it were, without violating
the confidence which their constituents re.
posed in them. They have no more right
to hold caucuses and decide upon the course
they will pursue in legislative matters than
the Masons or Odd Fellows of the legisla-
ture.
If it gets to be understood that the alliance
members intend to run the legislature upon
alliance lines, instead of democratic ones.
there will soon become apparent feeling of
dissatisfaction throughout the state. There
are plenty of democrats having no objection
TO the alliance as long as it works within its
legitimate sphere, who would go upon the
war path at once if it should become clearly
understood there was danger Of the Demo-
cratic party being controlled by secret
organization.
The alliance is a secret organization. How
is it possible for the legislature to know
what the purposes of its leaders area Most
of its leaders do not reside in Georgia, ana
probably have very little sympathy with
her people. Is it the intention of alliance
members Of the legislature, ignoring the
fact that they represent democratic con-
stituencies and shutting out from their
counsels nor-allience democratic men,
bers, to follow these leaders, If it is they
are making great mistake, and one that is
pregnant with danger to the Democratic
party. II the alliance members are wise
they will do no more caucusing. What
ever caucuses they take part in will be
democratic ones.