The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1891-02-18

both stupid and cowardly not to do So
What are the facts? 1t is notorious that
the farmers alliance was organized in this
state for the purpose OF beating the demo-
cratic party. Senator MOUNT and other
republican emlssaries travelled over the
state organizing lodges in democratic
counties. Republican papers and repub-
lican politicians were harping all through
the campaign on the effect the organiza-
ton would have in drawing farmers from
the democratic party. What was the re-
suit? When the farmers came together
in friendly assemblies and discussed
the evils under which they suffered they
soon agreed that those evils arose from
republican Observation-Disclosures that the
democratic party had been fighting for
years. There was never more effective
means of opening the eyes of republican
farmers TO the utter folly Of supporting
the principles advocated by the republican
party. THE SENTINEL did not fear the
movement then, and it does not fear it
now There can be no educational move
ment that will not inure to the benefit of
the democratic party because the party is
right on principle. All that is necessary
now is to keep it right. There was never
more dangerous time to make mistakes
never a worse time to be stampeded by
clamor.
The farmers alliance as an educational
and social organization is n most excel
To-
ii is founded on the delusion that one
class OF citizens can control government.
This country is too large and its interests
too diverse for such a thing 10 be possible.
The fact remains, nevertheless, that it is
political organization. In the last election
it cast about 1850 votes. 1t is entitled to
nominate by convention, and there is not
the slightest reason TO doubt that IL will
do 70. We must prepare to meet it at the
polls just az we meet the republican party.
We are making that preparation now, and
il would be folly to permit our nvowed
enemy to dictate our policy. The instinct
OF sell.preseryation warns ue against it.
The democratic party is responsible for
the legislation adopted at this session, and
must answer Tor il TO the people ID can
not shirk that responsibility. The only
safe course ii can pursue is to be Just to
all men
After a campaign that resulted in an
overwhelming victory there can be no
better line OF action adopted than a strict
adherence 10 the platform on which the
victory was achieved. The platform should
not he lost sight OF under any circum-
stances. Its pledges should be fairly and
honorably complied with. There is no call
to 60 beyond them. The people
have expressed their appreciation of the
platform at the polls. but anything beyond
the platform, as II was publicly construed,
is step on untestcd and therefore dan
gcrous ground. There may be those who
think they con improve ON the principles
adopted by the party. We doubt it, but
they are free TO try. There may be those
who prefer the principles OF the farmers
alliance 10 those OF the democratic party.
II any man desires 10 ally himself pOliii-
cally with any other party, and abjure his
allegiance TO tho democratic party, We are
ready to bid him god speed now. TnE
SENTINEL il not ready TO take that step.
IL is democratic paper-not AN organ Of
the farmers alliance. In the last election
at least ten farmers voted the democratic
ticket 10 every one that voted the iarmers
alliance ticket We feel therefore that
the democratic party Is quite as well on.
titled 10 speak for the farmers ~ any
Other organization may bc.