The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-05-19
FOR A THIRD PARTY.
Great Gathering of Political
Cranks in Cincinnati.
NO TWO ARE ABLE TO AGREE.
Socllsss Jerry Simpson and the whis-
kered PETER Want 20 Wait
Others Bent ON Conquest.

CINCINNATI, May 1S.-The three or four
hundred delegates in attendance on the
national conference which begins in this
city tomorrow, were reinforced this morn
ing by the arrival of special train bear
ing ten carloads of delegates from the
Western states. There is a division of
sentiment on the third party question, but
the drift seems to be favorable to such
action as will insure the nomination of a
national ticket in 1892. This conference
will not attempt to make any nomination,
but an effort will be made to get things
in such shape that it will be an easy
matter to take action in that
regard next year. It is denied that the
South Is so strongly opposed to third
party as has been represented. 1t has not
been determined what method the confer
ence will adopt to get its views before the
people. There is some talk of preparing
an address In which the final principles of
those attending the conference on finance,
transportation, labor and land will be fully
set forth. Again it is urged that the proper
way would be to adopt platform and take
such action as will settle in the affirmative
the question of cutting adrift from the old
parties and nominating candidates for the
presidency and vice presidency in 1892.
This afternoon was devoted to a confer
ence of the various state delegations. The
Iowa delegation, among other things,
adopted resolution urging the nomina-
ton of a full independent ticket next
June. There was a rather turbulent meet
ing of the delegation from Kansas, due
largely to the fact that it Is much stronger
in point of numbers than any state, there
being nearly 800 persons here, represent
ing seven organizations, viz: Farmers
Alliance, Citizens Alliance, Peoples
party, knights of Labor, National In
dustrial Alliance, Autobiography party
and Single Tax party. There was large
attendance, and question soon arose as
to the basis of representation to be ac-
corded the various organizations, and q
motion that each organization be allowed
to select two persons to act as committee
men from Kansas in the general confer
ence, provoked lively discussion, but
finally prevailed. Then there was trouble
over the selection of delegates. Mr.. Schen-
ault insisted that two or three men were
undertaking to name the persons who
should be chosen by all the members of
each organization. The motion to allow
each organization to appoint its members
was adopted. The Farmers Alliance then
went into secret session. The National
Reform Press Association held two meet
ings today.
There is much speculation as to the
platform. The objection to the Oeala
declaration is strong on some questions,
and there is disposition to follow the st.
Louis platform. Eastern men are active
in regard to the position to be taken on
silver and the eight-hour plank. A con-
ference was held today with leading dele
gates from the West and South, and the
demands of the East were fully made
known and received with favor. The
Eastern men want this plank adopted on
the silver question: "That the confer
ence favors the restoration Of silver to
the position it occupied before 1878, viz:
on an equality with gold as the monetary
standard of value Also for one provid-
ing for extension of the eight-hour princi-
pie to apply to all firms and corporations
employing labor in the different states of
the Union. The Eastern men will make
strong effort to secure incorporation of
these planks in the platform. With those
delegates the opinion has been expressed
frequently that "as goes California, so goes
the convention" and much stress is laid
on the fact that Kansas, after lengthy
and lively caucus, decided late tonight to
support the organization of third party.
The arrival of the Illinois, Iowa,
Nebraska and other Northern delegates to-
morrow, however, may change the popu-
lar expression in caucus.
Congressman Jerry Simpson and Glover
endeavored to persuade Kansas that it
would be better to adopt platform con-
tanning essential doctrines and appoint a
committee on propaganda to determine by
next spring whether third party would
stick. These suggestions, however, were
howled down.
At the general caucus this afternoon
there were many lively bouts. President
Washburn, of the Northeastern Industrial
Alliance, who voiced the ideas of the labor
element of the cities, created consider
able furore by telling the caucus plainly
that the industrial element did not propose
TO be used as catspaw to aid Demo-
cratic success in the next election. If
a third party was to be formed the South
and Southwest would have to come in, as
well as the Northern delegates. The in
dustrial elements of the East, West and
Northwest were neither willing nor desir-
states while at the same time the pseudo
Alliance men of the South were sticking
to Democratic allegiance. Other speakers
laid stress on the fact that the Eastern
peoples movement differed from that OF
the grangers, inasmuch as its organization
was moulded after those Of the old politi-
cal parties, and recognized neither secret
ritual, grips nor passwords. All this fun
merry would have to be abolished if the
parties coalesced on general platform.
Senator PETER. of Kansas, doubts
whether it would be wise for the indie.
pendent movement to go too far at present
| but yet thinks there will surely be a third
party in 1892. The third party feeling i.
undoubtedly growing, and it is even said
| tonight that if a majority of the delegate.
| decide against it the minority will with.
| draw and declare in favor Of it. 1t is said
an effort will be made to incorporate q
plank in the platform, pledging the new
party, If formed, against supporting any
man for the presidency or vice presidency
who has ever favored liquor license laws
DIR. Graves in Jail.
IT,