Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1892-09-23
The Independent Slate.

The following correspondence
from the Mitchell Republican about
expresses the situation Of affairs in
the independent camp all over our
state. The people begin to see that
they have been duped by a lot Of
political schemers:
EDITOR REPUBLICAN: A few years
ago | renounced Republiconism aud
united with the peoples party that
claimed to be organized On princi-
pal, an whose express object was TO
amellorate the condition ofthe mass
es and for the upbuilding Of mora
lity as well rs the publication of
public affairs. For a time the sur
face indications seemed to justify
the movement, ard with many 9TH
ers supported heartily the new par
ty in the full belief that it was des-
tined to correct many abuses that
had crept into our national system,
and believing in the sincerity Of its
leaders, temporary disappointment
were overlooked and considered as
simply the result of error in judge
ment, but as time goes by and the
ambition OF its purpose more fully
develop, l am forced to believe that
we are being humbugged and the
principles OF the party are used
simply as a mask: and that in fact
we, the masses OF the new party, are
being used to elevate into power q
lot Of men who have been repudiat-
ed by the other parties and when it
comes to a conflict between princi-
plies and the ambitions Of these dem
agogues, principals are not lin it,"
We have heard a great deal about
ring rule" Corrupt methods"
Combinations "plutocrats," and q
disregard for the "dear people," if
either Of the cid parties could equal
the combination" that absolutely
controlled the "Independent" con-
vention held in Davidson county
last Saturday, l freely admit they
are entitled to the belt. Add to
that "deal' with the democrats that
will he consummated next Saturday,
whereby principal takes a back seat
and resubmission is given rjght.of.
way, and it is quite enough to dis
gust that element Of the peoples
party who joined il believing that
its real object was to labor for need
cd reforms in the government and
to stand squarely on a platform Of
principles. But when John Pease
relegates the great temperance re-
form movement to the rear and
charges ali who regard that as n
of the primary and necessary re-
forms, with being traitors to these
great economic principles" for one
begin to realize that either | have
been deceived or the peoples
party Of Davidson county is being
prostituted, and us either solution is
contrary to the principles l believe
in, | am forced to retracc my steps
and again enlist under the banner Of
Republicanism, believing that it adj
heres more closely to principle than
the great moral reform party"
that nominates a political mounte-
bank for president and an ex-rebel
for its running mate, that has for lite
stock in trade only calamity and a
desire TO set one class Of people
against another and TO secure the
spoils OF office, and is fast proving
itself the political aid society Of the
democratic party. Its course thus
far does not justify its continuance
and is proving a great dissappoint-
ment to a large element, who hoped
it would prove worthy Of their hear
ty support. Believing its days are
numbered, and that no good will be
accomplished through it'll am forced
to respect my own principles aud
withdraw from further connection
with it, PRINCIPLE.