The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1893-10-10
FUSION PLAYED OUT.
BOONE AND O'BRYAN COME OUT
SQUARELY FOR STRAIGHT
DEMOCRACY.
One is Tired Of Hobby Horses and the
Other Wants to see the Democratic
Party Restored. Fusion Impos-
sible Except the Democracy
Gets the Bsst of it;

Fusion has had its day aud the both
factions of the Democratic party want to
come together again. Que side is tired OF
riding hobby horses that carry them no
WHERE" and the other side is of a forgiv-
ing nature and seems inclined to take the
wanderers back with that tenderness OF
feeling that characterized the parents OF
that ancient youth known as the prodigal
son who had to feed with the swine in his
day. 1t seems odd to hear County At
torney Boone and State Senator Ed
O'Bryan declare uncompromisinglyinf favor
straight Democracy. Both of them were
elected on a fusion ticket-on the very
same ticket on which L. D. Lewelling was
elected governor of Kansas, aud Jerry
Simpson congressman from the Seventh
district. They spoke from the same
platforms with them and merched
into office with them. While it Is odd to
see them desert the fusion principle, yet
it is not strange for they are both young
men of ambition, and it would be the part
OF poor judgment for them to hang on
the outer edges of side show while their
friends are running the national circus
under the big canvas over the way. Then,
again, they are lads of some mettle, both
of them, and they eau have future by
riding in the old Democratic wagon that
is slow but sure" instead of riding On the
Demo-Pop "hobby horses that never carry
them anywhere" Another seemingly
strange thing is that both of them have
come out enthusiastically for David Over
meyer of Topeka, sta.wart Democrat OF
high rank for governor. In addition
Mr.. Boone creates the idea at least
il he does not say it in that many words,
that the fusonists have treated the stall
warts in mean manner and that amends
ought to be made by nominating staiwart
for the state standard bearer.
1t is somewhat strange, perhaps, to those
who have not closely studied political con-
ditions, but it lis fact nevertheless, that
every young and ambitious Democrat IN
the state who has had any connection, no
matter how slight. with the Pop party
soon got tired of it, and it is no wonder to
see such men as Boone and O'Bryan desert
the fusion principle at this time.
1t is not necessary to say any more IN
this respect by way OF an introduce
tory. The interviews of the gen.
tlemen themselves as published in
the Kansas City Times Sunday morning
tell the balance OF the story. The Times
detailed special correspondent tointer-
view them aud the following is the result:
'What, in your opinion, is the outlook
for Democratic politics IN Kansas Was
asked of Mr.. Boone.
81 believe" said he, "that at the present
time an important political change is
quietly working itself all over the state.
AS you are aware, the Democrats and
Populists fused on the state ticket last
year, or rather the Democrats Endorsed the
Popuiist ticket. There is not now, nor
has there ever been in my mind, queS-
ton about the wisdom of that action. Ii
may have been under certain circum-
stances, not wholly unlocked for At that
time, the means of putting Democrat IN
the White House. l do not be-
lieve, however, that the Democrats
OF Kansas will ever again fuse with
the Popul;sts on the state ticket
unless tho Democrats can name the candl-
date for governor, and in that or any otner
event he must be sterling Democrat. Ii
l am a competent judge of the sentiment
of the controlling element III the Peoples
party, think that they Will not grant the
Democrats this concessions; hence, l be-
lieye that any description or kind OF fusion
between the two parties is Impossible. L
believe that Democracy owes 1t 20 itself to
place a Democratic candidate, taken from
the Democratic ranks, and about whose
fealty to party principles there shall be no
O question in the field for governor next
year. AS you are aware, the action or the
majority OF the Democratic party in fusing
on the state ticket last year caused some
dissatisfaction in the ranks. l believe
that it is now time to bridge over the
chasm that has been made by that action,
and think it is the desire of every good
Democrat TO see the factions reunited
In order to successfully do this, some
we'll known citizen, whose standing Is
good before the people at large and about
whose Democracy there Is no question
should be nominated for governor. l
think we should use our best Judgment
in the selection, for it is essential that
we should nominate one who has the
ability to solidify the different elements
in the party and bring together all eie-
mepts that believe in honest, conservative
and dignified methods of operating the
governmental machinery OF the state and
nation.
1T is highly important to the Demo
cratic party in this state that 1t be
thoroughly organized In the next cam
paiSu, for am sal listed that n good many
good people from other parties are ready
to affiliate with us the moment they See
that We mean business again. They are
tired of riding hobby-h that never
carry them anywhere, and are anxious to
ride in the Democratic wagon that travels
slowly. perhaps, but surely. The prevailing
political conditions in Kansas afford "A
fine opportunity for getting recruits, and
there is no question but what Demo-
cratic candidate for governor, With the
elements OF attraction and cohesion,
would get larger vote than ever before
given Democratic candidate for govern
or in Kansas. While have been and am
at this time connected with the major
element OF the party, yet am thoroughly
in earnest when / say that we should
hold .he minority In the greatest respect,
and believe fully that in selecting cand:-
dates for next years campaign we should
consult them and pay due difference to
their wishes. What we want is u reunited
party and candidate for whom every
Democrat can shout with enthusiasm and
earnestness."
THE LOGICAL CoNCLUsIoE.
"Who, in your opinion, could be nomin-
ated for governor to suit the conditions
you speak OFF" askei the Times CORES
pendent.
The logical candidate in my opinion, ~
said be, sis David Overmeyer Of Topeka.
| He would come nearer satisfying ali the
oi ferent elements of the party than any
other Democrat in tie state. He Is q
| thorough and sincere Democrat, man of
ability and integrity, aud one whom
| sincerely believe would unite all the dit-
| ferent elements and factions. He would
4 Zatl u :;