The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1894-07-20
THE MATTER OF FUSION.

/ is troubling some of the Democratic
politicians is, whether to fuse or not
to fuse. Simmered right down to a
point, however, it is not question of
fusion, but one of partial or complete
surrender. If the Democracy does
anything with the Populists in Min
nesota this year, it is simply Ques-
tion OF giving everything and receiv-
ing nothing in return. The Pops have
nominated their ticket and profess
much enthusiasm over it. If the
Democrats endorse anyone on the
ticket, all right. But they seem firm
in their stand to withdraw no member
and place Democrat in his place,
hence if the Democrats do anything
in the matter it must be a surrender
to the extent that they endorse can
didates
But the Republicans of Minnesota
can look upon any attempt at fusion
which may be made, with great
deal Of cOmplacency, for it is pretty
sure to end in utter failure for those
who enter upon it. The platform and
belief of the Populists is made up of
isms, vagaries and wild fancies which.
while they may draw off many who
follow without stopping to think or
consider their full import, or the bear
ing their being put into operation
would have upon the future welfare
of the republic, are not apt to follow
far when they come to full realiza-
tiOn Of what the success of POpulism
means. The experience of Kansas
has opened the eyes Of many as to
what Populism in power really means,
while the demagogism of Gov. Waite,
Of Colorado and the crankiSm and
nonsense of Gov. Pennoyer, of Oregon,
has disguised thousands everywhere,
and the people of Minnesota have no
desire for repetition of such an
archistic experiences in this state.
Should the Democratic leaders see fit
to enter upon any fusion scheme, it
would be condemned by thousands of
the better element of their party, who
would rebuke them by casting their
votes for the Republican ticket or else
remaining silent. The endorsement
Of any of the candidates on the Popu-
list ticket by the Democratic leaders,
would be the complete surrender of
all the principle that Democracy ever
had, or now fondly believes itself to
be possessed of, for that which at diff
ferent times in their history they
have declared to be a dangerous
enemy to free government. The eX-
perience of Democracy two years ago
in endorsing several of the Populist
presidential electors ought to furnish
them material enough to think on fol
some time to come, and show them
that there is nothing gained by the
sacrifice of principle, be it real or sup
posed.
The FREE PRESS does not believe
that in the light of the experiences OF
different sections of the country dur.
ing the past two years, a majority OF
the people of Minnesota will endorse
any movement which seeks to place
Mr.. Owen or any of the Populist
ticket in power this fall, and conf
IDENTIFY feeling this, we do not believe
there is any danger from this source
for the Republican ticket if the Re.
publicans everywhere but do Their
duty.
Mr.. Owen has proved himself the
rankest of demagogues by his accept.
ance of all the wild vagaries put forth
by the Populist agitators, and also by
the position he is reported to have as.
sumed toward the recent strike, in
which he has denied the authority OF
the federal government to interfere
as it did, and enforce the federal laws
and so gives tacit encouragement tC
lawlessness. 1t has revealed the dan
ger the state would stand in with
such man in the executive chair in
such time as this, and it is his drift.
ing from the comparatively sound
ground which he occupied in many
respects four years ago, which would
prevent thousands of Democrats going
to him now, and SO render fusion q
failure, and completely disorganize
Democracy. If the Democrats can
stand this surely the Republicans
have nothing to complain of.
! THE final memoranda of the wheat
crop of India for the season ending