The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1895-08-21

STRONG POINTS AS TO OUR FUTURE
COURSE-THE VIEWS OF AN OLD
SOLDIER.
Editor Representatives:
While in Minneapolis lately I learned
that movement has been made to or
ganize new national party having for its
object the union of all the reform factions
IN the country. If such a thing could be
done, 1 am sure it would meet the ap-
proval of all who feel an interest in our
country's welfare; but 1 am frank to say
that If it means the changing Of the name
of the Peoples Party and taking new
name 1 am not in favor of it at present
for the following reasons:
The time is too short before election.
Under the election laws of Minnesota and
other states to get new party in such
running order as to make it effective.
Second, I do not believe, judging from
the past, that the different reform move
ments can be united to work together as
one party. Think of our late state plat
form and the position the prohibition par
ty took and the luke warm support of the
Woman's Suffrage League; also the gut
ting" each gave the Peoples Party in
Kansas.
Third-It will submerge the old leaders
Of our party for new leaders whose only
record has been made in parties opposed
to all reform.
Fourth-It will break all the organiza-
tons we now have, such as clubs, leagues.
ETC., and put a chill on all educational
movements.
Fifth-What will become of all the Peo-
pies party newspapers now started and of
others to be started before election, and
their subscribers.
S:xth-What is offered in exchange for
the breaking up Of the only organized re-
form party in our country? We must re-
model our platform to suit all the "isms"
and personal opinions of all the would-be
reformers in the hope to please all the
fanatical imbeciles in and out of our par
ty.
Many other objections might be offered
but space forb.ds.
I do think it, however, highly wise to
meet at the time set all the reformers in
a spirit of conservative, broad statesman
ship, and see if there cannot be platform
lIdmcu WlLuOuL SdCrlIC0 OIL principe
which the Peoples Party in their next ma
tional convention will adopt. But never
change or disband the party name or or
ganization Of the Peope's party. If it is
done plutocracy VIII have accomplished
it's object, and destroyed the only organ
lied party incur land. The right arm Of
our countrys defense will have been par
alyzed and treason will be triumphant.
Patriotism will have rallying place and
the Peoples Party is the ark of safety.
No new name-no disbanding of party or
forces.
There VIII come to the support of the
Peoples party new element of strength
at the next election, to-wit, many of the
commercial classes with small capital
will join the Peoples Party. At least
such will beithe case in the country.
1t is urged that the Peoples Party is il
bad odor. If true what better will a new
party be thatIopposes the plutocrats? The
Republican party was IN bad odor with
the Shareholder and his friends. The
Peoples Party are called "cranks," etc.
We of the old Republican party were
called "nigger- thieves" "disunionists, -
and "darned black abolitionists," but we
lived through it all and so Will the Peo7
pies Party. God be with you and coun-
try in it's hour of danger. Most respect
fully yours,
ALLEN r. SEXT0N