The midland journal., 1895-11-01
Gen. Fields Letter.

tour of ten days with Hon. Thomas
S. Petit, candidate of the Peoples
party for Governor, speaking every
day and sometimes twice a day.
We were met everywhere with large
audiences, and with enthusiastic
greeting. Mr.. Petit is a gentle
man of fine manners and address,
of great popularity, of great ability
as a debater and stump speaker.
He is thoroughly posted in State
and Federal politics. Mr.. Hardin
and Mr.. Bradley did a most pru-
dent thing when they declined to
let him into their discussions. He
is a middle of the-road Populist,
and is conducting his canvass on
the very highest plane. At every
appointment he was met by leading
Democrats and Republicans, and
assured of their support. No one
can now tell the result of the elec-
ton in this State. But it is mani
fest to all that Kentucky is in the
throes of IA great political revolu
ton. The Democratic party is
hopelessly split. The breach is
widening, and becoming more bit
ter every day. 1t seems to me that
Mr.. Hardin stands no chance of an
election. The Republican party is
also split, but the breach is not so
wide nor the feeling so bitter. Mr..
Bradley may be elected but this is
not assured. There is reasonable
hope of the election of Mr.. Petit,
all the collateral influences (and
there are many seem to be operat-
ing in his favor. AS to the legis-
lathre it seems conceded that the
POpulists will at least hold the bal
ance of power. There are nineteen
Senators and one hundred Repre-
sentatives to be elected. A very
conservative estimate gives the
Populists two or three Senators
and twenty representatives. The
fight inside of the Democratic party
is very bitter against Senator Black
burn. The gold standard men are
very hostile to him, and he is de-
nOuncing Cleveland and Carlisle
wherever he goes in the bitterest
terms. Combinations are being
made to defeat him. If the election
of Bradley can be made to secure
the defeat of Blackburn he will be
elected by gold standard votes.
Blackburn S election depends on the
Populist vote. This vote will go to
him if it cannot elect a Populist to
the Senate, but only on condition
that he mades his party affiliation
accord with his free silver opinions.
If he goes into a Democratic caucus
the Populists will not vote for him.
If Bradley is elected, then an effort
will be made to unite the gold
standard Democrats with the Re-
tpublicans and elect Mr.. Carlisle to
the Senate. The situation here is
not only deeply interesting, but OF
the highest importance. The elec-
ton in Kentucky this fall will have
unusual influence upon political
matters in other states.
AS it is now demonstrated that
the Democratic and Republican
parties in 1896 will be upon the
gold standard platforms, with gold
standard candidates, the Peoples
party should at reasonably early
day meet in national, for and pro
mulgate its platform, nomiEate its
candidates. organize its forces, and
commence the great political battle
of 1896. AS far az | have beard
any expression Of opinion this is
the sentiment of our party.
The financial question is the issue,
and the people want it met and
decided. If the silver element is
not consolidated the Republicans
will secure the President. Because
failing to elect by popular vote the
House of Representatives now elect
ed will elect the Republican can
didate.-JAMEs &. FIELD, in
National Waterman.