The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-05-12
POtashu.,,
SHALL WE HAYS FUSION

Correspondence Of the Progressive Farmer.
| have taken a deep interest in the
discussions in your paper regarding
fusion in the coming election. It seems
to me some earnest and we'll intentiOned
Populists have forgotten the purpose
for which our party was organized. It
certainly was not organized to fight the
Republican party per Sc, nor was it or
gained to fight the Democratic party
per Sc. Yet many in Kansas seem to
think it the sips cial mission Of our party
to fight the Republican party, whilst
in our own State many seem to think
our special mission is to fight the Demo
cratic party. Let us rise to q broader
view Of the conditions that surround
US. The Populist party was organ
lied to r~e-establish certain fundamental
principles of free government, the re-
establishment and maintenance of
which are essential to the welfare and
happiness Of II ps0ple. In carrying
out this great mission opposition by
both the old parties is inevitable.
Whichever of the old parties is strong
est in a given to- ritory will at the out
set show the most opposition, whilst
the other will naturally, as a matter Of
policy, pursue the contrary purse
But we must not allow these local con-
ditions to bind us to the real issues that
are involved and the great contest that
is on us. This contest is between the
producers of wealth on the one hand
and tho absorbers of wealth on the
other. At present, both the old par
ties are dominated by the latter, and
whatever local and temporary Rdvan-
tage may offer is at best dangerous,
and if it's acceptance involves G. sacri-
flee of principle it will prove at best a
delusi0n and snare, and If persisted II
ruin is inevitable. An old party with
a large following may for a long time
evade duty, or even violate priL ciple,
but not SO with young party-it must
stand by its principles Or ruin is sure
and speedy.
We need recruits. If we form a close
alliance with either of the old parties
the members of that party will not see
the need of coming to us and many ia
| the other who are favorable to Us
would be e8tranged and turn from US.
Thus we cut off recruits from both. If
we stand squarely by our principles
we win the respect and confidence of
all and gain recruits from both sides.
To my mind, from the outset, one
great danger in fusion was division
among ourselves. That danger is now
apparent to all but q continuance in
this course will not remove it but GER
tainly increase it. The issue must be
met sooner on later and the sooner the
better. l am satisfied the large MAORI
ty of the Populists wish to stand by
our principles and are fully determin.
ed to do SO and if there must be divis-
ion let the responsibility be with those
who abandon these principles and seek
utilization with those who not only do
not accept them but at least oppose
them.
1t may not be amiss for me in this
connection to allu lie to the several crit
icisms that are being made Of u
chairman. 1t is we'll known that I
was opposed to his course in the last
election.
lam glad to say that I fully endorse
his present course. I did not approve
some of the methods he used to secure
his seat 10 the Senate, but I do admire
his course in the Senate. He is max
ing a brave, manly fight for the rights
OF the people, and lam with him in
such a course. GEO. 8. BOGGs.
Waynesville, n. @.