Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1896-03-28
GARNE1vr, KANSAS, MARCH 2s, 1896.

shoulder-to- shoulder in the great struggle tor
industrial freedom.
Free silver seems to be the wedge that is des-
tined to split both old parties asunder
member of our national committee from Maine
reports uneasiness and dissatisfaction in the
Democratic and Republican ranks. A large
number of Peoples party clubs have been or
ganized in the state, and the voters seem to be
waking up to their condition and joining our
party. The state convention in Maine will be
held at Auburn, June 4th. The outlook for
success in that state grows better every day.
There are indications that the Democrats
will unite with the Populists i'll Idaho. There
are about 5000 Mormon voters in that state,
the majority of whom, it is believed, will affil-
late with the Republicans. The A. P. A. has
organized there within the last few months,
and it is very uncertain quantity. The Re-
publican machine in Idaho is strong but the
silver men are deserting the party every day.
The Democrats and Republicans will probably
repudate their parties if silver is not given
proper recognition.
In Kentucky, the voters are reported as be-
ing at sea, and our party is now being spoken of
in respectful terms by the opposition. large
per cent. of the free-silver element will come
to us i'll the event their parties adopt the gold
standard, or straddle the financial question.
The situation in Nebraska is about as follows;
On strict party lines there are at present $4,000
Republicans, IS, 900 Populists and 10000 Dem
ocrats. With the lines divided OIL the money
question, Nebraska would give majority of
$4,000 for free coinage.
In New Mexico, it is reported that the rank
and file in both the old parties ready to join
all independent movement if their parties fail
to declare for silver when they nominate presi-
dental candidates.
Montana has called delegate convention, to
meet June 23d. The nominating convention
for state officers will be held some time in
August, The political situation in Montana is
very encouraging to Populists The Demo-
cratic party is completely d~lnoralized. The
Republicans afraid to endorse platform
declaring for the gold standard and they dare
not go before the public as Republicans, unless
they do endorse it. In either case there prom
ises to be good-sized Colt.
The situation in Texas is very encouraging
The new recruits to our party are coming most
ly from the free silver Democracy, and there is
likely to be regular landslide from that source,
If the Chicago convention adopts, as it is al
most sure to do, 'sound-money" platform.
The Democrats of Virginia are despondent
and divided Three-fourths of the party are
said to favor silver, but the gold-bugs control
the party machinery, The Republicans of
that state are recognizing under gold-bug
leadership in anticipation of victory, and, al
though there is bitter feud among the leaders,
they will probably unite on congressional and
electoral ticket. In this respect both parties
are on parity.
The situation in Washington, on the far
Western coast, is good, especially so i'll the
dun clubs have recently been formed through
out the eastern part of the state and Popuist
meetings are being more largely attended than
ever before. A lecture bureau has been estab-
lished in that state and money is being raised
by the monthly pledge system to keep speakers
in the field. Oregon elects judge of the SUI
preme court, congressman and legislative and
county officers in June. rhe outlook for sue
cess in that state appears reasonably favorable,
although the Populists have about 10, 900 votes
to overcome. 1t is conceded that the fight is
between the Populists and the Republicans.