The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1896-10-21
A SENSATION PROMISED.
Should Mr.. Jones Refuse, Mr.. Watson
Will Spring Surprise


Chicago, Oct. 20.-George f. Wash
burn, of the Populist national executive
committee, arrived here unexpectedly
this evening from Thomson, and Atlanta,
Ga, where he and Committeeman H.
w. Reed had been in conference with Mr.
Watson, Popuist Vice Presidential
nominee.
When informed to night of the failure
Of the plan for fusion in Georgia. Mr..
Washburn expressed no surprise. AS he
was to have remained in Atlanta to be
present at that conference his sudden
change of base was the cause of no little
speculation in political circles this even
ing.
1t is stated on good authority that Mr..
Washburn returned so suddenly for the
purpose of comforting with Chairman
Jones, of the Democratic national COM
mittee, and to place before him in the
form of an ultimatum two or three prop
ositions from Mr.. Watson looking to the
latter's recognition on the fusion ticket
in the different States 1t is expected
that should Mr.. Jones refuse to favora-
bly, consider these propositions, securing
for Mr.. Watson what he believes to be
his rights in the matter, sensational
Developments will follow.
1t is stated that Mr.. Watson is pre-
ptIeu III cNeuU Oh MI. Jones REFUSAL
to take II position which will prove the
political sensation of the campaign. Mr..
Washburn when seen this evening re-
fused either 30 confirm or deny this
story. He said, however, when asked if
he had seen Mr. Watson's letter of ac-
ceptance:
Yes, saw a copy. 1t is interesting
political reading Mr. Watsons throat
is all right. He goes to-day to Alabama,
then to Tennessee and then to North
Carolina and the character of his address
es will depend upon the results of my
efforts. lie will wait to hear from me. ~
''Were the results of your visit to Mr.
Watson satisfactory?' he was asked
eyes, indeed We delivered to him
the written report sent by his committee
which summarized the work of the com
mittce, and consulted with Mr.. Watson
regarding the closing days of the cam
paign and the future OF the party. Mr..
Watson's position is misunderstood
He will not he ignored, and his persist
ency in claiming the rights of his party
has placed him in Il false light. He is II
Statesman rather than n politician. In
the present campaign he appreciates the
necessity of making such arrangements
as will unite the silver forces. He wants
Bryan elected and Mckinley defeated,
Duu 10 accomplish tnlS he thinks that
there must be an honorable union of
forces rather tina n surrender and that
Lis party must be recognized in this
fight or the fusion arrangements in the
different States will not be ratified by
the people Mt the polls. His Southern
pride is aroused and he would rather be
vindicated in his own town, in his own
district, in his own State and in the ma
tiOn than be Vice Pre- Sident' -
''If he cannot be Vice President would
he accept a Cabinet position?''
mo, he would not if it were rendered
him. He is anxious that his party should
come out of this contest in manner
which will reflect honor upon it, and he
will enter actively into the campaign for
the election of Bryan, if such ARRANGE
ment can be made as to satisfy his peo-
pie. believe that should Mr.. Watson
issue thrilling proclamation to his par
y.to line up for Bryan, it would be worth
more than the efforts of thousand
speakers. The danger to-day is the stay
at-home of the middle of the road Pop
ulists. His pen could bring out the last
! man, and now that ali others have given
up l have undertaken the task of bring.
ing this about and believe l will be sue
| cessful.'