Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-07-25
SENATOR JONES' POSITION
Speculation as to What Terms He Has Pro-
posed to the Populists.
1t Will BE Embn nrrassfne for Him to
Answer Some Questions After
the Campaign Opens.

Senator Jones Of Arkansas has been in
an embarrassing position in st. Louis this
week, and appreciates the fact. His errand
is well known. 1t stands confessed by his
own actions. He has been in conference
daily with populist leaders, and with the
one object in View of securing popuIist
support for Bryan and Sewall. The confer
ehces being confidential, speculation has
been freely INDUCED in as to their full pur-
port. Some of the printed stories have
been eXtravaGant enough to defeat them
selves. The most eNtravagant of all was
TO the effect that Mr.. Jones, .in these nego-
tiations. showed a Willingness in order to
strengthen the case against the republicans,
to compromise on presidential candidates
What lie is There For.
This thoroughly absurd story Mr.. Jones,
over his signature d.gnifles with an en-
phatic denial. He will find no trouble in
obtaining credit for his statement How
ever important he may consider populist
support to be for silver in this campaign,
ne Is an honorable man, who would not be-
tray his ticket. He may not have been a
Bryan man at Chicago. There is some pos
tive assertion that he was not But Mr..
Bryan is the candidate, duly accredited and
Mr. Jones is the chairman duly selected
70 conduct the campaign, and that he will
90 MS work with perfect fidelity to his
chlet Is open to no sort ofdoubt.
Aided by Other Democrats.
But that is not the point The point it,
will Mr.. Bryan be helped or hindered in the
race by this open consortmg of democrats s
and populists in his behalf? Mr. Jones IS
not alone in his advances to the populists
He is openly assisted by Governor Stone of
Missouri another democratic silver leader
who journeyed to st. Louis to deliver an ad-
m fhE ton, !,
proceeding was unusual, and the disguise
thin. 1t was plain enough from Governor
Stones address that his paramount desire
was to welcome" the popuists into the
democratic fold, and that he was in thor
ough sympathy with all that Mr. Jones was
doing to bring about 4 union.
What Are the Populists to Getf
The question comes up, therefore, what
are the populists to get out of whatever
may finally be consummated? They indulge
in a good deal Of talk about the general
ticians and have an average amount OF
Selfishness in their composition They know
their own interests. and have eyes for the
main chance. If they are to help make
Mr. Bryan President, what is he to do for
them when he reaches the White House
What will their share Of the federal patron
age be? What note will MIR. Bryan Pres
ident take of their known views on public
questions that are rot dealt with in the
Chicago platform?
Where the Trouble VIII Come.
1t is the speculation on this lne-entirely
fair and legitimate-which Mr.. Jones may
find it difficult to deal with after the cam
paign opens. The country is certain to be
curious on these points, and it will look to
him for answers. 1t will be remembered
that he was in st. Louis in conference with
the populist leaders when terms were
offered, and represented the democracy in
all authorized negotiations. How much of
the triumph in November-if triumph is
achieved-will be populist, and how much
democratic? Who will be recognized to dis
pense the populist share of the spoils, and
what measure or measures recognized as
distinctly populistic, but not recorded in the
Chicago platform, will receive favorable
democratic consideration?