The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-08-20
How a Close Political Observer
Views the Situatian.
CALLS BUTLER A TYRANT
He But Rings the Bell and the
Curtain Goes Up.
WITHOUT MAGNETISM HE YET
COMMANDS.
An Analysis of the Doings and Sayings
and Causes and Results at the
Late Populist Convention.

Late Populist Convention.
An observant gentleman, talking to
a reporter yesterday, gave his views of
the situation inside of the Populist
party in a way that is outside the
off-hand views, usually thrown out at
a reporter. En- these days of conflict
ing views, his conclusions, which he
put in writing at our request, will
prove interesting. He writes:
1t has for a long time been apparent
that Senator Butler, not satisfied with
the leadership of the Populist party,
was struggling for the absolute mas
tership, not only of his own, but the
Republican party also; and he has
been watched with some degree of
interest by observant and thoughtful
men to see whether in this country,
where men so dearly love mdepend-
ence and freedom, any man could
successfully play the tyrant and mas
ter over men such blind and infatuated
followers. Now and then could be
heard the angry rumblings of discon-
tent and rebellion, but ITO the casual
observer they seemed to be distant
and weak, and to. such persons it
looked as if he held the whip and
reins over at least his own political or
ganization His imperious dictation
of the selection of Montgomery for
Supreme court justice instead of
Guthrie, whom the Republicans earn
estly insisted on, seemed to show his
power over them, and his boldly and
defiantly selecting the delegates 10
the Peoples party National eonyen-
ton instead of permitting them to be
appointed by the people in the usual
way would indicate his immense pow
er over his own party. Then add to
this his heretofore unheard-of and I'M
dreamed-of dictatorship over the re-
cent State convention, and his power
would seem ito be greater than that
of Ransom, Vance, Andrews or Jarvis.
or all of them together even in their
palmiest days, for they controlled by
persuasion and indirection, while he
never even understanding to pacify or
explain, simply drove and ordered.
Surely since the days of 1776 no man
had been able, if such a thing had
been thought of, to so benumb and de-
stroy that feeling of independence,
love of liberty and equality, and indi-
vidual thought as to become the alb
solute master or tyrant of any body of
people. Yet, to many, he seemed to
have this power, and this appeared
more wonderful in a man cold, selfish,
ambitious. and anything but mag
netic. What secret influence gave this
immense power? The Gideon's band?
is that secret, oath-bound order still
in existence, and is Butler the chief
Gideonite? Perhaps So But, men,
if this were true, would such men as
Thompson, Mewborne, Exum, Kitchin,
Skinner, Wood, Whitaker, and others
tamely submit to his offensive and
tyranical dictatorship? They are all
able, independent and experienced
men and politicians, untiring and full
of resources, and one or more of them,
loving storm for its own sake, would
these men, all of whom Butler has Of
Tended, quitely submit TO his oppres-
siye tyranny? Would such men as
they quietly prenit him to distribute
the emoluments and honorsl as mas
ter would to his slaves? 1t did seem
so to such men as were not familiar
with their character.
But the bell rings, up goes the cur
tain, and we see Whitaker placing DIR.
Cy. Thompson in nomination
with a speech, every word of
which was an attack upon
Buffers blind followers, pet and nomi-
nee, Mr.. Guthrie. a speech SO bitter
and insinuating that Guthrie, when
called out to accept his nomination,
felt called upon to devote three
fourths of his time ITO explanations.
Was Whitaker trying to secure the
nomination of Thompson for Govern
or? Was Thompson seeking that
nomination? Then comes the open,
bold and defiant attack upoR Butler by
Skinner and Thompson, Exum and
others, in which he is called bad
party leader, a party wrecker, Crom-
well seeking only his personal ambi-
ton, and many other things of such
natures. The nomination by accla-
nation of DR.. Thompson for decidedly
the best Office in the State, Governor
not excepted, Butler barely having
time to withdraw his man Aver before
the result could be announced. And
so the battle went on before our eyes.
Who gained the victory? Butler?
The Republican party has endorsed
the nominees of the Peoples party, ex-
e4pt Guthrie for Governor and AyeE
for Auditor Thompson's election is
certain. Can Guthrie and Aver, or
either of them, be elected? Their
masters political existence depends
upon it, How is it possible for them
TO carry even the full strength of the
Peoples party? VIII any of these
men, who resisted the tyranny of But
Ter, aid in the election of Buffers pets?
Oh, VOL, they will vote for them, of
course, but there is quite difference
between the perfunctory vote and the
earnest assistance of such men,
Guthrie and Aver will receive say
twenty-five Thousand of Peoples party
votes and no more; and either Russell
and Henderson or Watson and Fur
man will be elected. As there is moth
ing 50 good as success, so there is
nothing so bad as defeat, and Butler
power and prestige will have passed
away.
The Populist State committee open
ed its headquarters in the CONNER
sial and Farmers Bank building yes
terday. Chairman Hal Aver is in
charge. This morning his secretaries