The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-10-08
MR.. BRYAN A POPULIST
AND NO RECENT CONTEXT, EITHER,
no POPULIST IDEAS.
But Has Long Been Fighting for Them,
20 Says Committeeman Hale i'm "A Let
ter to Candidate Iom Watson,

4 special ID The Times from Roanoke
printed in yesterdays paper announced
that Mr.. Giles b. w. Hale, of Franklin
county, and member of the Populist Ma
tional Committee would publish an open
letter calling on Tom. Watson to come
down in favor OF Sewar.
The full text of the letter IS as follows.
Rocky Mount. Va, oct. 8. 1896.
Hon. Thomas +. Watson:
My Dear Sir.-From a sense OF patriot
ic duty, and in strict accordance with con-
sistent principles of Populist sentiment
expressed and asseverated. | write TO
urge you to cease your opposition to fu
sion, where the same is generally be-
lieved to be OF advantage 10 the immedi
ate success of the great cause Of hnan-
cial reform, to which you have so far so
greatly contributed. Fusion on this
great national question is the only prac-
teal means by which success can be
obtained. Division at this time means
at least procrastination. We cannot AZ
ford TO delay the contamination OF this
great question. Success now to our
enemies means that hereafter their en-
treuchments will be made stronger and
difficulties in the line Of success 30 US
VIII be greatly augmented.
II / properly understood the terms Of
my opposition when four years ago L
aligned myself against the two gold par
ties. il was the enforcement OF certain
ideas OF public policy which you and
then thought as now. 10 be absolutely
essential to the future welfare OF the
whole people of this great republic Alone
"a party. notwithstanding the fact that
our own IDEAS have been imbued and
strongly endorsed. we cannot expect in
the near future 10 accomplish our pur-
poses; therefore it is the action Of wise
men TO second the Efforts Of our new
friends and allies. and even though Il be
under their guidance. aim 10 reach the
goal OF our desires. our chances are
multiplying and each day we are drawing
nearer 10 victory. Unity OF action IN
this campaign will insure as the triumph
Of our principles. 10 IS a triumph %
party which we professedy aim ar We
have time after time asserted prompt
alliance with thos, who would accord
with us in principles" Principles. not
party nor men. has been our battle cry.
Shall we create distrust by fighting in a
manner which assuredly endangcrs sue
cees2
OUR NEW ALLIES HAVE ADOPTED
ALMOST IN TOTO OUR PLATFORM
VT fliAN' ~ is4.0t lfii4A nav T. - L LII
GONE FARTHER AND PLACE AS
THEIR STANDARD BEARER \ MAN
HONESTLY AND FULLY TAI~UED
WITH THE TFNETS OF OUR ORGANI-
ZATTON. \ MAN WHO is NO RECENT
CONVERT TO POPUIIST IDEAS. BUT
WHO HAS BEEN VALLTANTLY AND
INDISPUTABLY FIGHTING FOR \
NUMBER OF YEARS IN BEHALF or
OUR CAUSE. TALK TO ME or AU-
TONOMY or PARTY WHEN SUCu
PRINCIPLES AND SUCH A CAUSE
ARE At STAKE.
There Is no earthly chance OF our cleo
ton. If our cause wins I'm this race
BRYAN and Sewall are elected. Whilst
Igreatlv prefer a Southern man 10 vote
FOR. and a man who. Ike yourself. has
been I'm the forefront OF the hitherto bat
ties fought for reform. Yet ! cannot hes
itate to support Mr. Sewal not only be-
cause OF his availability. but also because
I believe that II elected and the oppor-
tunity presents itself. Mr.. Sewall would
conscientiouslv carry out the full text OF
the platform upon which he was selected