The Louisiana populist., 1896-12-18
THE PEOPLES PARTY.
ITS MISSION is ONE OF ECO
NOMIC EDUCATION.
1t Can't AFFORD to Compromise with
Either Old Party-Some Advice from
w. ). Morgan of Arkansas-Honest
Men Were for Fusion.

iuc IcOple party Is SOmeCuluS
more than a political party in the or
dinary sense of the term. 1t is an
organized, living, moving protest
against existing wrongs. 1t owes its
progress and growth to adherence to
principle. It's members are from both
OF the old political parties. These men
did not leave those parties until every
hope OF securing purity of politics and
In the depths of despair. The work OF
education began simultaneously with
The exodus of voters from the old par
ties. 1t has been kept up ever since.
II any man believes that the reforms
sought can be obtained through. either
,f the old parties, he may be justified in
acting with them. If not, We see no
'eason why he should do so. IL either
,f the two old political parties will
accomplish the reforms desired and
needed, then there is no use for the
'urther existence of the Peoples party;
4 not, then the Peoples party has no
business pooling issues" with either.
Every sane man knows that both old
parties have repudiated their pledges
N the past. and that of the two the
Democratic party has been the worst.
1t has stood without the gates and
whined and supplicated for Just one
chance" and when the people gave 1t,
what was the result? No party ever
made such sorry and contemplate
record.
Our only way to judge Of the fu-
ture is by the past. 1t is wonder
that Democratic voters could be de-
ceived by the old promises renewed;
it is astonishing that Populists could
be so misled.
We do not question the honesty Of
many who believe in fusion. 1t has
had its advocates in all ages. But.
like a devastating pestilence or
scourge, it destroys while it seems to
infuse new life. It is only the tenn
porary exhilaration of a baneful pois-
on. The most compact and best
trained organization will demoralize
and absorb the weaker. This is the
lndisputabie result of fusion. 1t is
like disbanding an army to pillage
town. 1t is placing the spoil Of Of
ice above adherence to principle. 1t
gives color to the charge that we are
not sincere in the advocacy OF great
principle. 1t brings upon our head the
charge of dishonesty and corrupt deals.
For the future 1t weakens the hon.
est efforts of every sincere speaker and
estimation of our enemies and dis
heartens and discourages those in our
own ranks who are not seeking off,
cial promotion.
1t is a fact that can't be denied that
the warmest supporters of fusion, and
its ablest advocates, are office hold
ers who seek reelection, or ONCE
seekers who desire official position.
We do not mean to say that all fusion
lists are office-seekers. Not by any
means. Neither do We impute to all
dishonest motives. They are simply
mistaken-misled by the deceptive
mirage produced by the misdirected
eloquence Of selfish men.
II every man who advocates fusion
was required. as test Of his sincerity.
to take a solemn pledge that he would
not be a candidate for Office, either by
election or appointment, for the four
years following his proposition. fusion
would not find enough advocates In a
political convention to make a respec-
table corporal's guard. II this state
ment is true 1t shows the spirit which
prompts fusion II any one doubts its
truth let him apply the test when the
matter comes up again.
As stated In the outset, the Peoples
party is something more than a mere
political party. 1t is the bulwark of
right against wrong. 1t is the voice
Of humanity lifted up against the hand
Of oppression. 1t cannot afford to
wreathe its flag or mingle its banners
with the oppressor. Its success de-
pends upon educating the people.
There is no short cut to honorable
victory. 1t cannot afford to trust it.
self to the Shiny folds or lecherous
embraces of an enemy.
The Peoples party is either right or
it is wrong. If 1t is right it will pre-
vail in Gods own good time II 1t pre-
serves its integrity and maintains it's
honor. If it is wrong it does not de-
serve to succeed and its destruction
is sure. II it is right 1t is the salt
of the EARTH" the. nucleus around
which the people will rally and wrest
the scepter of power from the hand
of oppression.
This is written in no spirit Of crit
icism of the past. 1t is simply a state
ment of facts which will bear the light
of investigation, apd which are sup
ported by the experience of the east.
There may be such a thing as "prac-
tical politics" but 1t don't include
f..~so,, ~, <bo hoSic NJ d;xx-;ox -