The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1896-10-17
TO the Popu1tsts Of Canyon couaty

70 the PopuliSts Of Canyon County
sometimes, even in the midst of a
heated campaign, newspapers as well
as men may rise above mere partisan.
snip and address themselves to political
opponents in the language of truth and
friendship. THE TRIBUNE feels that
now, the issues being all made up, is a
proper time to speak candidly to the
Popullsts of this county. The Demo
Gratis in convention, at Chicago, fully
realized that if they were to make a
free coinage declaration in their plat
form, they would require aid from the
People's party in order to have any
nope OF success. Therefore they pur-
posely stole, substantially, your plat.
form and nominated man for Presi-
dent who they knew would be accent
able to your party. But they named a
man for second place-Mr. Sewall-
that was essentially repugnant to every
honest and conscientious Populist. Mr..
Sewall is banker, corporationist and
a high protectionist, and neither in
practice nor spirit holds anything in
common with the doctrines of Popul-
ism, therefore he could not be endorsed
by your convention at st. Louis. How
ever, after the Chicago convention me-
gotiations were entered upon between
certain Democratic and Populist lead
ers, which eliminated at your St. Louis
convention. We will now quote from
the letter of Hon. Thomas E. Watson,
your candidate for Vice President,
which letter was published over his
signature in the New York World, of
date September %. Mr.. Watson says:
Senator James X. Jones was in close
conference with the Populist leaders at
st. Louis, and when a Populist was
nominated for the Vice Presidency, in
advance of the Presidential nomination,
he had notice that in the proposed part
nership between Democracy and Popu-
lism, Populism intended to be one of
the partners. He had notice of the
conditions upon which Populism would
help Democracy elect a Democratic
President. Notice to Chairman Jones
was notice to his party. Mr.. Bryan so
understood it, and he acted as an hon.
orable man would. He promptly tele-
graphed Senator Jones that he would
not accept Populist nomination unless
Mr.. SewaIl was also nominated. Sem
ator Jones concealed this telegram and
aUoaOed the POpuJiStS to remain i9l
ignorance Of Mr.. BryGn'S position,
and permitted the nomination of
Bryan and Watson arithout protest."
At this point we would call your
attention to the meaning of the
foregoing statement made by Mr.. Wat
son also some subsequent facts. 1t is
clear that at your st. Louis convention
fusion between Democracy and Popu-
ism was arranged and the terms fixed.
The terms were that the Democrats
we're to have the Presidency and the
Populists the Vice Presidency. Senator
James X. Jones, chairman of the Natl
onal Democratic committee was party
to the deal, and so we believe was
William Jennings Bryan, notwithstand
ing his telegram to Senator Jones. In
support of our belief, we submit for
your candid consideration, these known
facts: Mr.. Bryan in his telegram said
he would not accept nomination by
The Populist convention unless Mr..
Sewall was also nominated. Did he tell
the truth upon that occasion? Mr..
Sewall was not nominated; yet, on
Saturday, October 3, Mr.. Bryan had
written letter formally accepting the
rendered him by the Pop
llist party. 1t may be said in the ex-
Of generosity, by Mr..
Bryan's friends and admirers, that he
lesitated long and wrestlsd nightly
With his conscientious scruples before
ne could bring himself to the point of
qualification. But Mr.. Bryan is a
practical politician and so is his man.
sger, Senator Jones, therefore this
gracious excuse has no force. The
1lain truth of the matter is, the tele-
yram act was arranged between MFR.
BRYAN and Senator Jones, to be used if
needed, otherwise to be concealed"
MIR, Bryan delayed his letter of accept
,pce until all the state conventions had
been held and the Presidential electors
named. That was the game. 1t
mist now be clear to every intel.
igent Populist that the terms of
he agreement made at st. Louis are to
% utterly ignored and violated; that
he Populist party is not regarded as
partner to the partnership; and that
he Democracy depend on the support
II the rank and file of the POpulist
-. t..,o,,,o n HdaalD ia EuDDosed 60