The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1896-04-01
VERY IMPORTANT SUGGESTIONS.
A Danger to Be Guarded Against-Prelimin
aries to Union.

Danger to Be Guarded Against-Prelimin-
aries to Union.
Editor Representatives:
My observation of political conventions
leads me to the conclusion that one Of the
first things that should be done by all
those who expect to take part in the COM
ing conventions on July 22d. is to control
Themselves If this is done the ground
will be cleared for speedy and decisive
action. .n
Again. up to the present time I have
seen no reference made to the fact that
some states in order to defeat the Peoples
Party at the polls, passed laws which ex-
cluded any new party from place on the
electoral ticket which could not show that
at prior election it had a certain num-
erical strength. l may not have the idea
exactly, but it will suffice to show that
some states have erected barricade
against new parties. What states they
are and all the facts should be well ascer~
tanned before the work Of union Of parties
is commences in good earnest. For the
reason. Our friends of what is known
as the "Silver Party" no matter if they
had God Almighty on their ticket for presi-
dent and Jesus Christ for vice-president,
u
net ministers, and they We're supported by
nine-tenthS Of the voters of the country,
the laws would set them aside because at
a first election they had not shown that
they had voting strength to entitle them
10 place on the ticket, as party.
The only possible show then for them
to succeed on the point they aim at is, to
unite with the reform party which has
succeeded, so far as TO enttle them to a
place on the ticket.
Again. Then here comes another point
and on no consideration to be lost sight of
or endangered. When parties unite, hav-
Ing different names, it is almost univer-
sally the rule for such change in name as
shall Indicate the union. For instance,
when two newspapers consolidate it is
often the case that the names Of both are
continued, or the consolidation is other
wise indicated.
Suppose the Peoples Party united under
the name of the Peoples Silver Party.
That would indicate that they were united
on that issue. but it would exclude that
party from a place on the ticket where
those states have erected barricade
against new parties on the ground that no
such party had heretofore existed to en-
title 1t to a place on the ticket 1t would
be false In fact, but it would be true in
law; and the change in name Of that party
that has legal status of but a single
letter would, in the hands of corrupt
courts. be held sufficient to exclude it.
AFTER what nave seen OF the dire cor
ruption Of politicians and courts 1 am
we'll prepared to believe that even were
the two partiesto unite, on July 3d. and
to be reinforced by the joint action of all
the trades unions, and if al the polls they
polled an overwhelming majority, 1 can
see in the light of what / have seen, that
an effort would be made to dispute the le-
gal1ty of the vote, and to have it referred
to a commission, as in 1876. I will not
state the grounds for such belief, as I
do not propose to give any points to the ole,
parties, such as l know where to find
hidden away among their disgraceful pol
itical rascalities. 1t is enough for me to
sound the alarm for the greatest care to
be taken in the matter of union, that the
two old parties may be foiled in their at
tempts to Illustrate the peoples political
action in November next
In making concessions which are always
in order where union of action is desirable,
1t is wise to consider we'll what and how
much to concede
james Vincent, ST.
March oath 1895