The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-01-23
FUSION PROPOSED BETWEEN TIL
DEMOCRATS AND POPULlSTS.

the sNdfIblttil i4-NNN'i'A'N
the Populist party, proposes fusion be-
tween the Populists and Republicans
nDon a basis that is in accordance with
the prevailing views of the members
Of both parties in North Carolina SO faf
as it goes.
There is every reason why such men
as Mr.. Lindsey and the rank and file
of the Democracy ought to vote the
same ticket. and it is only question
of a little time before the old align
ment that existed prior to 1892 VIII be
again witnessed in the State. In
private note Mr.. Lindsey says: The
natural position Of the Republican
party is on the side Of monopoly and
gold: the Democratic party quite
otherwise" Mr.. Lindsey also writes
that he is ready to do what he can to
bring about a fusion between the
Democrats and Popnlists.
We have no doubt Of Mr.. Lindsey's
honest intentions. He is among The
best men i'm the Populist party, but he
does not state in his proposition
whether it has been submitted TO the
"inner circle" of which he speaks, and
secured it's approval. In fact IT seems
to be a mere suggestion from MI
Lindsay as an individual member OF
the National Executive committee.
The letter is as follows;
Madison, ~ C., Jan. IS, 1876.
TO the Editor:
The Peoples Party stands ready 70
cooperate this year with either the
Republican or Democratic party on
distinctive line of principles. 10 the
majority Of protested politicians the
offices are all--p principles only when
they bring office. Before any plan Is
perfected as member Of the National
people's Party committee, | wish TO
make overtures thus publicly ana
above board to the Democratic party
of this State, as | have once before
through Webster's Weekly
The basis OF principles is such as the
nartv has Mt one time inculcated land
for that reason it is a transition qahe
easy The principles are THESE
/. The independent coinage Of SILVER
on equal terms with gold
The government shall not ISSUE
naner for the banks and shall issue rs
own money and every dollar shan pc
equal in the payment OF al depts
henceforward
These are the easy terms we propose
| and in order to carry out these hitherto
Democratic principles, we propose 10
set IN an electoral ticket pledged 70
vote for q man for President who rs
publicly and generally known to favor
these principles.
Next. the Democrats take choice OF
the next Office, either Senator or Gov
ernor.
Then alternate down the line, the
| Democrats first choice through all the
State offices and Departments.
The Congressional districts then shaii
| come in such a relation as most eXpe-
dent, and shall be as nearly equally dl-
vided as practicable.
The Legislature and county ticket
shall be discreetly divided SO as to give
each party a fair showing.
These are the proposals we make.
| The proposal amounts to the casting
| of the electoral ticket for the Popullst
| candidate for President, for it is I'M
| derstood that the Demo c. attic candidate
| at least will be non-comittal. II the
| Democratic party takes the Senator we
| have the Governor, and then the Dem
ocratic party takes the first State
| officer under him, and SO on honesty
and fairly This is all planned, sub
ject to the viii of the people.
OF course / know that all such work
as two parties cooperating has been
secretly done, and no man knows what
is being done except the inner circle.
We are violating all political practice
in making these oyertures in Il public
manner, but | do not think it wise
to conceal these things from the voters
when they make no sacrifice of princi-
pie. There could he several more items
placed in the State platform on which
all are agreed but we insist on these
on which the National parties are not
agreed. Again, we come holding the
olive branch of peace, and at time
prospeetively when the party cannot
be loser thereby. Now lis the time TO
| consider consider, act. If any leader
Of the Democratic party, or any of the
State Executive Committee wish 10
| DT3Hg ABOUT u corporation on IDeailHeS
| proposed, let them communicate with
me with their ultimatum, and they
shall be heard in the councils of the
Populist party, all in strict confidence.
w. r., LINDSAY.
Member Of Nat. Com. T. T..
The franl1ness and naivete displayed
by Mr.. Lindsay will give his letter a
reception that no amount of circumlo-
cution could secure. There are good
Democrats who arelso anxious to bring
together the old Democratic phalanx
that they are ready to treat with the
Populists for coming together of the
| forces in n union against Republican
| ism. here are many more good Dem
| ocrats whose contemplation Popnlists
and PopuIism is such that they would
| without moments hesitation refuse
| to hold communication with men who
| left the Democratic Convention in 1892