The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1896-05-25

special Dispatch to the IntelliScncer.
WASHINGTON, D. c., May 24,-The
Democratic battle cry in West Virgin
IN this year Is likely to be free trade,
free silver and fusion. The programme
has been mapped out here and the pre-
Ilminarles are being inlustrlously
worked up in every congressional dis
,r.s, Candidate Watts was at the
washington headquarters recently,and
almost Immediately after his return
home the manipulHtIons were begun
for a combine with the Populists,
Whether General Watts passed the
word along the line or not, 1t is con-
csded that such coalition will aid him
IN securing the nomination and en-
courage him a little in his subsequent
campaIgn. The understanding is TINT
fhe many who are supposed TO be
rlamorinE for his nomination will have
their voluntary action strengthened
by the possible accessions through a
unlnn with the Third party.
The Populist preference has not been
considered at all. The plank they
adopted two years ago, ohilsinS them
10 keep IN the middle OF the road, has
bsep snapped IN twain by the syndi-
cate. without so much as saying to
them 'by your leave" But the adjust
,Tynr Of this little matter Is left to the
persuasive powers OF the Democratic
bosses The scheme IS being Agttated
with thoroughness and to the queens
taste" in the Fourth district, and the
orders were to extend II as rapidly as
may be done with prudence in the other
districts. You will hear from II.
ConfsssIOn OF Weakness.
The argument Is to the PopulistS
that the two organizations are one as lQ,
the main issue. the free coinage OF sill
yer. and that II they can come togeth-
or on that and tartff for revenue only
basis, q fair distribution OF honors can
be reached. But here Is a sumner,
and a confession Of weakness. The
PopullstS are told that numerically
neither they nor the Democrats can
alone defeat the Republicans. The
Democrats being the stronger OF the
two, however, should have the pr1vl-
less OF naming the principal state otl-
GERS, the electors and the congressman
brt that county offices innumerable
may be given their allies. Then, again,
they nrgue that the two national con-
ventions, Democratic and Popullst, are
likely TO declare for free silver and 10
Put two full tickets in the field against
the Republicans Will be rank folly. Ihe
democrats propose to pay cash equiv
alent for the Populist concession by
meeting the entire expense OF the COM
bination campaign.
If il but lust 10 say that the mana
gers OF this little bit OF Juggling are
not meeting with much success. II re.
ports may be relied upon. Here and
there the proposition Is entertained
long enough to discuss It upon merit,
but the leaders OF the Popillsts are not
in Il. The presumption Is that Senators
PseRer and Allen would 20 gray In a
night II convinced that the party any.
where would enter into an alliance OF
that character.
watts' scheme.
The advantage to Candidate Watts Is
apparent. Neither Colonel Smith nor
Judge Bennett is known TO be for free
silver. nor Is Smith for free trade. what
ever the Views OF Judge Bennett on
that issue. II can be surmised, also.
that neither Is for fusion, but would
prefer to take their politics straight
These two are recognized as the leading
opponents of the KanawhH Statesmen
Tor lne HuDETuhlQEltA HVllluhNluAAt ehN
as Watts boasts of his strength with
the laboring people. he having been a
'ldller" from his youth up and bus
seldTm an asplrant for political honors
90 he proposes to make assurance
doubly sure by fusion programme. II
10 deemed certain that members OF the
PopuIist party will he, II they are not
already, supplied with the Watts petit
tlon calling upon him in the usual terms
t1 become their candidate. and pretty
soon ne viii he able to point to HIM
self as the only Democrat who can
control" the Populist vote.
Congressman Dayton leaves Tonight
fnr Phlllppi on private businegs. but
all return Thursday, He and Com
Er'ssrnau TowHe will be In Morgantown
g0 the 30th and each win deliver an
address.
Representative Miller will leave FRI
day for Paritersburg, where he Is TO
oliver an nddress on Decoration Day.