The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-08-15
ONE THING AT A TINE.

To the Editor: The elaborate plat
form of the Peoples party, adopted at
St. Louis. contains much that is good,
and something's that the people re-
dIire time TO mediate upon before
they decide to adopt There are Pop
ulists who insist as a condition of
their support of Mr.. Bryan, that he
must first endorse their platform. This
seems to be unreasonable. IT is inn
possible for all men to agree~upon ev-
cry question that may be mooted in
politics, morals, and religion We
would all prefer to have political lead
ers with whom we entirely agree on
all controverted questions. But the
thing is impracticable. 1T happens
that Populists and Democrats agree
in favor of the free coinage of silver
and gold in the proportion of 16 to 1,
and that they regard this as the great
main issue in the present campaign.
Then it is folly to thrust in any other
question as necessary to be settled at
this time.
The last resolution, or plank in the
Populist platform, sums up the real is
sue in the present political struggle,
as follows:
SO. While the foregoing propositions
constitute the platform upon which
our party stands, and for the vindica-
ton of which it's organization will
maintain, we recognize that the great
and pressing issue of the impending
campaign was the question of coinage
of silver and gold at 16 to -
That final resolution is as follows:
SO. While the foregoing propositions
constitute the platform upon which
our party stands, and for the vindica-
ton of which its organization will
maintain, we recognize that the great
and pressing issue of the pending cam
paign upon which the present Presi-
Dental election will turn, is the fnan-
cial question, and upon this great and
specific issue between the parties, we
cordially invite the aid and co-opera-
ton of all organizations and citizens
agreeing with us upon this vital ques-
ton"
This wise resolution excludes the
idea of insisting upon other issues;
and Populists cannot, without incon-
sistency, urge other matters as essen
tial in the present campaign. The
adoption of this final plank of their
platform cuts them off from the right
u DI1ng lOIAdId OtIltI DiOpOSlNiOliS
for the adoption of the Presidential
nominee whom they would elect.
Much of the Populist platform is en-
braced substantially in that of the
Democracy, which Mr.. Bryan has ac-
cepted-much, in addition to the free
silver plank, which is as strongly laid
down as the above ninth plank of the
Populist platform.
There are other planks in the Pop
ulist platform relating to the business
eff telegraphing by the postoffice de
partment, and organization of the
| postoffices into savings banks, which
are excellent, and viii come before
long--and there are still others that
will come in due time.
There is one question, reconcile,
and far removed from the populag APP
prehension, however, that should not
too soon be pressed upon parties for
adoption. 1t falls under the head of
"Direct Legislation" and is as follows:
"a. We favor system of direct Leg
islation through the initiative and
referendum under proper constitution
al safeguards"
Now the exposition of this plank in
the Populist platform involves classic,
| as well as learning in our mothers tom
que. 1t is not sufficient that we
learn from Webster or Worcester, the
correct definition of the unfamiliar
term, 'initiative,' and that plain men
ape told, or learn from a Latin Die
tionary, the meaning of the word ''re-
ferendum." To learn these definitions
is comparatively easy; but to find out
what they signify when put together,
is the knotty problem. TO the well in
structed Populist leader it is doubt
ness clear enough; and he may have
| got the idea into the heads of his fol
lowers, but to the benighted Demo
Gratis, politicians and people it would
remain a mystery during the cam
paign; and Mr.. Bryan would be called
upon by inquisitiye listeners, in the
| midst Of flight of oratory, for an ex-
| PLANTATION Of the Initiative and refer
| endum,'' and what he meant by it, in
the Populist platform, if he should
| swallow it whole, as he is called upon
| to do.