St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1896-03-12
NO FUSION.

The statement of the leading Demo-
Gratis of South Dakota that there will
be no fusion there this year is cheer
ing to all those who desire the success
of that party. 1t Is to the counte-
nance that Democrats in different parts
OF the country have given to the fusion
idea in the past that it owes a large
share Of its misfortunes Either De-
mocracy represents and embodies great,
vital and unalterable principles that
must govern the political actions of
those who cherish it as a faith, or it
Is empty and worthless. These princi-
pies are in irreconcilable conflict with
the doctrines laid down by the Peoples
party, and the policies that it would
put into practice If put into
power. Granting, as we do, to the rank
and file of the Populist voters credit for
sincerity, we have yet to abhor some Of
their practical policies, and find them
totally at variance with the traditions
that constitute Democracy. There can
tween two parties so differently organ
lied.
Fusion is, everywhere and always, q
blunder if not crime. It cannot mean
anything else than that two bodies Of
men, cherishing totally different opin-
ions upon the conduct Of public affairs.
agree to come together and surrender
each portion Of what ought to be
their deepest convictions, for the igno-
bic purpose Of obtaining possession Of
the offices. If to gather in and divide
the spells is the only or the main pur-
pose Of politics, then fusion is a COM
mendable method Of achieving 1t. If
government Is a science, If patriotism
is a virtue, If party and the exist
ence of this republic depend upon car
rying into politics honesty Of convic-
ton and willingness to sacrifice for it's
sake anything of personal advantage
that need be, then fusion with an OPP
ponent is ten thousand times worse
than utter defeat
The times, so say the Democrats best
informed Of the condition of affairs in
South Dakota, are ripe for a great in
crease in the Democratic vote We
should think they might be. With
Populism represented by such a scat
ter-brained and impracticable man as
Senator Kyle, and Republicanism rep
resented by the shifting and time-serv-
ing Pettigrew, what is there for an hon.
est man to do in South Dakota but to
turn to the Democratic party for relief?
The campaign of Pettigrew for re-elec-
ton is based on an appeal to the I'M
worthiest motives that can move men.
He has scraped up all the issues that
he feels can be made to appeal to pas
sion and to prejudice, and tries the
people with all the arts of the dema-
gogue. South Dakota has got rid of
the rawness and ignorance Of a new
community, and ought to be ready to
shake off such men as this, and to
send to the front representative, sober
minded and reliable citizens. There
is no hope for such today outside of
the Democratic party. Let the Demo-
Gratis of that state stand by their col
ors whatever may befall. The worst
that can come to them is defeat
with honor. Refusing all alliance with
the supporters of false issues, and ev-
cry sacrifice Of their party integrity,
they will win. 1t may be this year, it
may be another, but they who are right
can, above all others, best afford to
wait.