Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1896-11-19
THE PEOPLES PARTY.
ITS MISSION is ONE OF ECO
NoMIC EDUCATION.
1t Can't AFFORD to Compromise with
Either Old Party-sOme Advice from
w. s. Morgan of Arknnsas-H
Men We're for Fusion.


living, moving protest
against existing wrongs. 1t owes its
progress and growth to adherence to
principle. It's members are from both
of the old political parties. These men
did not leave those parties until every
hope of securing purity Of politics and
honesty in government had gone down
in the depths Of despair. The work OF
education began simultaneously with
the exodus OF voters from the old par
ties. It has been kept up ever since.
If any man believes that the reforms
sought can be obtained through either
of the old parties, he may be JUSTIFIED IN
acting with them. If not, we see no
reason why he should do so. II either
of the two old political parties Will
accomplish the reforms desired and
needed, then there is no use for the
further existence of the Peoples party;
if not, then the Peoples party has no
business pooling issues" with either.
Every sane man knows that both old
parties have repudlated their pledges
in the past, and that Of the two the
Democratic party has been the worst.
1t has stood without the gates and
whined and supplicated for Just one
chance" and when the people gave 1t,
what was the result? No party ever
made such a sorry and contemplate
record.
Our only way to judge Of the flu
ture is by the past. 1t Is wonder
that Democratic voters could be de-
ceived by the old promises renewed;
it is astonishing that POpulists could
be so misled.
We do not question the honesty OF
many who believe in fusion. 1t has
had its advocates in all ages. But.
like a devastating pestllence or
scourge, 1t destroys while it seems to
infuse now life. 1t Is only the tenn
porary exhilaration Of baneful pOis-
on. The most compact and best
trained organization will demOralize
and absorb the weaker. This is the
indisputab1e result Of fusion. 1t is
like disbanding an army to pillage
town. 1t is placing the spoil Of Of
fee above adherence to principle. 1t
gives color to the charge that we are
not sincere in the advocacy Of great
principle. 1t brings upon our head the
charge of dishonesty and corrupt deals.
For the future 1t weakens the hon
est efforts of every sincere speaker and
writer, 1t discredits our cause in the
estimation of our enemies and dis
heartens and discourages those in our
own ranks who are not seeking Off
cial promotion.
It is fact that can't be denied that
the warmest supporters Of fusion, and
it's ablest advocates, are Office hold
ers who seek reelection, or Office
seekers who desire official position.
We do not mean to say that all fusion
lists are office-seekers. Not by any
means. Neither do we impute to all
dishonest motives. They are simply
mistaken-misled by the deceptive
mirage produced by the misdirected
eloquence Of selfish men.
II every man who advocates fusion
was required, as test Of his sincerity,
to take a solemn pledge that he would
not be candidate for Office, either by
election or appointment, for the four
years following his proposition, fusion
would not find enough advocates in a
political convention to make a respec-
table corporal's guard. II this state
ment is true 1t shows the spirit which
fusion. If any one doubts its
truth let him apply the test when the
matter comes up again.
AS stated in the outset, the Peoples
party is something more than a mere
political party. 1t is the bulwark of
right against wrong. 1t is the voice
Of humanity lifted up against the hand
Of oppression. 1t cannot afford to
wreathe its flag or mingle its banners
with the OppressOr. Its success de-
ponds upon educating the people.
There is no short cut to honorable
1t cannot afford to trust It.
self to the Shiny folds or lecherous
embraces OF an enemy.
The Peoples party is either right or
1t is wrong. If it is right it will pre-
vail in Gods own good time II 1t pre-
serves its integrity and maintains its
honor. II 1t is wrong 1t does not de-
serve to succeed and its destruction
Is sure. II 1t is right 1t Is the salt
Of the EARTH" the nucleus around
which the people will rally and wrest
the scepter of power from the hand
Of oppression.
This is written in no spirit Of crit
cism of the past. 1t is simply a state
nent Of facts which will bear the light
If investigation, and which are SUD-
ported by the experience Of the past.
There may be such a thing as "prac-
.ical politics" but it don't include
fusion on the basis OF a division of
he spells with those who advocate It.
Il this is not already proven to the
observer, time will EN-.
,haslze the truth of the assertion.
w. s. MORGAN.