The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1896-07-29
WATSON THERE TO STAY
He Writes . Letter to the New York World
to That Effect

| New York, July 2S.-Thomas z. Wat.
son, the Populist candidate for vice-p~e-
ident. made the following statement bJ
wire TO the New York World yesterday
Il opposed the Endorsement Of Bryan
and Scwall by the Peoples party Had
we endorsed the Democratic ticket and
put out none Of our own our existence
as party would have been at an end
I'VE could not have fought for the
| Democrats on a national ticket and al
the same time antagonize them on state
issues. Therefore 10 have Endorsed
their whole national ticket not only
meant the extinction Of our party, but
defeat for free silver
| The growth OF Populism drove Dem
ocracy TO free silver. The death Of
| Populism would have removed the pres
sure, and the Democratic party might
have drifted away from its campaign
pledges as Il did in 1892 and 1894. BY
! nominating a ticket OF our own and
| upon a platform OF our own, we preserve
our identity as a party and We maintain
our influence over the Democrats II
Mr.. Bryan and make the race together
our position will be that OF two men
who may differ upon some subjects, but
who act together upon those matters
about which they are agreed.
The free silver Democrats do not go
so far as we do. but we ara wiling 10
march with them so far as they do go in
our direction By agreeing 10 cooperate
with them 10 this extent we do not COM
promise our principles, stultify our rec
ord. or disband our organization.
Our people need more money tower
taxes and less OF class legislation. I am
willing 10 do all in my power to effect a
h.a ha+
ton to hold place on the national
ticket-it was my wish 10 return to cor
gress-but the dispatches which I re-
eeived from St. Louis said my agree
ment TO run with Bryan would harmon
ize all factions. unite the silver forces.
and at the same time prevent possible
split UP OF my own party. Acting under
that belief. telegraphed that my name
might be used, and ] therefore stand by
the action of the convention. / believe
the com binst ton ticket can be elected.
The Populists united with the Demo
Gratis can carry every southern state
with one possible exception. The unoin
OF the Populists and Democrats can
carry the west. This silver movement is
TO a large extent a revolt Of the produc-
ing sections, the south and west. and
see no good reason why the nominees of
the silver forces should not be taken
from the sections where IL is expected
to get the votes.
Furthermore. I believe the time IS
come when the south should be accord
ed recognition on the national ticket
For thirty years now the south has
been kept on the stool Of repentance.
For thirty years she has been com PEELED
TO wear sackcloth on her loins and put
q = ~,
south forever occupy this humiIatsng
attitude? Why should We go Into every
campaign with a taclt confession that
the south has no right 10 be repraSen ed
on the national ticket OF any political
party? / was born September 5. 1856.
and therefore was too young 10 take any
part whatever in the late civil war.
have TO pretudices growing out OF IL
but a. the same tine l am a southern
man. proud OF my section. and devoted
10 its Interests. and see no reason why
any political party should always ex-
pect TO obtain support OF her I5s votes
and yet always be ashamed 10 give he-
a place on the ticket
The World asks what 7 think Of Mr.. |
Bryan personally. AS have stated IL |
my paper more than q week ago. when |
had no thought Of bang connected with |
nm n a poEGcai campaign. Mr.. Bryan 4
IS a man q unblenlishei character and |
brilliant ability. We served together IN |
the FIfty-s@eoni consress. voted To- |
yether on nearly every question, and /
were personal friends
When ny contested election came I'd
n ire FIfty-thi-t congress and s.r
0uthwaite OF Ohio made the motion u /
aject ne az once and without a hearing.
NJ. Bryan was one % the three Demo
rats who had the nerve 70 vote
against Il
The Chicago platform IS a return %
he Old JeTsrsoTliS1 principles. and we
Pcpu-ists inoorse u a. fa- as IL goes
Dur own platform goes further. 81,
here * no reason why Te should no. 90
rpe-s.@ with the Democrats % re ex-
ent that We agree
THOMAS 2. WATSON