The Topeka state journal., 1897-07-26

Popuhsm or in socialism, which shall
conduce to better business system and
nobler social order, are as inevitable as
time Life grows that way.
But, practically speaking of the here
and now, this republic is perilously near
possible destruction. AS Mr.. Butterworth
put it, ''the nation is in more peril than
when Fort Sumter was fired on" Were
the crisis of attempted betrayal ''to a
stronger form of government a quarter
of a century further off, socialism and
perfection might afford to set up a ticket
and play at president making as part of
their educational programme. But the
mortal combat is set for 1900. The close
of this fateful century will find the mus
ter roll of monopoly marshaled under the
British gold standard.
There will be but one friendly and
pie camp for the patriots of progress.
Whittier shall they go, with those who
are marching in their direction, or shah
they stand stubbornly in the middle of
the same byway. vainly shouting for
some impossible Thomas E. Watson and
thus aid the army of the despoilers of
liberty.
Not that we need constantly to reiter-
ate 16 to l. We may industriously and
enthusiastically disseminate the utter
most truths of the new and adequate po-
ntical economy. But the risk of di
vided forces at the national ballot box
in 1900 is fatal
The entire autonomy of Populism,
cialism, free silver Republicans, and of
Democracy will be maintained; each with
it's special function and it's own constitu-
ency, according to it's degree of develop
ment and it's point of view. All keeping
within hailing distance ready to close up
w he of Ia
gold present their solid front.
There is no need of a wall from the ex-
tremest reformer. The field of oppor-
tunity was never SO broad. Socialists
have glorious chance to loyalty aid their
cause by aiding Eugene V. Debs in as
noble and needy attempt as ever en-
listed warm-hearted human endeavor.
There are also various other excellent
centers of efforts, such Ruskin Ten
nessee and the Colorado cooperative col
ony, this last located on the richest spot
on the continent-with apologies to other
favorite garden spots of the world.
All these practical attempts to demon
strate, if pushed to success, will educate
many times faster than much nominating
of candidates for the White house. More
over, there are civic clubs and municipal
leagues through which may be urged mu-
reformer need fold his hands nor be lone
some for something to do.
But will not gold-bugism and monopoly
get possession of the next national Demo-
cratic convention, reverse the platform and
have none of Bryan? Suppose it should,
William ]. would simply step out. leave
the convention to Cleveland, Wall street
and innocuous desuetude, and carry the
country with him.
As to Mr.. Towne, will the new Democ-
racy put a silver Republican the tick
ct? Sure. The expurgated Democracy
has whole lot of sense, and among other
things knows that it has got to have that
splendid constituency from the Republi-
can ranks or silver goes down.
And Populists. bless their hearts.
haven't they said from the first, ''Give us
principles and we care not what
party carries them to victory" Jeffer-
sonian Democracy and silver Republicans
combined can't win without Populists.
So, into the platform goes direct legis1a-
ton. And why not, it's Simon pure DEM
ocracy, and with it all possible reforms
can be gotten soon as the people are
ready to intelligently demand and con-
duct them. This is how the stars tell it
to persistent, never-1agg pioneer
Populist. ANNIE L. DIGGS.