The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1897-06-30

keep their organization intact and con-
sOlidated and make no compromise at
present with the sO-called silver forces,
VINO cannot go any, or very little farther
or beyond the policy of the free coinage
of silver question. The Populists as a
party have resolved unqualifiedly to work
and agitate for the adoption of free silver
and gold coinage by our national gov
eminent Independent of the consent or
approval of other nations and without
any IFS or butts. That the Democrats
did nobly by the adoption of the Chicago
platform of 1896 we are glad and willing
to concede; but have a strong suspicion
that it was not done without question
able motive. to deprive the Populists of
part of their leverage and absorb the
weaker members of that party into their
ranks, which the more or less fusion in
different states Of the union proves to
have been well managed But if the
Democrats and Silver Republicans think,
that thereby they have given the coup de
grace to the Populists and that they fall
over each other to be absorbed by mere
silver party, they will find their reckon
Ing was made without the host It seems
now to my minds eye that the free coin
age OF silver will be accomplished under
Mckinley's administration. 1t would be
a mastery stroke of policy in imitation of
the Democratic coup at Chicago but with
better prospect, for the Republican
party to retain its grasp on the offices
and policy of the nation than the Dem
ocrats would have to regain the helm of
government. 1t would bring back the
Silver Republicans into line, who only
differ from their brethren on the coinage
question. 1t also would absorb a number
OF weak Populists who today think that
among all the planks of the Omaha plat
form the silver plank the most important,
having been led to the view by the action
of the Peoples party during the last cam
paign, and others who want to be on
the band wagon and meekly hope for
some of the minor crumbs that fall from
the political counter of the Republican
bosses, like some cur who helped to round
up the cattle on the ranch. It would
leave the Democrats, even if combined
with the remaining Populists, in hope
less minority and the rule of the money
power, trusts and corporations, the plum
dering of the producers and toilers of this
nation would still go on unchecked.
wherefore it is the duty of all true
Populists and all true and honest reform
ers Of all other parties, who are many,
to foster and assist the preservation of the
Peoples party, and have them remain as
the advance guard of progressive civiliza-
ton, to push the educational work for
new reforms as the exigencies of the
times demand them, to fit the conditions
OF the masses of our national family, with
the battle cry, Legislation, and national
as well as state policies, that will re-
dound for the greatest good to the great
est number We have the cry now very
often shouted during political campaigns
by political strikers of all parties. who
never think to be taken at their word
after election to responsible officers by
the people who were misled by that
cry.
ut is too true that it takes courage
and heroism to be true member of such
party. The hope for pie should not
be entertained; it is doomed to disap-
pointment. Such party can never count
their success by the number they can
place into office of themselves, but by the
benefits bestowed on humanity through
reforms the compel the party in power
to adopt and carry into effect; If The
concessions are made only even by the
party In power to retain that power the
benef1cient results to humanity are the
same. 1t is one OF the redeeming signs
of the times that there are so many
hundreds Of thousands of Populists who
must know and believe that as Populists'
they need expect no direct reward no
more than a mere philanthropist-to do
so because it is Just.
SN@AAoC cbtoldlH IClC W Sdy lew
words about our friend, Hon. I. Donnelly.
I fully and earnestly indorse the stand
he proclaims the Peoples party must
take. to preserve its usefulness. There
is not the least difference between us ON
that point The Peoples party must be
kept intact and independent, and that
If any joining of hands of the so-called
silver forces is to be had in future polit-
ical battles, that the decision, what to do.
on what terms, etc, should be left to
developments Of future events. We will
examine the conditions of the bridge to
be crossed when we get to it and know
we must cross it. There is a difference
between us as to the way and mode or
means to promote unity and harmony in
our own ranks. This difference arises
more from a difference in temperament.
l have never doubted his earnestness in
the cause of humanity Impulsiveness
is virtue-and vice, either depends
on the discretion in exercising it. The
very best of us will lack in discretion
sometimes, more or less often. l do not
believe in the black flag, believe in CIV
ing quarter! when not shOuld he q rare