The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-07-08
THE POPUL|ST CONFERENCE
1T COMPLETED ITS WORK AND THE
NASHVILLE MEETING ADJOURN
ED SINE DIE.
THE PLAN FOR REORGANIZATION
A Reorganization Committee With
Milton Parks of Dallas Chair
man-Address to the PeO-
pie Promulgated.

|
ference Of the peoples party reassembled
in the house of representatives at o'clock
! today. 1t was expected that the commit
tee on resolutions would present the re-
port as soon as the conference had been
called to order, but the chairman announc-
ed that the report would not likely be
ready before noon. Several resolutions
were introduced and referred to the COM
mittee, and the committee took recess
| for short time.
| The resolutions committee COMPLETED
their report at ! 40 o'clock, and it was
read at = o'clock. 1t is understood there
will be two minority reports involving the
| plan OF rganization. The report of the
committee on resolutions provides for the
appointment of committee on organiza-
ton composed of three from each state,
the chairman to be elected by the confer
, ence 1t also provides for an executive
/ committee of fifty TO cooperate with the
national executive committee when that
committee acts upon the line of populist
principles. This committee will act until
the next national convention. The re-
port declares in favor of thorough reor-
ganization and education by civil districts
If necessary.
When the reading of the report was fin
ished. Mr.. Howard of Alabama seconded
the motion to adopt the report Mr.. Hough
of Missouri called for the reading of the
minority report, and moved to table the
majority report
The afternoon session was devoted to
the discussion of an address to the people.
which was adopted. The address is
lengthy, and scores both the republican
and democratic parties, declares against
fusion, says free silver will not bring re-
lief unless trusts. combines and rings are
abolished, reaffirms the platform of the
party, and especially as to the initiative
and referendum, and calls upon all to Join
i'll the contest now waging.
The plan for reorganization and build.
ing up the party was adopted, the chief
points of which are:
THE election by this conference of
national organization committee to be
composed of three members from each
state here represented, said members to be
selected by the several state delegations.
In states not represented at this confer
ence the national organization committee
here created may at their discretion pro-
vide for proper representation of the
committee.
''The election by the conference of the
chairman of the national organization
committee, whose duty it is to push the
organization along strictly on populist
lines and in the interest of populist princi-
pies and populist candidates, to preside
over all meetings of the national organi-
cation committee, and to perform all 9TH
or duties incumbent upon such officer.
THE election by this conference of an
active committee of five members, whom
the chairman may nominate from the
members of the national organization
committee, whose duties shall consist in
assisting i'll the work of organization and
education, and who shall cooperate with
the chairman in his efforts to preserve and
extend the organization of the party.
THE election of national secretary
and treasurer.
I'VE further recommend that in each
township. county and state the committee
he looked after by the members of the ma
tional organization committee, and where
necessary reorganization by the election
of members who are in harmony with the
party and it's principles, and who are in
favor of preserving its autonomy.
1--WE urge upon the members of this
vigorous plans of education and Organi-
cation than have been in vogue the past
two years. TO that end we heartily recon-
mend the cooperative and club plans per-
fected by the committee appointed for
that purpose by the National Reform
Press association at Memphis, of which j.
II. Ferris of Joliet, ILL.,, is the present
chairman. The organization committee
shall provide and apply for the rearrange-
ment of the committee here constituted,
the initiative and referendum and impera-
tive mandate, and we recommend that the
first national convention of the peoples
party shall adopt the same as governing
law in its entire organization. The ma
tional organization committee of the peo-
pies party, chosen by this conference.
shall have full power and authority to call
a national convention of the party or to
submit any question to the voters of the
party on the referendum plan whenever
they may determine that the best interests
of the party require the same"
The reorganization committee, with the
terms of the plan, were appointed. Mil
ton Park of Dallas, Tex, was elected
chairman; w. S. Morgan. Arkansas, sec
rotary; DR.. Grove, Alabama, treasurer.
The following executive committee was
appointed A. A. Gumley, Louisiana;
Col Peak, Georgia.; Ignatius Donnely,
Minnesota; Abe Steinberger, Kansas; l..
c. Bateman, Maine.
The conference, at 730, adjourned sine
die.