The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1897-10-22
DFFlNITTON-NO FUSION

Our friend Of The Fayetteville OBJ
server discusses fusion. cooperation,
coalition and seeks the dictionary for
definition. 1t says the Messenger IA
vor Cooperation" but opposes "fu-
sion" We use the words as ordinarily
understood in North Carolina politics.
A leading English dictionary (not
American) defines fusion" as union
>as if by melting together" The Mes
Benger is opposed to impairing the
solidity of the grand Old democratic
party-is opposed to abandoning its
fundamental principles. It is opposed
TO trades for office. It is opposed to
forcing men, as is the case now in New
York city, Of one set Of principles to
vote for men Of the very opposite and
antagonizing principles. 1t is opposed
to putting the party in the fires of poll
tics that it may. be reduced to "a state
Of fluidity," and subjecting another and
opposing party to the same fires, re-
luce it to a similar fluid condition and
thus create or cause an unnatural, alb
surd, dishonest union as If by melting
together two such antagonizing par
ties. The Messenger was not last year
and Is not this year favorable to any
thing like fusion with any other par
ty. 1t will always gladly welcome the
support Of men who wish to cooperate
in the blessed, noble work Of restora-
ton. The old democracy stands forth
the representative of long tested prin-
ciples. It has done a great, a most i'm
pOrtant work for the south. for North
Carolina since General Lee surrendered
at Appomattox. 1t has saved what
ever of civilization we now have, and
1T is the only hope under hcaven of
al honest, faithful, capable, just, eco
nomical government in this state and
in the entire south. The Messenger,
therefore, is for maintaining intact the
party of the people. 1t is for keeping
strong it's bulwarks, and for maintain
ing in unbroken order its organization.
1t therefore, opposes anything like 'fu-
sion" whether it be with tie negroes.
or with their allies. Il is entirely IA
forable to opening wide its doors to all
returning p~rodigals. It - against the
introduction Of a Shibbcleth, as a test.
Al LII "IlllC lF-'c JllCdI,
or prohibition, or gol3buy-feels in
clined to vote with the democracy to
restore order and law and economy
and honest government, VS. think it
wise to accept the help without test
ing him as to this Or that particular
principle. All along men calling them
selves democrats, but steaGfast pro-
f~ectionists have harmCnized in cleo
aions and supported the democratic
nominees who represented 2 low tariff
and violently opposed the whole dis
honest and oppressive roDb=T system.
The Messenger believes that the far
chest step the democratic party
ought to take or can safely take, is to
invite the aid of all men who antago-
nize black radicalism-the dominion of
the black and tan-led on by white de-
serters-the rule of ignorance and SUI
perstition and dishonesty in North
Carolina, to cooperate with them
to that extent in wiping out the pres
ent baleful, disgraceful state of things
and Graduating the political and social
gangrene. No fusion" for The Mes
senger. 1t may be sentimental politics
not to betray or sacrifice your princi-
pies, but we are old fashioned enough
To hold to that civic and political vir-
tue. We wish to say hat we do not
mean to be drawn in discussion with
democrats as to the best policy. We
think it very early to be disputing over
n best way to do good and help save
the state.