The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1897-12-29
What Does the Major Mean.

What Does the Major Mean.
We have had some correspondence
with Maj. J. NJ Bowler, for whom we
have always entertained a high per-
scnal regard; and in a friendly way we
have been having an exchange of ideas
as to the best means Of advancing the
Peoples party interests in this state
and nation. We have just received
letter from the major which 1 make
bold enough to publish as 1t in GER
tain way reflects upon myself. If I
have been doing anything that is not
right politically, the people ought to
know about it. The following letter
will explain itself:
Bird Island, Mimi, Dec. "a, 1897.
J. c. Hanley:
Dear Sir:-Returning from two weeks
absence 1 find yours of the 18th inst,
propounding certain questions and ask
ing IF there is anything in it that you
ID as a good Populist object to-"
If you will re-read my former let
tiers you will discover that I have not
in the least "objected" to You and
others pursuing such course as you and
they deemed best. 1 ask the same priv
ilege for myself l can not recognize
Committee" which was appointed by
a self-constituted conference to usurp
the prerOgatives Of the national COM
mittee Of the Peoples party. I cannot
nor will not have any part nor lot
with a man Of the personal and politi-
cal character of Gov" Clough, nor
with Archbishop Ireland. who has be-
lied us as Populists, and treated us in
when he called us repudiationists, Sc
cessionists In his letter to the public
In the 1896 campaign. Let him and
ClOugh and their master, J. J.. Hill.
keep on their side of the fence, and I
assure you will keep on mine. Again
assuring you Of my personal friendship,
I am, yours truly,
J. M. BOWLER.
We are not surprised at the majors
attitude towards the national organiza-
ton committee. 1t is in line with ali
his former declarations Of mot recog-
n1Zed." No one will question the ma
jors right ito think what he pleases."
1t is only the connection of his objec-
ton to associate with Gov Clough and
Archbishop Ireland and James J. Hill
that effects us in this matter. We
would ask the major to enlighten us
on this subject. What have the above
named gentlemen to do with the ma
tional organization committee or the
Peoples party?"
That no time may be wasted 1 will
say that each and every one of the ma
tional organization committee is strong
ly opposed to the political teachings
OF all three gentlemen. And it is be-
cause we are opposed to those gentle
mems political faith that we are anx-
ious to organize the Peoples party so
that it cannot and will not be subject
to, or dominated by either Mr.. Hill, the
leading representative of the Demo-
cratic party in this state, or Gov.
Clough or Archbishop Ireland as lead
Ing representatives OF the Republican
party 1t is just a suspicion of such
an occurrence which has fastened itself
upon Maj. Bowler's committee in this
state that made it possible and neces-
committee should be born, and given
mission that our party SHOULD LIVE
AND NOT DIE.
The insinuation of the major means
more than his objection to those men,
but the major must think that the peo-
pie are shallow to think they would
place any stock in this far-fetched and
irrelevant insinuation. He means to
be understood in broad unequivocaL
language that this whole middle-of the
road Populist movement is directed and
controlled by the agents of plutocracy,
and that his great anxiety to prevent
the people from meeting and discussing
their interests or condition, is for their
own great good. When was 1t that the
creature became greater than the
"creator?" Who are the people, ma
]or? Are they your creatures that they
shall not come together without ask
Ing your august permission? We're
you created member of the national
committee 20 be the servant" or 'smss-
to- !,
are their servant why don't you assist
in calling the people together when.