New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-01-28
PRITCHARD AND THE POPULISTS.
WHY THEY SUPPORTED HIM FOR RE-ELEC-
TON TO THE SENATE.


Washington, Jan. p (SpecaD.-Representativ tive
Skinner Of North Carolina, the Populist leader who
Joined forces with the Republicans in that State to
reelect Senator Jeter G. Pritchard has this say
about the attitude taken by himself and his friends
in the recent Senatorial fight: "Mr. Prtchard
entitled to that support upon three grounds l. 1t
had been promised him at the time of his first
election to the Senate. There a distinct engage
ment that time that II future election results
were favorable he should be reelected The Popu-
lists who supported Mr.. Pritchard therefore merely
lived UP to their obligation. 2. Mr.. Pritchard
Senator had done nothing TO forfeit the confidence
OF the Popusts g. His deliverances as to the course
he would pursue in the Senate il reelected were en-
tirely satisfactory
THE Populists thoroughly understand then. that
Mr. Pritchard will not support free silver bill II
offered as rider on or an obstruction to pro-
tective tariff bill?'
Certainly We don't ask him to do that In fact.
we don't want him to do that. We are opposed to
the putting of any obstruction Whatever In the way
of Inauguration and trial Of the Republican
policy That party has engaged to restore pros
perity to the country. and 1t has advertised the
policy which IL claims will accomplish that result.
The people have voted the party into ONCE on the
strength Of its promise. and it Is clearly entitled
TO an opportunity TO show what IL can do. We want
the Republicans TO have a clear field so that II
hey fail after full and fair trial they will have no
excuse for the failure And IL they fail, then the
Populst opportunity will come. The country In such
event will be certain in my Judgment. 10 turn TO the
Populist party. The Democrats have failed signaly
under Mr. Clevel" I'd. and now If the Republicans
fail under Mr.. ;Kiney the Populists will be en-
titled 10 a trial. nd think they Will get 1t in that
But suppose the Republicans do not fail"'
"oh Well, in that event they'll be very Msll
~ face frankly the truth of the situation II
Mr. Mckinley gives the country a satisfactory
xdninistration and prosperity returns ana Is
nrevailing throughout the land in 1900 ne WILL IN
ali probab ility be reelected. Any campaign mace
against a party highly successful III ONCE ana
then intrenched In office would fail The peo-
nles desire for a return of prosperity is greater
Than their interest in any parry as a parry Inc
Panubcans in that would win. not because
~ being Republicans. but because they wouI1
stand accredited with having brought back gooo
lines g., bovo f,,l,
,nnortunitv TO show what they can 90? $1,000.
'.aThat Is the proper spirit 1he Kcpubicahss
ave received "a commission TO go ahead ana pu,,
ba;r policles into operation. 1f they 1al ana
,onr Years from now the Populsts take Office we
hall ask full opportunity for putting our pol
into operation. we are "iii"S W Wv 90 w
would be done by . ,,....,,.. >-o,.o,a, ,a,a
e.Thpn, question Is secondary now. II the hour
.,r,Les for the Popuiists the man Will be there.
tn imnortant thing now is for the Popunsts 10
hn. TIE country that they are not obstruction
ssts IN The path Of the expressed Will OF the peo-