The Advocate and news., 1898-11-16

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ful national organization. 1t would take
the Peoples party, under the most favor.
able conditions, twenty years to effect a
national organization with anything like
the strength and efficiency of the Dem
ocratic party.
The Democrats certainly cannot be ac-
cused OF having acted during these years
from wholly selfish motives. They have
followed In the wake of Populism, be-
lieVing that results might be obtained
that would relieve the masses of our peo-
pie from conditions that were becoming
oppressive. The results have not been
satisfactory, but rather have demon
strated the fact that the Populst Organi-
cation is unableto accomplish any perma-
nent or substantial reform. After having
given them a fair trial. is it not the
proper thing for our Populist friends to
emulate the example of the Democrats
as exhibited for the past six or eight
years, and say to the Democrats, "Take
the lead and we will help you adopt a
liberal platform and nominate candidates
and will act and work through your or
ganization." II these reform measures
are ever brought about, they must be ac-
complished through the lines of the Dem
ocratiC party, and the sooner the reform
forces realize this fact and align them
selves with the Democratic party, the
sooner will these reforms be realized.
1t can never be accomplished by fighting
and defeating their friends and electing
the enemies of all such measures.
Ever since the convention Of 1896,
when the Democratic party in its ma
tional convention adopted an advanced
progressive platform, the leaders Of the
Peoples party in Kansas have been con-
tinually whispering in the ears Of Dem
ocrats that the Populist party had ac-
complished its purposes and outlived it's
usefulness that as an organization it was
disintegrating, and that the advanced
and progressive position taken by the
Democratic party, with its powerful ma
tional organization, left but one thing
for the honest lovers of reform to do,
and that was to affiliate with the Dem
ocratic party.
If these leaders and members of the
Populist party were honest in their views
when they made these statements and
declarations, and I believe that most of
them were, why. Is it not now the time
when they should come out publicly and
announce themselves as Democrats, and
identify themselves permanently with
our party organization? They see about
them on all sides the convincing and
overwhelming proof that the Populist
party as an agency through which results
can be obtained at the polls is an absO-
lutte failure
In Kansas when the final opportunity
presented itself and the crucial test came,
the Peoples party proved itself to be
utterly helpless in the hands Of foe
which was well organized, but in con-
dition to be routed completely on account
of the internal dissensiOns and jealousies
existing within its own organization, il
the POpulist party had been in position
to have taken advantage Of these Condi-
tions
About the only result of fusion has
been the satisfaction to Democrats of
seeing the Republican party defeated
It's effect has been to impoverish and al
most destroy our party organization in
the State and leave us with an ally un-
able to do or accomplish anything. If
these advocates of reforms will come
boldly out and affiliate themselves with
the Democratic party, they will find
themselves at home with people and a
party that is in position, if supported,
to give them results in both State and
national affairs.
In 1900 the Democratic party must take
the initiative in Kansas and with all of
the allied forces that desire to unite un-
der it's banner, adopt progressive plat
form and nominate ticket in harmony
with it. Such action will inspire conf
dence and respect, and will insure an
honest effort on the line of reform that
should meet with the hearty approval
and support Of every honest advocate
of REFORM. Mack Love, Chairman
Democratic State central committee.
In case of slander that was heard