The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-01-26
"POPULIsTIC DEMOCRATS"

Several days ago we took occasion to
review recent publication Of Mr. Peher
on the Passing of the Populist Party.
Mr.. PETER made some most interesting
observations. and it is not surprising that
the Populists throughout the country
should have had much to say by way OF
comment. Here is a sample from the
rackson OfichN Industrial News. We
quote:
The rebellion in the ranks of the Demo-
cratic party against its corrupt leaders,
the adoption of radical Populistlc pat
form and the selection of Popullst
standard-bearer I'm 1896 placed the Popu-
lists in position either TO help elect
man who stood on nearly all the planks
of their platform or by their keeping in
the middle of the road indirectly help TO
elect an avowed friend of the trusts on a
platform dictated by the money power.
The prediction of Mr.. Peffer that the
Peoples party is passing Is. TO say the
least. premature. and the writer OF TINS
is convinced that this party has yet
great mission to perform. An alliance
with the new Democracy under the lead
ership of such men as Bryan, Altseid
and Tillman is the natural result Of afin-
full will bring about nearly all the reforms
advocated by the Peoples party, Mr..
PETER will not deny, as the educational
campaign Of the last two years has popu-
larized most Of the demands OF the Peo-
ple's party. There are two powerful rae
tions yet struggling within the Demo-
cratic party. and II will depend upon the
fact which OF these will capture the next
Democratic National Convention whether
,.f1l nd N alliance
advisable If the plutocratic wing Of the
Democratic party wins. Populistic Demo-
Gratis as well as the Silver Republicans
will ioin the Peoples Party in its onward
march. In that event, should Il become
desirable to adopt a new party name
true Populists will not object as long as
the grand principles of the Peoples Party
are inscribed on its banner.
IT will be observed that the Industrial
News divides the Democratic party into
two classes. Plutocratic Democrats and
Populistic Democrats. BY Plutocrauc
Democrats are meant Of course, those
who adhere to the gold standard: by Pop
ulistic Democrats are meant, Of course
those who believe in the free coinage OF
silver and other such Populistic planks Of
the Chicago platform.
If. therefore. this Populistic editor be
Judge, before the campaign of 1900 shan
have been .naugurated, it will be ne
cessary for every Democrat to decide
whether or not he is a Populistc Demo-
Graf. and. if Populistic Democrat, how
far into the meshes of Populism he is
willing TO go.
As we have often observed there is alb
soIutely no middle ground. A man cannot
be at the same time Democrat and a
Populist. He cannot be a Populistic
Democrat. by which term we suppose the
writer intends to designate those men
who are in the Democratic party, but
who have a leaning toward Populism.
can IT plutocratic If you like, but the
fact is the Democratic party must be
Democratic party or a Populstic party.
The term Populstic Democrat or Demo
cratic Populist is a contradictory term.
AS well say Democratic Republican or
Republican Democrat.
The line must be drawn sooner or later
between Democracy and Populism. and
Democrats must stay on one side and
Populists on the other 1t is impossible
that the dickering shall continue.