The Dalles times-mountaineer. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1882-1904, 1898-02-26
GOOD CAUSE FOR UNION.

GOOD CAUSE FOR UNION.
Charlas A Fitch, editor of the Or
egon City Herald, which is one of the
most ably edited populist papers in
Oregon, who was present as delegate
from Kansas to the Cincinatti conven'
tion when the peoples party was frat
originated, gives the following good
and sensible reasons for union of the
democrats. populists and silver re-
publicans at the present time:
"This question of union is not one
devoid of argument of merit on both
sides. Much can be said for and
against either course, but nothing can
be said against the plan to ask and ac-
cept the decision of the people them
selves upon this question of procee-
dure. Partisan prejudice is anherent
in human nature. The democrat will
not renounce his party unless he is un-
qualifidedly opposed to the main fea-
lures of its policy and its platform.
This is equally true of fpopulists and re-
publicans. No more bitter partisans
and sticklers for party name can be
found in any political organization
than can now occasionally be found in
the peoples party. Nothing short of
direct legislation in actual operation
will ever destroy this partisan preju-
dice.
New parties can only be originated
and grow by reason of rebellion in
the old. a democrat will not leave
his chosen party as long as its party
platform and the action of the greater
majority of its congressman are in ac-
cord with his views upon political
economy. Two or more parties sta nd
ing upon practically the same platform
cannot successfully cope with one
party, united upon platform wholly
adverse thereto, unless they join forces
to defeat common enemy. This is a
condition, not theory. In its right
solution lies the only hope of overcom-
ing the aggressive march of the money
power in America.
''Fully ninety per cent of the frst
populists had left their parties because
they were for free coinage and opposed
to the national banking system. Had
either of the old parties declared une.
quivocally for these two principles and
by their actions shown their sincerity
therein, the peoples party could not
haye become a formidable factor in
American politics.
''8ut there are over twelve million
voters. Our two million, except by
an honorable alliance with other
equally strong organizations, cannot
expect to control this government or
establish its principles upon the statute
books of our country.
"Oh, but if we keep in the middle of
the road and advertise our platform of
principles to the people we shall
gain sufficient accessions to our
ranks to enable US to finally control
every branch of our government.
Were that true, it would be absolute
treason for any true populist to now
an alliance of forces. Or
the correct solution of this one propo-
sition depends the outcome of the
present struggle against the money |
power. Let us cody and calmly dis
cuss this question.
"The peoples party enters this con-
test of 1900, two millions strong. To
be the victor in the contest it must |
closely approach a voting strength
of seven millions. From what source
shall it draw nearly three times its
present strength? From the Bryan
democrats? Rardly; there was a time
when the free silver and anti-national-
bank democrat was not satisfied with
his party and we had hope of his be-
coming popnlist, but under the lead
ership Oh Mr.. Bryan on the Chicago
platform he is satisfied. Why should
he come to US? Only when the demo-
cratic party irepudiates the Chicago
platform can we reasonably expect ac-
,essions from the ranks of the demo-
cratic party.
until the free silver republicans
oolted the St. Louis platform and
locked to Senator Teller's standard,
rec silver, anti-bank and direct legis-
alton republicans naturally drifted iE-
20 the peoples party-now they become
rec silver republicans. Where, then,
ire populists to secure an accession of
our or five million voters? Let every
patriot answer this question. +
"Shall we abandon our organization {
md go bodily to the democratic party {
8 reorganized under Mr.. Bryan? No; {
We are not asked to do so, neither {
Tould such course be advisable. We
nust retain our organization, extend |
ur education on advanced lines, force {
he adoption of direct legislation upon
he more conservative party and bend
ur utmost energy toward the capture
( legislative Offices.
san honorable union will not make
necessary for one party to swallow
lie other, but it can and will give US
irect legislation in Oregon; We shall
3 able to place three congressman in P
,ngress who can be depended upon to S
ote first, last and all the time against t.
le encroachments of plutocracy. Let n
opulists refuse to cooperate in this a
isis and we shall not lose the state Il
the money power but our de- +
eased vote will discourage our people, Z
1peril our party organization and de- b
roy our power to force to the front "
lr principles. Let us face this con- G.
tion like patriotic men. Let party 81
ejudics give way to our plain duty
our country. Let us keep intact p
If organization and any hope that el
III enable US to be an active factor in a.
e dethroning of the money power p
ID the restoring of this government RI
the people themselves. st