Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1898-03-01

cause the Chicago platform was too
radical that it was defeated in 1861
mean too radical for the voters of the
United States. Let us hope that by
1900 the people will have advanced to
where the same platform will be vic
torious.. To expect them to swallow
the Omaha platform is absurd in view
OF human nature and human history.
In 1860 the young republican party
took the ground that slavery must not
extend into the free territory belong
ing to the United States. 1t express
ly denied any intention to interfere
with the institution where it already
existed. This position was denounced
by the abolitionists with even more
vehemence than our 'middle-of-the-
road" populists now denounce the new
democracy. 1t is now known that
Lincoln hated slavery as bitterly as
did Philips or Garrison yet they un-
ceasingly denounced him ESPECIALLY
Philips as temporizer and a time
server. Lincoln understood them but
they did not understand him. His
fame as a statesman rests upon his
deep knowledge of men, especially
American men, and his unerring judy
ment as to what could and what could
not be done. Like the matchless Man
OF the new testament he watched the
signs of the times and moved only
when his ''hour was come" We need
that supreme wisdom at this moment.
For 40 long years one party has domi-
mated this state. I cannot even write
it without blushing for the intelligence
of our people. Under it's sheltering
wing has nestled every form of cor
ruption-pine land rings, state prison
rings, wheat rings, railroad rings and
combines innumerable: a party that
has not merely connived but fostered
every corrupt practice known to COR
rupt politics. The reports of the state
officials will justify me in the charge
that every department and every in
stitution of the state has become a
paragon of extravaganza if not NAL
feasance.. Forty years of unbrid]ed
power have made it one vast mass of
political putrifaction. Its myriad
offences are rank and smell to heaven.
TO quote scripture it is nothing but
wounds and bruises and purifying
sores from the crown of the head to
the soles of the feet.'' The most popu-
lar auditor the state ever had, once
said, "a mighty bad man could be
elected in Minnesota if he only got on
the republican ticket.' In modern
times it is next to impossible for any,
thing but a bad man to get on the re-
publican ticket. Especially is this
true Of first place, as witness the fate
of Gen'l Clapp in 1896.
Now, in my humble Judgment the
hour is at hand when the allied op-
position can by calm, united and pa
triotic effort drive this arrogant and
domineering party from power and set
up regime of honest government in
it's stead. But it is proposed by DR..
johnson and those who agree with him
to adopt a course Of action that will
return this party for the Goth time to
power as surely as the day of election
comes.
From my standpoint 10y atty to the
best doctrines of populism demands
union with the allied hosts. l want
to fight the battle of '96 over. would
have the same ticket and the same
platform. I believe the state is now
ripe for fight on those lines. I con-
cede that it might strengthen the chanc-
es for governor if John Lind would
run independent with the support OF
the allied parties as suggested by ex-
congressman Boon in his paper a few
weeks ago. 1t is the misfortune of all
parties to contain more or less "weak
sisters" whose prejudices might be
put to sleep in that way. At any rate
dear Doctor, do not get the IDEAS that
ali true patriotism and unselfsh de-
vOtiOn is contained in ''middle-of- the
road" populism.
For one, I look upon Bryan, Alt
geld, Teller, Lind, Towne and a host
of others, including Pingree, as the
peers of any populist leaders in their
devotion to the interest of the people.
I willingly concede that Tom
Watson is the Wendell Philips and
Wharton Barker, of the Ameri-
can, is the VIM. Lloyd Garrison OF
this era, but where is Lincoln? I fear
he is not in the ranks of populism
even as he was not in the ranks OF
abolitionism. "Take heed therefore
lest ye be found fighting against God. -
I sincerely hope that no people, S
party convention will be held in this
state to nominate state ticket except
in conjunction with the silver republi-
cans, the democrats and if possible
the prohibitionists, and after fair ani.