The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-10-19
PLAYING THE LAST TRUMP
PARTY DISSENSIoNS AND LACK
OF ENTHUSIASM.
DEMOCRATS UNIFIED AND DETERMINED
An effort to be Made to Import Negroes from
Neighboring States 10 Vote the Fusion
Ticket. Eight thousand Con-
ylcts in the STATE.

Sudden panic has invaded the Fusion
camp in this city. From absolute conf
dence in the success of the bifurcated
ticket. n month ago. the leaders have
awakened to the fact that indifference
is prevalent everywhere, both in Repuoii'
can and Populist organizations, and I'M
less something can speedily be done to
cause an awakening defeat is certain.
The negro. who is really the Republi-
can party, is sulking because he mas
been kept off the ticket in obedience to
demands of the Populists. The Popu-
list is forsaking his organization be-
cause he has learned that it is ke-
nublican side-show and he has been
used as a cats paw to pull chestnuts out
of the fire for the colored brother
These disaffections began early in the
campaign. but they have increased as
election day draws nearer. Add to this
the fact that certain powerful mflu-
ences. confidently counted on. have fail
ed the Republicans at the critical mo-
ment. and you will see in what des-
perate fix the Fusion captains find
themselves.
When Fusion was accomplished both
Thompson and Holton made up their
minds that they had nothing more to
do. They believed that the same influ-
ences. the same prejudices, the same en-
thusiasm that controlled the last cleo
ton would carry them through this time.
They gave orders that Fusion should be
completed from top to bottom State,
Congressional. county and township.
IGNORE the race question" was the coIA-
mand, ''and pay no heed to criticism of
the administration"
Then they folded their arms and sat
down to await the result, considering
success a foregone conclusion.
The first snag was struck when the
Democrats said they were tired of the
negro, and the Populists said "Amen."
DIR. Thompson rebuked his followers,
and cried ''Peace." The Democrats said
there could be no peace until white rule
and decency in government were re-
stored. Again honest Populists said
"Amen."
"That can easily be arranged" said
Thompson, and the order went out that
no negroes be allowed on the Fusion
ticket.
OF course the negroes objected to
this, and so they We're promised 're-
lief" in the form of appointive Offices
places in the Agricultural Department
and the various institutions.
And that is how the real trouble be-
gan. Both honest Populists and sensible
negroes objected to this arrangement
and they have not hesitated to say so.
Ever since the campaign began, up to
the present hour. the enthusiasm has
Oozed out of Fusion until to-day it is
an inert, lifeless thing, defeated and
dishonored.
Finding things in a desperate condi.
ton the plan of campaign was early
changed from a passive to an active one
Butler, Thompson, Pritchard and Others
were sent out to arouse the apathetic
call back the deserters and convince the
unconverted. Their mission has resulted
in worse than failure. 1t has shown
the weakness of their cause.
As last resort it is proposed to bring
into the State next week a lot of ne.
gro voters from South Carolina anf
Georgia. These are to be sent "whert
they will do the most good.' No at
tempt will be made to register them until
that there may be no chance to investi
gate their case Also, it is stated ar
attempt will be made to register and
vote the more than 5000 convicts in
the State. Many of them voted two
years ago.
This is the last trump card in the
Fusion hand, but it will not s'take the
trick" The Democrats are on to thu
scheme and they swear by the eterna
it shall not be done. They know tbat
Holton and Thompson are resorting +,
every political device to carry out ther,
schemes, and they are more alert than
ever before. The Fusion gang know
TINS and hence their dismay by day and
nightmares by night
Such an aggressive Democratic cam
palgn mas not been carried on in this
state since the days of reconstruction
II ever. Such determination on the mari
of the White Men has never been
known.
Democratic victory is certain.
The people of Wake county will have
an opportunity Of hearing Hon. Chas.
d. Aycock at LeesviIe, Thursday. There
VIII be big barbecue and White Mans
haHy tnefe on that day.
On November 9Th. Good morning,
Have you voted the White Mans ticket;
Now that Gee Sam Bradshaw and
Charlie McKesson have succeeded in
leaving themselves on the Fusion door.
step the success of Democracy ought
to be assured.
Negroes in Iredell county. like those In
Wake don't think much of Fusion
They've held a convention and put out
full county and legislative ticket. An6
yet the Fusion managers will tell You
"The niggers and the Populsts are SOLID
and together this year, more so than
ever before"
At least three-possibly more-of the
most prominent white Republicans il
Raleigh will not this year vote the Fusion
ticket Two others, equally prominent
fhouph fhav NAV vote If will not COW .