Willmar tribune., 1899-09-20
WEDNESDAY. SEPT. 20, 1899
WHARTON AND the PoPvLlsrs.


WHARTON AND the PoPULIsTs.
AS the base ball season wanes, Bro.
Wharton of the Argus is finding more
time to devote to his editorial columns,
and the burden of his life, the ''pops,"
are receiving some attention. ANY,
one who differs with him or his crowd
on any matter political he places in
the same category. For instance,
when an anti-saloon ticket was placed
in the field last spring in the village,
although it happened that majority
of those composing the same were re-
publicans, the Argus called them all
"pops," thus unwittingly paying them
a compliment. But it may be inter-
esting to follow his line of thought re-
garding the members of the peoples
party, in this his last issue:
His first contention is that the
"pops" are ignorant. He says,
cts not in their business to be we'll
informed.
Taking it right home to our own
county, we have observed that the
great majority of the people of the
county who read county papers are
such as he classes as 'pops." The
bulwark of the republican manipulate
ors in the county are those who read
very little in the newspapers. Were
it not for the pops in Kandiyohi coun-
ty, where would the four republican
papers in the county get their SUBJ
scription lists, or a considerable por-
tion of them? 1t may not be evidence
of trying to keep informed when a pop
keeps the Argus, but isn't it strange
that Bro. Wharton should not so con-
strue it?
Then again, Mr.. Wharton cannot
get rid of the notion that because a
man believes that change of policy
of government is absolutely necessary
he must be a miserable, "no-count'
beggar. He says:
"We cannot see why there should
be so many "pops" he had a revela-
tiOn as to their number last fall in a
county like this where conditions are
not for pop breeding."
Now, Mr.. Wharton knows as we'll
as anyone that the onditions which
gave rise to the peoples party and the
principles it represents have not
changed in any way except as to be-
coming more intensified. He knows,
or ought to know if he has any powers
of perception, that the waving of flags
and the creation of artificial prosperity
does not hide from view the power be-
hind the throne which is directing
these movements in order to strengthen
les grip upon the affairs of the. coun-
try. Among the adherents OF the peo-
pies party in Kandiyohi county are
included some of it's most successful
farmers and business men, and it is a
slap in their faces to say that their
views on popular government are die
tated by an empty stomach.
Then again, Wharton cannot get
over the idea that populists are sim
ply after office. He says:
'"They can't be satisfied two months
in succession. Their appetite for the
spOils is too ravenous.
Now there is where he makes his
biggest mistake. There. are no doubt
those among them who have aspira-
tions for political preferment, but we
venture the statement that they are
outnumbered three to one in the re-
publican ranks. And we also venture
the statement that had the Office seek
ing populists of the state been nearly
as 'ravenous'' as the republicans who
are holding Office there would have
been more changes made to date. But
these republicans, when their Office is
at stake, let out such piteous cries and
move heaven and earth in their des-
perate resistance. But then they are
not ofdce-seekers! Oh no, it is only
the pops who want Office, according
to the Argus.
Now, we wish to give Mr.. Wharton
little bit of friendly advice, and we
hope he will receive it kindly. It is
this: If you wish to succeed in the
newspaper business in Kandiyohl
county treat the 'pops" fairly. ~