The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-06-18
WONDERFCLLY SHRINK IN TEXAS
Only About 10000 Populists Left-Led by
Sef-SeekinE Editors.

DALLAS. Tex. June 15.-Thc Populist party
in Texas Is more shadow of its former self
Its main factors are tho publishers OF about
fifty weekly newspapers. devoted to the per-
sonal interests OF their respective owners and
holding membership in what is known as the
Reform Press Association" At the head OF
this band is Milton Park. editor and publisher
OF the Southern Mercury. printed at Dallas
Mr.. Park Is also Chairman of the National Re-
organization Committee of the People's party
-uncompromisng Middle Of the Roaders, in
open revolt against the policy OF fusion
advocated by United States Senator Marion
Butler Of North Carolina. who is tho Chair
man OF the Peoples party National Execu-
tive Committee. n body run mainly in tho
interest OF fusion with tho free silver Democ-
racy. The followers of Mr. Park and the other
reform press editors in Texas could not mus
ter more than 10000 voters. That is a fair
estimate Of the support a Middle of-the- Road
national ticket would get In this State with
Bryan and free silver as the nominee and bat
tie cry OF the Democracy.
Probably in no State in the Union has the
drift from the popuist party to the Democracy
been as marked as in Texas, The party de-
velnped greater strength here than in any other
State, because the Republicans were, so few
the extremists OF the Democracy could revolt
against the regular organization with less
danger OF tho States affairs being captured "
refused to indorse free silver. the PopuliStS
cast close to 2DH.UOO votes for Judge Nugent
water mark in Texas. Bryan captured fully
one-hat Of Nugent's vote in 1855, To-day
Hh FS S%nf in ore1 Tsxs
tons fourished so numerously as to alarm tie
The results Of tho elections in that year and in
1893 were such a. to discourage the rank and
STR Eask to vSt%s
lltical a,legiance. the Democracy. The esti-
allowance to the Middle -of.the, Roaders. '''e'"'
,t Barnett Gibbs; who ran as the Populst can;
never lead the party, again or commit himself
fs 0r H1r,I to IL .9,,"a tortunSs le voted
vote Tor him in 1900 State s" GSarma as I Bra9e 10
l. sa iii to be inclined toward fusion on the
Marion butler E!an. if Bryan, should be thS
ppSwspapff work al wag9, has moved to H fHI"
ton to The loWtGen Wr.cerW ~ GMGhFI4 f3n
snSe ' a "GnG' ss an the FsT%
| organization from the low level to which partI-
IN Tro. rG bn. has htopGht it In T"xas Harry
Park and retired, Mr. Tracey is one OF the
forlorn hope and is registered with the fusion
E iSts The snme may be said O. J. NJ; Nallett of
NloDuIllt, Juubt Nool OF NfrhenNlll9 ana q
score az others formerly prominent in Texas
Populism.
Among the old leaders Milton Park stands
almost alone rs against fusion on any terms.
II" told The Sun correspondent recently that
he would rather see the Republicans win next
year than have hogns reform victory scored hy
the Democracy in alliance with the Marion
Butler branch Of the POpuists He refuses to
believe that ex-senator PETER Of Kansas has
but counts on PETER being with the MIDI e.
oi-th"- Readers. If they put out n Presidential
81 ~ M nm ha r,ln 4 o.,
Park Is rs severe in his criticism Of senator
Harris as he is of But er, lie docs not consider
that either has ever been true ponulist
To sum IN briefly, It may be said that there
T., no topuIist party, IN reality. in tn" state.
There is an O. ID Guard that dies. but ne"ar
tho whole show.