The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-06-18
THE WANE OF POPULISM.
PETER LEFT PARIP WHTCH HlD
ALMOyT CEdSED TO EXISE

ITS Doctrines Appropriated ny thc Western
Democracy, WHITTIER Many of its Mem
kers Have Followed Them Republican,
Back in tho Fold md Glad To Get There.
Reports received from CORES pondents Of THE
SvN In eight Western and South westorn States
indicate that OK senator PETER OF Kansas. in
deserving Populism and returning to his old
political allegiance, IL following the exam pie Of
the great majority OF those who made the
ropust movement formidable fow years
ago. Only In Nebraska is strong orGanza-
tion preserved. and there the continued
strength Of the party Ia plainly attributable to
the personal influence OF William J. Bryan and
the fact that by coalition with Democrats and
Free Silver Repu blicaDs many OF the leaders
are able to get their noses into the public crib
With the expected eclipse OF Bryan in 1900 or
sooner will probably como the breaking up OF
the present alliance.
Fusion in South Dakota between the Demo-
crnts and tho populstS stIll has a considerable.
though decreasing. strength. Ono more big
campaign Is expected TO end the partnership
Meanwhile populism ~ an independcnt force
10 declining and many Poiulists are rcsuminE
the relations with the old parties which they
broke of several years ago.
The Populists Of Montana were able in 1890
to dictate terms to the Democracy and seize
the lions share OF the Offices. but last year the
Democratic wouldn't hitch with them and they
had few candidates In the field on their own
ticket. Most ofthem now call themselves Dem-
ocrats. while their old allies. the Silver Repub-
llcans. are Just Republicans nRain.
The Democracy OF Minnesota has practically
succeeded TO the business Of the Popusts. and
most of the Republicans who voted for Bryan
in 1896 are believed to have accepted the good
times which have resulted from the elections
OF that year and 1893 as an earnest OF more to
come and gone back to the party which they
Temporarily deserted.
Much tho same condition OF affairs exists In
Iowa 1t should DO remem hered. however.
that Populisin. as such. was never strong in
that State. Its high-water mark was "a 900
votes. Last fail IL poed ess than $500 Gen.
James r. Weaver and n few othor worthless
maintain quasi organization. which they find
useful In doing business with tho Democrats.
The Missouri populist leaders apparently SEQ
that tho game has been played up to the limit
and they are losers. They are said to he about
10 drop out Of the state Committee and devote
their talents TO tho fortunes OF the Union Re-
form party.
Arkansas Democrats nre nightly offended
when they are characterized as Populistc. but
their actions belle their words. The Popu-
lists. as many as are LEFT OF them. are SO wel
satisfied with the Democracy that they will
probably hot put up State ticket next year.
Texas was once stronghold Of Populism.
the party having cast 100000 votes in 1894.
According to a careful estimate it will not re-
tain over 10000 votes in the next election.
Though feeble in numbers it Is prolific in
weekly newspapers. so it makes lots OF noise.
Milton Park. the editor OF one OF these sheets,
IS Chairman Of the Middle of-the Road Ma
tional Committee He says the Populsts are
going to have ticket all to themselves next
year. with both feet on the Omaha platform.