Omaha daily bee., 1899-07-14
For Sale by Myers-Di||on Drug Co.
DEMOCRATS OPPOSE FUSION
Douglas County Democracy Objects to
Union with Populists,
THEY DENoUNCE TRUSTS AND EXPANSION
Campaign is Virtually Opened and
the Straight Democrats Agree
Upon Partial Prorram-Sil-
Yer Question Ignored.

Omaha democrats, who stand forth for
democracy because of their dove for the
party and its principles and who are op
posed to fusion for the purpose Of enjoying
the fruits of the spoilsmen, had jollifca-
tion meeting last night. Ii was the occa-
sion of the regular meeting of the Douglas
county democracy and was held in Osthoff' S
hall, corner of Sixteenth and California
streets, which was well filled when President
John Liddell called the meeting TO order
Expansion" TRUSTS" and Fusion" each
treated from an anti standpoint were
the themes which served as texts for the
speakers The true doctrines of democracy
we're expounded by each one who addressed
the meeting and it was enthusiastic and
enjoyable gathering for all who braved the
oppressive heat OF the evening and ventured
out TO attend a democratic love feast. No
mention whatever was made of the free
silver question.
L. J. Abbott was the first speaker His
subject was Expansion" and he was un-
aherably opposed TO ii. He treated the
question from a moral and a financial stand
point. Regarding the former ne doubted
the advisability of sending American boys
to the islands TO brave hardships and death
in order to pacify the islands. He stated
that if we owed anything TO the Filipinos
from q moral standpoint its payment could
better be accomplished by sending teachers
and missionaries TO educate and Christianize
the natives. Meeting it from a commercial
side ne quoted voluminous figures TO CON
vince his auditors that the Philippine in
vestment would not pay from financial
standpoint. 1t would not have been q good
democratic blowout If Mark Hanna had not
received some complimentary allusions and
\ nd, iriu
gentleman by Mr.. Abbott when he remarked
that Mark Hanna and a few others were
interested in getting hold of the Philippines
in order 10 further their financial interests
by promoting railroads and other enter
prises.
Trusts Denounced.
The subject OF TRUSTS" was handled nv
C. c. Wright. He admitted that thus far
there is no means OF stating reliably what
the position OF either party will he on the
subject of this all-important matter and con
fessed his embarrassment at delivering a
speech in advance OF established party policy
He assured his hearers that the democratic
party is the party which has always stood
for the individual rights OF the citizen as
opposed 10 corporate interests and accumu-
lated wealth. He admitted that trusts We're
not all bad and related some OF the redeem
ing features discovered in some Of the large
corporate bodies. MI Wright did not favor
the association Of political and business
questions and does not believe in the govern
mental control OF trusts, fearing that this
will lead to socialism, a theory which
democracy opposes. He thought the best
way around the difficulty would be the reg
ulation OF corporations by the different states
TO the extent that no corporate privileges be
granted where trusts will result
W. d. Oldham, deputy attorney general of
the state, delivered au impromtu address
which was heartily enjoyed, He eulogized
the democratic party and predicted great
victories for il in the future, in case it fol-
lows out the traditions and principles OF it's
founders.
Against Fusion.
r. ". Patrick spoke on the question Of
Fusion" His remarks were especially
felicitous and ne spoke OF the great pleasure
crats and be able 10 call them fellow demo-
Gratis" He Eaid the democrats had been
following after false gods and wOrshipping
craven images for the last few years hut he
predicted that this had come to an end He
iOtimated that the democratic party was big
enough and broad enough 10 receive all those
suffering with whatever brand Of political
ailment there may he and said that II oc-
cupied the same position now as II did
twenty years ago when the "auti-monupo-
lists wanted 10 fuse. Their desire was not
granted by the democrats but they were in
vited 70 join with the established party and
iERd that damnrracv