Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1899-01-11

DOIu.
Next to the election of a pronounced
goldbug to the speakership of silver
Legislature, the astonishing event was the
absorption of the populists by the repub-
licans.
DEMOCRATS VERY DEMURE.
After the democrats, by which is meant
silver republicans also, had failed to
make terms with the populists, although
the Steunenberg democrats were willing
to concede anything, they, the democrats,
approached the republicans with view
to organization. 1t should be stated here
that the democrats by every device with
in their power earnestly and energeti-
cally sought to prevent combination
between the republicans and populists.
They represented to the populists that
combination of that kind would be
a treacherous assault upon IS to + that it
would sound the deathknell to the cause
in Idaho, and, in short, would amount to
most hcinous crime. But it is never
theless true that when the democrats
failed to combine with the populists they
almost broke their necks trying to make
an arrangement with the republicans. Is
it not strange that the thing which in a
populist, the democrats accounts treach-
cry and prostitution, in the democrats be-
comes holiness to the Lord But there
never was any sincerity in the Demo-
cratic, in which is included the silver re-
publican efforts. They simply made a
political play for political advantage and
lost every trick.
THE REASON BACK OF IT.
However there is reason back OF it all
why the democrats and populists did not
combine. Fred Dubois senatorial aspi-
rations influence every move of the Du-
bois democrats, and Governor Steunen
berg's aspirations conflict with the Du-
bois interests. DISARMAMENT of the mill
tia would have been very popular in some
of the northern counties, and if Steunen-
berg should perform the disbanding act,
it would rebound to his benefit where
now he is weakest, but that which mould
make Steunie strong would correspond
ingly weaken Fredie. so we need not
wonder at the attitude of the Dubois
democrats. julie Basset, the Dubois lead
err, put it this way: Agreement to pop
ulist terms will make Steunenberg United
States senator two years hence, and,
damme, if we are here for that purpose.
| Well, the end of it all was combina-
ton of populists and republicans in the
senate. As to the ACCESSIBILITY of this
movement there is wide difference of
opinion. Thu terms of the contract, as
far as known, was fair and equal divi-
sion Of the spoils.
The populists receeded from their form
er demands made upon the democrats and
despite their protest against being &C
counted sordid like unto common men,
made straight business deal.
Republican senators insist that there
was no fusion, simply an understanding;
that neither party sacrificed anything and
both conceded something. The Repub-
licans who favored the deal Misunderstanding
rather) say it will rebound to the adj
vantage of the republican party and the
public good.
We all hope it may. Hereafter, how
ever, denunciation of fusion should be
tempered with charity. The result of the
understanding between republicans and
populists was the election of Hon. Frank
Gooding, republican, president pro tenn
of the senate, and c. V. Bradley, popu-
list, Ada county, secretary. The minor
positions were eqally divided. The re-
publicans will probably control all the
important committees.
| LEGISLATIVE NOTES.
Up to this writing no legislation has
been enacted, and only one bill intro
duced
In the senate resolutions were adopted
condoling with Senator Fogg of Grange
vile on the loss of his wife.
The governors message, which is
very lengthy document, was read in
both houses Thursday, much to the dis
comfture of the members who were
obliged to sit through the dreary hours it
took to read it,
The board of prison directors met and
elected John HALEY warden of the pen
itentiary to succeed Chas. Van Dorm.
The action of the board was unanimous
there being no other candidate. c. E.
Arney was elected by the land board as
their chief clerk
When Lieutenant Governor Hutchin-
son read his list of standing committees
there were signs Of violent storm be-
tween the majority and the presiding
officer, but the storm was ayerted by
adjournment until tomorrow so as to give
all interested members an opportunity Of
their differences.
Two thousand copies of the message
will be printed and given circulation. The
governor indicates that in economic ad-
ministration bedrock has been touched,
and increased appropriations will be
required. He favors bureau of immi-
grafton, new immigration law and the
preservation of the public ranges for the
benefit OF Idaho citizens.