The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1900-07-12
THE DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION.


1t is not often that the preconceived
prophecies are all fulfilled in every par
ticular.
We had foretold the nomination OF
William J. Bryan and the defeat OF
Charles 4. Towne.
After the spasmodic effort by the
opposition to compass Bryan's defeat,
by ordinary means, we gave it up, for
ever
But we never had any faith in the
nomination of Charles A. Towne. He
received less than one-tenth of the votes
cast for the vice4presidency.
If w. J. Bryan desired it he would
have had a majority. But the conven-
ton, made up of politicians, anxious to
please the nominee, and to be in accord
with him, were unanimous for him, and
gave poor Charles A. Towne beggarly
one-tenth of the total vote.
We are sorry for Towne. Sorry to
see him set aside with such small
vote. Sorry to see such a lame and
impotent conclusion to a great COM
paign.
In the meantime the course to be
taken by the Fusion Populists is exclr-
ing grave apprehension.
We quote:
LINCOLN, Neb., July 8.-No formal an
nouncement will be made by Charles A.
m =
ulist nomination for the vice-presidency
until the Populist committee gives him for
NAL notification of his nomination. This
will be in about 10 days. Mr.. Towne said
today that he would make public his de-
cision at that time, and would issue an ad-
dress giving his reasons for the action he
takes. What that action would be he re-
fused to say. j..
"But my course is perfectly clear now, y
Mr.. Towne added. II have already talked
the matter over with several of the Populist
leaders. This subject will also probably
come up, though in an informal way, at to-
morow's meeting Of the advisory commit
tees"
Senator ]. X. Jones, of Arkansas, chair
man of the national Democratic committee
arrived here from Kansas City this even
ing. and later held an extended conference
with Mr.. Bryan, Charles A. Towne and
George Fred Williams. In talking about
the vice presidential situation, Senator
Jones said he hoped and believed that in
case Mr.. Towne withdrew his name as a
Populist candidate for the vice. presidency
the national committee of that party would
indorse the Democratic ticket
I'VE are all independent" continued SEN
ator Jones, land like to carry to success
full conclusion our own plans But this year
every one who Is not with the Republican
party should be against them and 1 cannot
help thinking that every man who is in
earnest In his desire for the success of w
J. Bryan should unite with us. OF course
II Mt. Towne does not withdraw, fusion on
the electoral tickets of the various states
should and probably will be arranged
Senator Jones will leave for Chicago to-
morrow.
During tomorrow's conference, at which
Senator Jones, Senator Heitfeld. J. R. Sow
ereign. Senator Allen and Chairman Edmis-
ton, Of the Populist national committee, are
expected to be present, the vice presidential
complication will be considered In all It's
phases. At this meeting 1t is also expected
that plans for concentrated efforts in state
and congressional campaigns, which were
practically agreed upon at the meeting oil
the conference committee Of the Democratic
Silver Republican and Populist parties in
Kansas City, will be completed. Should Mr
the Populist ticket, this would leave the
way clear for uniting the three parties II
the support of the Democratic national
ticket, and strong effort will be made Il
bring about this result through the Popu-
list national committee. Populist nationa
committeeman are far from being unani.
nous in their opinions as to the wisest
course to pursue In case Mr.. Towne decides
to withdraw, but those OF the Populist con.
ferees who are already In the city ex-
pressed their belief today that an under.
standing involving the working in harmony
Of the three parties in the coming presi
Dental campaign would be reached befor,
the adjournment Of the conference.
There will be all kinds of efforts
made to show that the combination oil
Silver Republicans and Fusion Popu.
lists is strong enough to adhere to the
Democratic party In the face OF insults
and abuse. But the fact that the Pop.
ulists have postponed definite action 70,
10 days does not look very encouraging
They fear to speak before their time.
In the mean time the true blue Pop.
ulists are happy. They have no regrets
to express, although they may consider
themselves indorsed In every particular
It Is now time for us to extend the
right hand Of fellowship to those who
have left us. It Is true
while the lamp holds out to burn5
The vilest sinner may return"