The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-08-04
TO DECIDE 9OWNE'S FATE
Fusionist Committee TO Meet in
Chicago August 9.
Probability That the Minnesotnn
VIII BE Allowed to Decline, as
Nebraska Leaders Alone Insist
That He Remain on the Ticket
Senator Buffers Defeat Regretted.

LINCOLN. Neb.. Aug 3.-The fate OF
Towne as a Vice Presidential candidate is
to be settled at Chicago on Thursday of
next week. Vice Chairman Edmiston, of
the Fusionist National Committee. this af-
ternoon sent out kilograms to the members
CT the Executive Committee notifying
them that meeting would be held at the
Sherman House, Chicago, August 9.
The members of the executive board
are Senator Marion C. Butler North Caro-
lima; ]. A. Edgerton, Colorado; Harry
Tracey. Texas; Senator Allen, Nebraska;
C. H. Taylor. Ohio; Robert Schilling, Wis
ccnsin; J. NJ. Bowler, Minnesota; James
B. Weaver. Iowa; J. W. Breidenthal, Kan
sas. and Eugene Smith, Illinois.
The meeting will have two very impor-
tant tasks to perform. One will be to pass
upon Mr.. Towne's case. Nebraska is about
the only remaining State to stand out
agains. his declination. and it will doubt
less follow ct the close of the meeting. Mr..
Towne will be in Chicago. and meet with
the committee, which also expects to con-
fer with the Democrats, not only on this
matter but on the Idaho imbroglio
from :he fusion standpoint. The Silver Re
publicans and the Democrats have united
on one State and electoral ticket. The
Populists have another. The trouble is all
due to the fact that each side believes it is
entitled to the United States Senatorship
and neither will give in. The two national
executive committees will take this case
up with representatives from botn sides,
and will make a recommendation, which. it
is hoped, both sides will agree to accept.
There are number CT other details con-
neeted with complete fusion, such as the
division of campaign work, the assign
ment of speakers, and the distribution OF
literature to be talked over. Mr.. Bryan
may or may not be in Chicago at the time.
The Indiana leaders are urging him TO stay
over in indianapolis a day or two, and help
plan the campaign there.
The following statement was issued to-
day by Chairman Edmiston:
The election in North Carolina yes
terday unquestionably demonstrated the
fact that Populists can place no depend
ence upon Republican promises It is well
known that the Populists and the Repub-
licans were cooperating in that State
against the Democratic party This anom-
alous situation. when compared with Popu-
list and Democratic fusion in the nation,
was forced by old promises and old ties,
but the Populists have looked with sus-
picion upon various acts of their allies.
They feared that they would be faithless.
and these fears have now been realized.
Buffers defeat can be laid to Republican
treachery. All manifested friendship by
Republicans is certainly now proven TO
have been in bad faith and a sham. The
defeat of Butler is greatly regretted. He
has been one of the brightest, brainiest
men representing Our party at the nations
Capital; but his defeat will not retire him
as national Populist leader. The defeat
of Butler viii not in any way affect the
cordial feeling existing between TIE Popu
lists and the Democrats of the nation.
They are all for Bryan and will discharge
their duty by supporting him."
Mr. Bryan clung very close to his IL
brary table today. Chairman Jones, of
the National Executive Committee. wired
him that the newspapers were insisting
upon having advance copies Of his speech
before Tuesday. the day set for giving them
cut. They said the time was too short and
urged that he send 1t sooner. 1t will all
be ready to send out some time tomorrow
and will be given out at Chicago.
Harry E. Rice. editor Of the Springfield
(Ohio) Democrat" was a caller upon Mr..
Bryan today. He assured Mr.. Bryan that
Mayor Jones. of Toledo. would certainly
take the stump for him and that the labor
vote of Ohio would not be wasted So
cialist but would go 10 the Democratic
national ticket Mr.. Rice would not claim
that Ohio would be for Bryan, but he said
that Democrats were very hopeful of car
rying it.