Daily inter mountain. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1881-1901, 1900-05-11
THE POPULIS7 SIDESHOM.

Nothing has ever occurred in the his
tory Of politics of a more sublimely ridic-
ulous character than the action Of the
so-called populist national convention at
Sioux Falls. Political parties have been
known to compliment other o~rganiza-
tions with perhaps one position on the
ticket placed in nomination, but it re-
manned for the cat-hop at Sioux Falls to
establish the precedent of giving all the
places on it's ticket to outsiders. AS an
alleged populist convention it nominated
Bryan-a democrat-for president, and
Towne-a silver republication vice.
within it's w ranks no one competent
to fill either position. This humiliating
plea of political poverty also carries with
it a suggestion of threadbare dignity of
a most tramp-like aspect.
Should the precedent established be-
come recognized as a valuable one a
most amusing condition will arise in the
political affairs of this country. Getting
together in national convention for the
sole purpose of nominating for office only
those who belong to other political organ
izations would certainly revolutionize
things in this republic. 1t is hardly
likely, however. that the democratic
party will ever sacrifice it's organized APP
petite to it's generous impulses and recip-
rocate the action of the Sioux Falls con-
vention. 1t goes without saying that the
only political favors which the populists
will ever receive from their democratic
coadjutors will be in the shape of cold,
hard cash. To the gentlemen who oper-
ated the Sioux Falls convention no
other inducement could appeal with
greater force than the democratic politi-
cal methods of Montana. The taste Of
shape of a monthly salary by Charlie
Towne-the nominee for vice-president--
doubtless reflected it's influence upon the
political gathering in Dakota yesterday.
The convention was controlled by such
men as James B. Weaver, Tom Patter.
son and Sockless Jerry Simpson-as sweet
scented a covey of political ROSTERS as
ever had their tail feathers dampened in
a storm. Some time prior to yesterdays
meet" these politicians, with others
met at the Sherman House in Chicago
and cooked up the entire programme that
was finally carried out. The convention
merely ratified the action previously
taken by the sWiftest set of demagogues
that ever planned the downfall of a ma.
ton. 1t is impossible to point to a leader
in that body who does not enjoy a politi.
cal reputation of doubtful color and un.
reliable lineage. Little wonder that the
convention betrayed it's true character
as a bourbon sideshow, exhibiting under
Ia separate canvas, but with the sam
ownership.
Fortunately, for the reputation of thu
country, the political hacks who manip.
ulated it, and who are playing their las
card for the crumbs which democracy
may throw to them, do not represent thu
populistS of the nation. The leaders O.
the Sioux Falls convention are merely {
political side issue, trailing after thu
democratic craft like sharks after a half
scuttled ship with a dead man on board
The real populist party met at Cincinnati
and nominated the brainiest men which
that organization has as yet produced
for president and v.ce-president Of tn,
United States.
NEXT TUESDAY.