The representative., 1900-01-25

and It means the death OF our hopes 8
reform In government.
From the letter Of J. H. Edmisten. o
Lincoln, Neb., to DR.. Eskew, you car
plainly see the plans OF those who are
working for Democratic success. And
IN connection Herewith. have positive
evidence that agents with money fur
nished by parties at Lincoln, Neb.. are
now travelling over the United States
and are even in Texas, which has long
been recognized as the bulwark OF
| straight Populism, for the purpose OF
nxing certain party leaders and arrang-
Ing for delegations favorable for Bryan.
The question which presents itself to us
then plainly is, what are we going to do
to prevent the success Of their plans?
The national organization committee
was formed in Nashville in 1897 for the
purpose of organizing those Populists
who are opposed to fusion but believe in
straight forward action by the party SO
as to control the next convention and
restore the party to its original position.
l was elected chairman of that COM
mfttee and have endeavored to carry
out as effectively as possible the will
OF those who commissioned me. But
have been seriously handicapped by the
want of funds, there having been con-
tributed to run the committee only one
dollar since its creation. Therefore
have been unable to accomplish what
would have done under more favorable
circumstances At this writing the
necessity Of prompt and vigorous action
is so plain that l am compelled to ap-
peal to the Populists of the country for
aid in financial way. During the past
year I have spent several hundred dol
lars in addition to my time in the work
OF the committee. And a great deal
more has been accomplished than is
patent to the casual observer. But I
have been unable to put in the field
the organizers necessary to accomplish
our purposes. Mr.. 10 A. Parker, whom
l appointed general organizer under my
personal direction, early in the summer,
has visited 20 states, on behalf of the
committee, and has done much good.
The expense he has shared with me.
But one dollar has been contributed to
help us in that work, and not mile of
railroad transportation has been used
that was not paid for. I know from
what Mr.. Parker has accomplished un-
der the great disadvantages which
handicapped him, that had we had
efficient assistance and means, by this
time there would be no possible chance
of betrayal into the hands of Demo-
cracy at our next convention.
But the time has come, my brother
when we can no longer ignore the press
ing necessities. We must begin our
work with that vigor which knows no
abatement, and continue it until the
fight is won. To do this we must have
financial assistance. With the fusion
lists drawing money from Nebraska,
and undoubtedly connected intimately
with the Democratic fund, which has
been collecting for months past for this
and other purposes, we can no longer al
low delicacy to prevent. an appeal to
Populists to help save the party.
Therefore, appeal to you to at once
send $40. or SIS, Or whatever amount
you can raise, that we may sustain our
work. l know that our people are poor,
and they need their money for their own
uses, but dare say they will not be-
grudge a small donation in an effort to
save the Peoples party which they have
built up with such untiring effort and
sacrifice. What aid Is to be sent should
be sent now, as to delay few weeks
means that the cause will be lost. In
fact, in a month or six weeks from now
the die will be practically cast. Send by
next mail what you can, and due ac-
count will be made to the committee at
it's next meeting for every cent received.
Kindly read closely the copy of the
Southern Mercury sent under separate
cover and containing important articles.
You can see the lines Of the conspiracy
that is forming against the Peoples
party.
Now, brother, this is personal ap-
peal to you. If we are to save the party
we must strike now. A few weeks
delay and all is lost. Send In your
mite to help the cause in a national
way. Then go to work with a vim in
your own section until you see that
straight delegates are chosen to repre-
sent you in the national convention
men who will not compromise, men of
honor and worth, who are Populists for
the sake of the cause. Organize the
Populists into a referendum club, and |
push the fight for our principles to your
utmost.
Men who are drawing funds from the
Democratic committee will be among |
you; they will try to seduce you with /
propositions, which were new |
er meant to be kept any more than the
promise at St. Louis to put Watson on |
the ticket in place Of Sewell; these men
travelling at Democratic expense will |
rant about Mark Hanna and try to