The representative., 1900-05-17
CAMP PAIGN NOTES
The Difference.


administration as the Republicans, will
few minor changes. The only notice
able difference would be the Democratl
would flll money Offices now filled by
Republicans, and Bryan would be presi
dent instead Of Mckinley. Positive
proof of this is that voters from the two
parties keep one or the other in power
RefOrmers never vote with either o1
them expecting any reforms through
them. II the reformer votes with either
of them it is because he would rather
that party would be in power. It is said
politics makes strange bedfellows, but
the money of political parties makes
stranger bedfellows. l have studied the
political tactics of these schemers, old
in adulturious practices, until 1 know
their offspring. or administration, is al
ways the same, and that is the differ
ence.
A fusiOnist is hybrid, poselyte
from the amalgamated deception of re-
form Democrats and Silver Republicans,
and ten-fold more a child of hell tnan
he was when he claimed TO De what he
really is. He ought to get out Of, or
into, the party he would destroy or go
and hang himself. He is the difference
between a true party supporter and a
Judas, or Benedict Arnold.
All of the above are of the same fam
ilv ond occ,,nv tho oovoo hoI -, ~no,.u.
their objective point is fat offices and
power to control the people, the money
and all the means of production and
distribution.
They are opposed to any reform in
pofitics and are the opposition that re-
formers have to contend with.
l do not claim. to be prophet, but
my hair has grown gray with Republic
cans and Democrats in power since 1
became political reformer, and l have
learned much from their, tactics in the
past.
This we all know: If in 1900 Nc
Kinley and Bryan are nominated and
McKinleys election is doubtful. his Re-
publican vote viii be small, while Bry-
ans Republican vote. will be large, and
that is the difference Money has
controlling influence and adjusts their
political differences.
Now, how to overcome the united
vote of the two old parties is the issue
to be met in this campaign by reform
forces. Are we equal to the demand, il
not it is because of differences in our
own ranks; l am quite sure there are
reformers enough to vote their candi-
dates into Office, and direct legislation
into effect if they were united. Here
are my views of how to unite our forces.
We have three distinct classes to
bring together: The extremists or So
cialist chaps that would make the forces
charge the enemy and take all in sight:
then we have the cool, determined
chaps, the Populists, who would with
solid front force the enemy to sur
render by strategem; the others are
those chaps who come to our assistance
when conditions are favorable to sue
cess. Many of this latter class have,
and many more would indorse Popu-
lism and the Omaha platform, but think
Socialism too radical and will not sup
port Debs.- On the other hand, Bar
ker is a strong supporter of the Omaha
platform, has q clean record as a citi-
zen and is equal in the knowledge of
matters of state and finance to any man
in the United States, while for honesty
of purpose and well-defined principles
OF political economy and justice, he
stands out at the head, having refused
twice to accept the offer of secretary of
the treasury under Republican rule be-
cause he differed with party on the
money question-believing the people,
and not banks, should control the money
or medium of exchange. He is also op-
posed to the gold standard and when our
party ranks were torn by fusion traitors
and we most needed help from loyal
leaders, Mr.. Debs deserted the party to
build on its ruins another with himself
as leader. "--'~ -'-s
But Mr.. Barker, refusing a lucrative
appointment from our enemies, left
their party that plotted our destruction
and came with helping hand, declaring
to the world, through the columns of
his paper, The American, that the only
true reform party of the nation should
nave his support. His sacrifice for and
devotion to the principles of reform !
stand unparalleled in the history of men |
and politics. l honor Mr.. Debs for all !
ne had done, and that is much, in the |!
work of freeing his fellow men from |
he oppressive power and tyranny of |
wealthy corporations, but must regret |
he division he has made in the ranks Of
he reform forces.
Had not that body Of reformers.
hough small, met in convention at Gin
'lnnati, or some other place, in 1898
md by almost superhuman effort famed
he little spark Of true Populism not vt
killed by fusion into a new me. the
'ear 1900 would have seen reform in
'olitics buried out Of sight for years to
ome.
But the party still lives, with that
noble and intrepid leader in reform
work, and veteran in battling for the
lights Of the people, Ignatius Donnelly.