The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-04-14
FROM THE PEOPLE.
LESSONS FROM THE BRYAN TOUR.

Seattle Wash April 10, 1900.
To the Editor: In my letter of the 6th
inst. l endeavored to draw particular at
tention to the seeming desire on the part
of some to stampede the Populists of this
state into the Democratic camp; and in
that endeavor called attention particu-
larry TO the actions OF Gov. Rogers and
Land Commissioner Bridges in announc-
ing themselves at this time as Democrats.
In my mind there is no doubt but their
actions were premeditated. wen consid-
cred in advance and with well-defned
and fixed purpose
1t has practically been conceded for
some time that the Democrats of this
state will not consent. as in 1896 and is9s,
to a fusion with the Populists and Free
Silverites. In other words. IL the Re
publicans are defeated the Democrats
will be the victors and secure TO them
selves whatever there may be of political
prestige that may result therefrom OF
course. ii must not be presumed that they
will refuse the assistance OF Populists
and Free Silverites that they know they
must have. The success of the Demo
cratic policy of absorption would nee
essarily mean the death Of the organixa-
lions which were formerly used as allies.
The realization of this fact however
does not seem to weigh very heavily on
the Democratic conscience. To their high
~ stiSlilNt anu prtunHTiN constituted
consciences IL appears TO be n crime OF
unparalleled atrocity that so-called
ally In the Philippines. Aguinaldo should
be shorn of his political power. Yet here
at home. where their allies are friends and
neighbors fighting. as they honestly be-
lieve for the best interest of all the peo-
pie. these same Democrats fail to see or
realize that there Is any dishonor in such
an act.
These same Populists who are so ready
to desert the organization that made
them its leaders fail to see anything dis
honorable in their acts: and yet should
Agninaldo sell out his Tagalo followers
for the sake of honor or office at the
hands OF the Americans his acts would
be no more dishonorable than their own.
There is no more just cause today for
abandoning the Populist organiza ton and
surrendering to the Democracy than there
was existing in 1895. This fact how
ever, is clearly apparent TO all: In 1896 It
was necessary for both Rogers and
Bridges Off nominated for any Officer to
secure their nomination through the Pop
ulist organization. Today. II either OF
them desires a denomination and election
IT must be secured through the Demo-
cratic organization. Whether or no this
fact was taken into consideration in de-
termining their political course at this
time remains for them to say. but in the
absence of some positive declaration 10
the contrary, backed by some valid and
substantial reasons, / believe the Popu-
lists of this state will coincide with me
In believing they were actuated by purely
selfish motives and in utter disregard
of the wishes or opinions of the members
of their party, who have made great per-
sonal sacrifices to bring that party into
power that It might promote the best in
terests of the common people
In this connection l will say that