The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-04-16
the Principles Behind Fusion.

gone to make up what has been known
as the fusion party are considerably
worried about the future. A few years
ago the straightout Democrat who be-
lieved in honest Democratic principles
was bewaillng the fact that his party
was fast being swallowed by the Popu-
lists. Today the straightout Populist
who believes in the bedrock principles
OF Populism entertains grave apprehen-
sions lest his party may be swallowed
by the Democrats.
trial OF fusion has convinced the
average man Of conscience that It is
nothing more nor less than compro-
mise on principles for the purpose Of
getting power. and that those who have
been successful in gaining the privilege
Of exercising that power are men who
do not care much for principles, any
way. Men who have allied themselves
with political parties because they be-
lieve In and can work for the suprem-
acy of the doctrines OF those parties
fact that fusion has been carefully
planned division OF the offices. mapped
out by the politicians 50 as to result in
a list of candidates who haven't any
fixed principles worth mentioning. and
who are willing to subscribe TO any sort
OF platform that will make votes These
so-called alliances are not engineered
with any idea OF supplanting the poll
cies and practices OF the common
enemy by the introduction OF reform
principles. In the first place. the fu-
sion manlpulators are not men of the
stamp who believe In reform. and con-
glomerste party 10 made up OF people
OF no many different minds that the
party is never able to determine upon
definite policy even when given power
and an opportunity to act
Honest Democrats and honest Popu-
lists admit that for bringing on an era
OF enlightened government fusion has
been a farce. There has been no at
tempt 10 inaugurate any reforms OF
consequence. and In too many instances
those honored with place have looked
after the interests OF self instead of the
interests OF the people whom they were
chosen to represent. Those fortunate
enough to be selected for position have
pronted, but the state has gained moth
ing and the cause Of reform Is no fur
Their advanced than 1t was four years
ago. As matter OF fact, there has
been retrogression; for discredit has
been thrown on the reform movement
through dereliction on the part of those
who were SO spleudidly strong while
promising reform and so pitiably weak
when empowered 10 effect It.
This conspicuous lack OF fruition from
party amalgamation in this state oeca-
sions no surprise TO those who know
that fusion Is nothing but political
dioker in which principle cuts no figure.
To an observer OF sense n has been evil
dent from the frat that there has been
no real sympathy between the more
substantial and honestly earnest mem
bers Of the separate parties TO fusion.
| The old-llne Democrat looks upon the
| populiSt a. more or less OF crank, just
| as a Republican does. and PopuMsm Is
/ quite as offensive TO that Democrat as
| u Is to a Republican. Moreover. the
sincere eopuiIs, has no more confidence
! IN Democrat Of principle than he has
in Republican According 20 the pop.
/ ulist both parties are fun az error and
/ not IN touch with the present needs o.,
{ the people and the best methods IT min
| lsterins 10 those needs Consequently
/ how Is IL possible 10 unite persons en-
PERTAINING this mutual dlsrespect Cor
each other, and hope 10 attain ends that
mean real Advancement for the people
interests
| An attempt via b. made Ia Spoks ne
! this week 70 re-esta blish under the ban
I ner os Democracy the alliance which
/ existed between the fusion forces four
/ years ago. II viii probably be success
/ tuL There will be nothing OF the Old
/ Democracy In II. for Bryan and the IA
evitable ,Popullstic platform adopted al
/ Lincoln have already barred out the
staneh followers Of Jefferson ana Jack.
son, and those 10 whom the destinies oi
/ the Democratic party have fallen be
heve as much In popuhsm as they do f.
anything else. Then, TOO. the Populist'
have fallen upon evil times within theh
own organization. Too many az those
who have thrust themselves forward as
leaders are Pcpuiis,s merely for plaeS