The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-06-28
FROM THE PEOPLE.


Seattle. June %, 1900
To the Editor: Prominent men in both
the Republican and Democratic parties
daily ask why nearly every leading Popu-
list IN the state opposes Gov. Rogers
denomination. In asking this question
these gentlemen generally speak commen-
datory OF his official acts, and express
surprise at the attitude of the Populists
VIII you allow me space to answer these
inquiring friends of the governor, most
of whom fought him so bitterly four years
ago but now apparently regret that those
who were really his friends at that time
are his incorporating political enemies
todayf The answer is easy to give. In
1895 the Populist party was strong and ro-
bust. thoroughly organized and numeric-
ally not far behind the Republicans
Gov. Rogers owed his nomination and con-
seouently his election to the Populists
and that party brought down upon its
head severe criticism even among its po-
htical allies, for having forced upon the
ticket one who was considered totally
unfit for the position. Through the
strength and influence of the Populist
party, however. he was elected. Surely
that party had right to expeot-yea, even
demand-that all the power of the state
administration would be directed, I'm a
purely legitimate way. of course. to the
upbuilding and strengthening of the forces
opposed to the Republicans. and especially
strengthening the Populist party, much
the stronger of all the fusion forces, and
into which the others were rapidly drift
ing.
Such course was expected because no
one conceived that a public officer could
be SO basely ungratefui TO his consttu-
ents. and ordinary common sense die
tated such a policy. Had the governor
pursued such course the Populist party
would today be the strongest party I'm
the state. and the fusion forces would
outnumber the Republicans two to one
Republicans recognized this during the
campaign, and used every effort In their
power TO prevent such a calamity TO their
party. Contrary TO the expectations OF
his friends and the fears of his enemies,
the governor was scarcely indicted into
office than all his energies and all the
power OF the administration were directed
10 the overthrow and Reorganization OF
the party that placed him In power His
friends protested. his enemies rejoiced
What his motives have been II IL useless
TO discuss. but whatever the object. the
end has failed--at least so far his
political advancement is concerned. IL
he sought TO strengthen the Democratic
party no material benefit has accrued.
The mere fact that the governor him
self Joined the Democrats causes no re-
grets and excites no Indignation among
Popullsts, for there win be many Demo
Gratis on tho fusion ticket this fall that
Popuists will support enthusiastically.
Tho term traitor" which has been APP
Piled so freely to the governor. was used
long before he left the Populist party.
and would still be applied to him II he
had not left II.
In ii word. Gov. Rogers. having the OPP
poTtunisy given him "a make the Re.ub-
lean party the minority party in Wash
ington. has failed 10 DO 80 and his former
supporters are opposed 10 longer prOyid-
Ing him with weapons which AZ would
use 20 further compass our destruction.
No wonder Republicans who ask why we
won't support him speak well % his sd-
mlnistra;lon. The praise % any enemy
| Il always gratifying. provided IL Is not
achieved b the sacrifice Of friend. The
governor has attempted % sacrifice the
Popuiisls and the fact that the party has
proven stronger than the man who Al
tempted to wreck il Is no reason why
Il should give him iis support
ALEX r. JONES