The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-06-18
The Pull for Fusion.

1t is rumored that some of the more
prominent fusion leaders are busily en-
gagged in perfecting plans for bringing
together this year the various parties
and remnants of parties that entered
into a spolls alliance in 1896 and again
bers of the Democratic party. Hitherto
the record of the Democracy in these
trades has not been one of especial
glory The members OF that party have
constituted a minority In the union ag-
gregation, and have been willing to ac-
cept anything that was handed out TO
them as the result of the deal In adj
dition to receiving thankfully the few
crumbs apportioned to them they have
also shown a willingness to subscribe
to all sorts of ridiculous platforms ia
voring everything from cheap money to
the single tax. They have agreed to
fusion because in no other way could
they get anything. and 1t seems 10 have
mattered little what sacrifices We're de-
manded OF them.
This year it is different. The Demo-
Gratis are on top. and they propose that
the other parties to the combine shall
experience what it is to feast on the
leavings that are usually served out to
a minority. Since Bryan was nominal
ed in 1896. Democracy has been going
down hill rapidly as far as principles
are concerned. Its ruling element is
thoroughly Populistic, and ii will nomi-
nate for president as good Populist
as there is in the country. This con-
version 10 Populism has brought some
considerable additions to the Democ-
racy-men who see no particular reason
for staying with the Populist party as
long as the Democratic party has be-
come Populistic. Then there are those
Populists who see that the Democracy
has taken up the work of the old
Omaha party, and that the two organ
izations cannot exist for any great
length Of time. If one must decay,
naturally il must be the Populist party.
Eagerness to retain power or place
which they have received as Populists
impels these men to hasten TO ally
themselves with the new Populistic De-
mocracv.
In the state OF Washington the flu
sion ofticeholder~ are tumblng over one
another In their stampede 20 get upon
the band wagon of Organism. Senator
Turner. who only three years ago an
nounced that he was ready 10 live and
Gle Peoples party man, has already
mace use OF the celebrated Hi phrase
and declared that he Is Democrat.
Gov. Rogers, with his heart set on four
years more at Olympia, has secretly
admitted his conversion to Democracy,
v heat Chart Jones. III at ease in pri-
waite life after sixteen years Of office
holding. proClaims his intention 60
march under the Bryan banner. aud Of
course viii ask for something at the
state convention next fall. And there
are others who see a better chance Of
| getting livelihood out OF the new
Democracy than .ut q the old Popu-
lisTn. They are ready 10 be rcbrandsd
/ as a matter OF selt-preseryatgon
! Conscious Of growing strength be
cause II has taken up With the prevail
( ing vagaries ~ the times and gathered
I In some OF the drifters. II is not IN
natural that the state Democracy
/ should have begun TO figure on getting
! the other political odds and ends into
I a union convention. Having the sssQr-
ance that il viii exert the controlling
I influence. and being willing IN It's de-
! seneracy to herd with anything good
( or bad that has votes. IL * not sugPyis-
ing that the leaders - Organism are
/ eager 20 preach fusion. The DemOc-
i racy feels that It is obliged no longer
to play the role Of political nunentity
/ as Il has done FOR the past four years.
/ and no doubt feels certain that It VIII
b. able TO hunko the other parties to
I the combine when it comes to a divi-
sion Of the political plumber.
! OF course this scheme Of rallying for
Office upon a platform patched up to
ent elements will no, commend itself
- many OF the old-time partisans who