The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-08-08
EDMIsTEN's STATEMENT.
He Says POpulists Are Confronted
with n Peculiar Condition.

Win Pecul18r SOnultlons
LINCOLN, Neb.. Aug. 7-vice Chairman
Edmisten. of the Populist national COM
mittee, tonight gave out the following
statement on the withdrawal OF Mr..
Towne:
81 fhave just learned that Hon. Charles
A. Towne, candidate for the vice pBesi-
dency on the Peoples party ticket, has
withdrawn as such candidate. We are con-
fronted with a proposition which Is GER
tainly mixed and deserving of the most
careful consideration and action upon the
part of those who may be called to deal
with this question. 1t is true Mr.. Towne
was placed in a very peculiar position at
Kansas City when the Silver Republican
party failed to make him its candidate for
the vice presidency and nominated Adlai
E. Stevenson as its candidate, who had al
ready been named by the Democratic
party and Mr.. Towne known to be Sill
yer Republican and affiliating with that
party, being the chairman of its national
committee was placed, together with the
Peoples party in very awkward position
before the public.
'.That Mr. Towne has considered this
matter with much patriotism, having at
heart the interests of his country and dis
playing his deep interest, perhaps as no
other citizen in our great commonwealth.
We, 1 have no doubt, can under these cir
cumstances understand his action in his
final decision in this matter. He has proven
himself to be a friend of the great common
people, being possibly one of the strongest
exponents and most faithful leader that the
country has, and has naturally attracted
the attention of the entire country TO him
as their leader. Although he differed with
them in party name and affiliations. yet he
near the hearts of the American peo-
pie.
az cannot consider this action without
expressing my sincere regret that it has
transpired. My earnest hope has been that
Mr. Towne would remain upon the ticket
and that he would make a canvass of the
country such we know he is capable or
doing in behalf and in the interest of the
cause which he represents as candidate
for the vice presidency.
'At Kansas City, when the national COM
mittee in session by resolution which
was passed unanimously, was authorized.
in the event of Mr.. Towne's withdrawal, to
assemble the committee at early date
for the purpose of taking the same under
consideration and for the further purpose
of nominating or naming some member of
the Peoples party TO fill such vacancy. This
/ shall do. First, before taking any official
action L prefer TO meet the executive COM
mittee at Chicago, which was called few
DAYS ago, to meet on Aug. 3. L desire to
confer with Senator Butler, as chairman
of the national committee, and with the
leaders of the party.
II have no doubt, however, that the pa
triotism and spirit for an honest govern
ment will guide the action of all members
of the Peoples party in their deliberation,
and in considering of these matters pend
ing the action of their committees, / de-
sire to assure one and all throughout the
length and breadth of the country that the
name of the Peoples party and its interest
politically and otherwise shall be protected
and fostered. and we shall strive to inspire
its membership to vigorously engage in this
campaign as ardently as had our candidate
remained upon the ticket.