The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-09-08

of the leading tickets are composed OF
strong men, The Republicans have re-
nominated their present state officers
The Fusionists, including Populists,
Democrats, and Silver Republicans, have
nominated in perfect harmony the best
men presented by a fusion ticket since
the beginning of the Farmers Alliance
movement. From j. w. Breidenthal,
the present bank commissioner, down
through the list they are men with clean
personal records and men of more than
the average ability. They were selected
with care, because it was realized that
this years election would be the supreme
test of Populism in Kansas. Mr.. Breid-
enthal himself admits it. IF we do not
win, there will be no more fusion in
Kansas he said to a reporter few days
ago. This will end 1t if we can't pull
together
The Republicans are equally positive
that there shall be no more fusion, AID
are openly declaring that in the event OF
Republican success in the legislature a
law will be passed making it impossible
for a name to appear on the ballot more
leading. Under the heading of each
party represented in the fusion combi-
ration will appear identically the same
list of names from presidential electors
to road overseers, all appearing three
times, a situation well calculated to de-
ceive the unwary voter From this the
fusioniStS hope much. 1t places the Re
publicans in the position of having to
order to win. They believe they can do
it, but it is a fact that they have not
in a decade had more than a plurality of
the votes of the state. In the years
since 1890 when they have won, 1T has
been on narrow margins, and there has
never been such harmonious and united
opposition as now.
An unexpected feature is causing the
Jopulists uneasiness-the Socialists. The
teachings of Populism have been in the
direction of Socialism for ten years. The
leaders of the Populist party are in
most instances avowed Socialists, and
their efforts have been directed towards
spreading Socialistic doctrines for years
\ considerable element of the party has
hoped to see practical Socialism put into
effect in this state, and when the drift
became so plainly in the direction of
a combination with Democracy that ele-
ment rebelled. Its members saw, or
thought they saw, the eventual wiping
out of the Populist party and it's absorp-
ton within the ranks OF the Democ-
racy.
They had formerly been Republicans
and Democrats, and in the Alliance pa
rades rode through the towns carrying
gaudy banners reading. Both the old
parties are corrupt and singing Good
by. Old Party, Good-by," as a. token of
their new political affiliation- When the
radical demands of land loan, sub
treasury, and kindred vagaries were one
by one dropped from the platforms, they
protested, but without avail. They pro
tested against losing their individuality
by fusion, and when the leaders failed
to heed their protest they made it a
part of their business to teach the new
party which they were now bidding
fearful good-by severe political les
son.
So it comes about that there is a dis
tinct and positive Socialist movement in
Kansas. It is not formidable yet, and
most people smile when it is mentioned,
but, nevertheless, it has some very earn
est advocates and it is assisted by the