Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-03-01
ALBAUGH ACCEPTS.
Agrees to the Populist Proposition
for Series Of Joint Debates.



republican state committee, to-day ac-
ccpted the challenge of the populist
state committee for series of Joint
debates on the issues of the day. In
his letter Of acceptance to Taylor Rid
die, chairman of the populist state
committee, Mr.. Albaugh says;
Dear Sir: Your recent letter adj
dressed to the managers Of the repub-
lican party Of Kansas has reached me
and reply to the same has been some
what delayed owing to the fact that
the republican party of Kansas has no
managers. II the republican party
We're being run merely as an auxiliary
party to some other political institu-
ton with whom II annually held sharp
contests for division of the spoils, it
would then, doubtless, need some
bright business managers capable of
driving sharp bargain. AS il is, all
we have is Il state committee, for the
purpose of directing campaign efforts
along intelligent lines, and, AS |
chance to be the chairman of this
committee. | have been the recipient
of the latter.
note that, in laying down the pre-
lude to your challenge, you make the
statement that the peoples party of
Kansas believes that the actions, even
more than the platforms of politi-
cal party are the proper criterions OF
its motives and Intentions" II we
were to take the actions of your par
ty as the proper crterions of its mo-
tives and intentions, we would he at
greater loss to know just what mo-
tives and intentions of your party
are.
II is going to be somewhat difficult
TO arrange joint debate, owing to
the fact that it is not possible to
judge from the actions of the peoples
party of Kansas Just which side of
the propositions you desire to take,
and whether there is any assurance
that on taking chosen position on
any of the issues mentioned in your
letter of challenge, you will hold to
that position until the close of the
debate.
As soon as the republican party can
be assured on these points, it is
ready to debate We will be glad to
enter the discussion in the spirit Of
your letter which declares that "the
peoples party believes that full and
free discussion Of all Of the political
issues Is essential to an intelligent
vote" We are glad to note this pro-
gressive step in your party policy.
Time was when you believed the dis
cussion Of your questions should be
confined behind locked doors with the
windows darkened, and that no one
should be admitted TO them who pos
sessed not the hailing sign and the
pass word. Al that time you dis
couraged open meetings where the
poison of free discussion might be
caught from republican speakers
In view of this progress which your
party has made, we have decided to
accept your challenge, the debate to
occur any time after you have held ,
your next state convention, and de-
c,ded what issues you will present to
the people.
The republicans believe it is only
reasonable to ask you TO do this be-
fore you assume TO enter the field OF
debate. You need have no fear that
the republican party will change its
attitude on any Of these propositions
you mention. during The few weeks
we are waiting for you TO find your
principles. The attitude of the re-
publican party on the currency ques-
ton, which You desire TO debate, will
remain The same ms outlined in its
party platform and further empha-
sized by the present currency legisla-
ton, aud any discussions we may have
in the future upon this subject, will
doubtless call TO mind the predictions
made by your prophets in 1896 Of
the dire caIamiiies which would surely
follow the election of Mckinley on
gold standard platform.
In reference TO the foreign policy Of
the present administration, while we
have only faint idea Of where your
party will stand upon the theory Of
expansion some of your best men be-
ing in favor Of II, and some OF them
opposed to tive have only TO say
that there is no division Of opinion in
the republican party. The republican
party will continue to be the color
bearer Of the nation. Our troops will
not be asked to abandon any soil they
have won, and there will be no dim
mutton Of the efforts being put forth
to establish the dignity Of this gov
eminent on every foot of soil over
which the flag floats. Our party will
pass no platforms of sympathy for
George Washington Agninaldo. It's
voice and its example will not be lent
to the encouragement of the enemy.
In reference to trusts, which is the
last proposition in your challenge, we
have only to remind you that the po-
sition of the republican party on the
question Of trusts Is as well known
md as emphatic as the position Of
your party is hazy and uncertain. The