The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-04-14
Populists Prepare for Interesting
Meeting Tonight.
FAVOR A STATE CONVENTION.
Many Leaders object to Proposed
Usurpatfon of Party Rights by
State Committee-John p. Fay De-
clsres In Favor of EIecting n Del
Is Also an Avowed Expo nsionist.

Indications are not wanting that the
meeting Of Peoples party men at Masonic
temple tonight, called by Chairman Win
sor. OF the county central committee, will
be one of the liveliest ever held in the
history of the party in this county. In
yesterdays Post-Intelligencer a full state
ment of the questions which are at issue
between the two factions of the organiza-
ton was given. In brief, the meeting Is
called for the purpose of considering the
action of the state committee in calling a
convention of its members and OF the
chairmen of the county committees
throughout the state, at Spokane, for the
election OF delegates to the national con-
vention.
There are many Populists who believe
that deep-laid plot is behind the call
made by the state committee The alleged
scheme Is TO elect a set OF delegates to
the national convention, pledged to the
support of w. ]. Bryan 1t is openly charg-
ed by many Populists that the state COM
mittee threatens to issue a proclamation
which in effect will merge the Peoples
party organization of the state into the
Democracy.
Many Populist leaders question the regu-
larity of the method proposed by the state
committee for the selection of the national
delegates. John p. Fay, one of the best
known leaders of the party In the state,
uccidfes tndt tne proposed aDanOonment
OF the regulation state convention is in
contravention to all traditions of the or
ganization. Mr.. Fry said yesterday:
"On the question of expansion the Peo-
pies party has never yet voiced its senti-
ments In the state. However, the expan-
SION question is merely an incident in the
proposition which will be discussed by
Peoples party men tomorrow night. Our
main objection is to the proposed usurpa-
ton of the rights Of the party workers
and voters to express their preferences
for the national delegates
For one. l believe in following the time
established custom of holding n regularly
called state convention, which can express
the opinion of the party on the issues in
this campaign. Manifestly. It is the prov
ince or the party, In convention assem-
bled. to do this, and not that of the state
committee. / claim that the committee
should carry out its legitimate functions
and duties, namely. to call a state conven-
ton of delegates, to be chosen in the regu-.
lar way, for the election of delegates to
the national convention.
Il am opposed to picking out a delegation
which may take one side or another on
the many important questions at issue.
without instructions from the recognized
representatives of the party.
Now, as to expansion, | believe that
the majority of Popuists are in favor of
the election of Mr.. Bryan despite his DO
stion on this issue / believe even the
men who disagree with Mr.. Bryan on this
question will support him
we have already expanded. however.
and the expansion question should cut no
figure In this matter. The flag flies in
the Philippines. /. as a Populist am will
Ing to take my chances on extending
files, there Is chance TO inculcate the
principles of our party. With the flag
raised on those islands there is a chance
70 eatenu me doctrines OF our party. Haul
the flag down and there would not be that
chance"