The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-04-07
FROM THE PEOPLE.
LESSONS FROM BRYAN.s TOUR.

Seattle Wash. April 6, 1900
To the Editor Several occurrences con-
nected with the recent tour OF w. j. BRYAN
in this state are / believe worthy OF note
at this time. The first is the fact made
clearly apparent that those parties in this
state raised to positions of honor and trust
through the efforts of friends In the Popu-
list organization, are now. after having
enjoyed for nearly four years salaries and
honors greater than they ever enjoyed be-
fore or ever will enjoy again in the future,
ready and willing by rushing headlong into
the Democratic organization TO strike down
the power that created them, and for the
rieager chance OF obtaining preferment at
the hands OF the Democrats are willing to
reduce the Populist organization to a mere
memory. To those intimately connected or
acquainted with Gov Rogers his action
Is not a surprise. We have known for
sometime that he would do what he thought
would advance the personal interests OF
John n. Rogers
As for the position taken by Land Com
missioner Bridges in announcing himself at
this time Democrat. II might be well
to recall certain Incidents connected with
the last session of the legislature In this
state.
At that time Robert Bridges desired a
complimentary vote of the minority for
United states senator. and because OF DEM
ocratic opposition TO his single tax views
he failed to receive It. Bridges at that
time became so enraged at the action Of the
Democrats that he said publicly he would
no longer affiliate with them through fus-
ion or otherwise. He went farther. He
threatened to- discharge all Democrats from
his office and Tom Mallory In particular
Now he says he Is n Democrat and Will
hold his single tax views in the background
in order that the success Of the Democratic
ticket may not be jeopardized. He sub
sequently attends banquet in Seattle and
with serene smile on his face listens to
w. j. Bryan pronounce upon his tBridgesD
arch enemy, A. J. Blethen, n magnificent
eulogy. The time was when II any nse
should say word commendatory OF A. ]
Blethen in Bridges presence Bob would be
ready instantly for a fight. Under these
circumstances we are led TO wonder VIVA.
caused the change that has come over the
spirit OF his dreams.
listened carefully 20 the address deIIv-
cred by Mr. Bryan in Seattle on Monday
afternoon. and failed to hear advanced any
bona hde argument why cur government.
should at this time call n halt in its future
progress. or 10 discover I'm the speech II
the man or in his actions any hypnotic
powers that would arrest the action Of
mans mental faculties and cause him to
become subservent tool OF a scherntng
politician. Mr.. Bridges knows ne well az
any man In the United States that dr
Bryan's plan OF licensing trusts will be- az
Ineffective in destroying the power ~ those
great combinations Of capital as It has been
Ineffective In eradioatlng the evils OF the
liquor traffic.
Mr.. Bridges knows "a well as any man
that the charge made by Mr.. Bryan that
tho Republican party OF any other party.
desires TO make vassals Of any people on
the face Of the globe is absolutely false
and that the charge Is made solely for mol
irical purposes II the Republican party
- so corrupt and SO at variance with the
Intelligent thought Of this country that II
| ought 10 he defeated then II can ba defeat.
"a ia an open. manly and fair fight II tho
| Republican administration has been such
that Il cannot be defeated except by resort
20 such tactics as are being followed by Mr.
Bryan. then 81 deserves n be and win be
successful.
! do not believe the Populisss 81 this
state Will blirtny follow either Rogers or
Bridges into the Democratic camp pn,r
! some better reason haR been shown han
/ any vet advanced by either W J. Brv4n
( John r. Rogers or Robert BRIDGES 7 for
one am not yet ready 70 take that rash r.tu
NJ n HARDEN