The representative., 1900-12-06
A Strong Letter From Mrs. Mario

A Strong Letter From Mrs. Marion
Todd. '.Jerry and Others"
The political battle of 1900 has demon
strated two valuable lessons, namely:
That fusion is a. failure and that the
Populist party has not been swallowed
up. Though handicapped and betrayed
by it's pretended friends, it placed cleo
toral tickets in 80 states. 1t kept the
f1re burning upon. the hearthstone for
the deluded who would return again to
the fold. "a
In 1896 the Democratic leaders thought
that fusion of 100000 Populists with
5000, 900 Democrats would sweep the
country. fcs mt
The unholy alliance drove 100000
Popufsts back into the Republican par
ty, from whence they came. =
Again the example has been repeated.
This sweeping Republican victory is a
protest against fusion.
Fusion is up against facts. All such
fusion as has been perpetrated by few
Populist leaders are up against the
shadow of success in the future.
The day is past when the reform
voters of this country can be led by
those who would betray their trust.
Had not thirst for Office and posi-
tions overcome judgement this second
Sacrifice is beautiful, but not sacrifice
of principle. A fusion or combination
may be legitimate at times, but not when
fundamental principles are lost sight of
in the eagerness for worldly gain.
Many of the fusion Populists take
the defeat of Mr.. Bryan to heart. One
congratulates himself that the outcome
of the campaign is the utter annihila-
ton of the Nebraska Midroaders." 1t is
hard to believe that this fusionist was
one who helped to create the ''roaders"
few years since. The ''roaders'' have
stuck to their gospel, but, alas their
teacher has wandered from his text and
has been doing homage unto strange
gods.
Jerry Simpson seems the most dis
comforted of any. His wall has re-
sounded Ger the land accompanied with
an oath to abolish the ''roaders" if with
in his power, and in our terror we are
reminded of the enforced exodus of the
unfortunates of early Spain and the de-
struction of the South African republics.
He says: ''The middle-of-the-road
gang are mainly responsible for Bryan
losing the state of Kansas. | favor the
abolishment of this element and will do
all can to get them out of the way be-
fore another election comes around.
They are party without any original
principles any more and instead of help
ing the Democrats are injurious to their
cause -
To allege that Midroad Populists are
injurious to the Democratic cause is not
startling allegation. A Populist was
born for that especiaf purpose-to do in
Jury to the Democrats and to the Re-
puDHcdn cause DIS 'Woil-du INJURY 10 the
extent of purifying them, if possible.
For this reason we lifted our voice
against that odprifterous organization
called Tammany, at whose chariot
wheels Mr.. Bryan was dragged. and
whose driver was Croker. For this
service no doubt ~eIdeserve death, yet
ask for mercv
But what would you do, Jerry, to get
Midroaders out of the way? Disfran-
chise them, or shoot them as American
citizens are disposed of in the South by
the party whose defeat you deplore? 1t
would be much pleasanter to persuade
them to join the fusion ranks and make
hypocrits of them. This would not be
difficult task, if, as you say, they
are party without any original prin-
ciples any more" Whatever your tao
tics or mode of abolishment, we ask
you to be generous. Remember, you
once stood with the reprehensible Mid
readers and the Omaha platform was
championed by you. no plank Of which
has been carried out by either one Of
the old parties. The demand FOR Mid
readers Is as pressing today The Stu