Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1901-06-27
KANSAS CITY CONFERENCE THE
SPONSOR.
PUBLIC OWNERSHIP THE CRY.
Founders Hope for National Organ
ization as Result Of Their
Deliberations.


third party movement, which, its pro-
motors hope, will result before 1904 in
> national organization strong enough
IN name the presidential nominee, was
launched here this afternoon. 1t was
the outcome of conference OF REFORM
ers from the ranks of the old parties,
and its principles are said to have been
adopted with view of fitting the views
of William ]. Bryan.
The conference was called by Lee
Merriwether of ST. Louis, who, with
% other st. louis leaders in the public
ownership party of that city, came to
Kansas City yesterday after visit to
Bryan at Lincoln, where the intentions
of the delegation had been laid before
the Nebraska leader Bryan, it was
stated, expressed sympathy with the
movement, it. indeed, he has not gone
so far as to support 1t.
At the conference there were repre-
sentative Populists of all persuasions,
public ownership advocates, free silver
Republicans, Socialists, single takers
and Bryan Democrats. 1t was stated
that it was proposed to form third
marty in Missouri, which would finally
be taken up by the dissatisfied ones in
the old parties of the other states.
A committee of organization was ap-
pointed. representing each element
present, and today it submitted the fol-
lowing resolutions as the new party S
principles, which were adopted:
Public ownership of all public utili-
ties. as railroads, telegraphs, etc.
While waiting the legislation neces-
sary TO secure public ownership, rigid
control of freight and passenger rates,
and severe penalties for rebates and
other Determinations by the railroads.
Taxation of railroads and other pub
lie utilities and corporations in the
same proportion as the value OF farm
and other property.
Direct legislation by the initiative
and referendum to the end that the peo-
veto bad legislation
"A graduated income tax to the end
that wealth, which has received govern
ment protection, bears its just share of
the cost of the government.
That whatever is used as money be
full legal tender; that 1t be issued by
the general government in sufficient
volume for business purposes and that
the volume be fixed in proportion to
population.
Just election laws throughout the
state.
Home rule for cities and the aboii-
ton of the present system of using
the police as a standing army to carry
primary elections in the interest of dis
honest politicians representing still
more dishonest special privilege cor
pOrations
The election of United States sena-
tors by popular vote"
Resolutions were adopted eulogiz-
ing the work of the late H. S. Pingree
Of Michigan.
This afternoon the committee organ
lied by electing ]. II. Cook, fusion Pop
ulist chairman J. H. Hills, middle-of-
the-road Populist, vice president, and
F. S. Kowalski, public ownership mem
Der, secretary.
The committee decided to call a state
convention for some time next fall.
Mr. Merriwether this afternoon at
the conclusion of the conference, was
asked:
viii not your movement only result
in turning the state over to the Repub-
licans?'
Il do not know, but | would little
rather the Republicans would win than
the present organization of Democrats.
AS Bryan said to me Monday, I like an
enemy under his own colors better than
one who steals my colors.