Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1901-06-26
PUBLIC OWNERSHIP PARTY.
A New Rival for the Two Old Political Or.
ganizatlons- Not In Il.

it's promoters hope will result before
1904 in a national organization
strong enough to name a Presiden.
tial nominee, was launched here this
afternoon. 1t was the outcome of a
conference of reformers from the
ranks of the old parties, and its
principles are said by some to have
been adopted with view to fitting
the views of William j. Bryan. The
conference was called by Lee Merri-
wether, of st. Louis, who, with
twenty-five other St. Louis leaders
in the Public Ownership party of
that city, came to Kansas City yes
terday from visit with Mr.. Bryan,
at Lincoln, where the intentions of
the delegation had been laid before
the Nebraska statesman. Mr.. Bryan,
it was stated, had expressed sympa-
thy with the movement, if he had
not gone as far as to support it. At
Viz ooiileIence Inere were repre-
sented Populists of all persuasions.
Public ownership was advocated
and Free Silver Republicans, Social
lists, Single Takers and Bryan Demo-
Gratis were in attendance. 1t was
stated that it was proposed to form
third party in Missouri, which would
finally be taken up by the dissatisfied
in the old parties from other States.
a committee on organization was
appointed and instructed to report
to-day. The committee, which rep
resented each element present, sub
mitted the following as the new
party's principles and they we're
adopted
Public ownership of all public
utilities, as railroads, tclegraphs, etc.
While awaiting the legislation
necessary to secure public ownership,
rigid control of freight and passenger
rates and severe penalties for rebates
and other determinations by rail
roads.
Taxation of railroads and other
public utility 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
people may initiate good legislation
and veto bad legislation.
Graduated income tax to the end
that wealth, which receives govern
mcnt protection, shall bear it's lust
share of the cost of the government.
That whatever is used as money
shall be full legal tender, issued by
the general government in sufficient
volume for business purposes, and
that volume fixed in proportion to
population.
Just election laws throughout the
State.
Home rule for cities and abolition
of the present system of using the
police as standing army to carry
primary elections in the interest of
dishonest politicians representing
still more dishonest special privilege
corporations.
Election of United States Scna-
tors by popular vote.
The meeting was organized by
electing j. III. Cook, Fusion Popu-
list, chairman; j. II. Hills, Middle
of-thc-road Populist, vice president,
and F. S. Kowaski, Public Owner
ship member, secretary.
The committee, besides deciding
on the new name for the movement.
will call a State Convention for some
time next fall. In the meantime the
members will prepare an address to
the people of the State.
Headquarters will be established
both at Carthage and St. Louis and
the committee will appoint a chair
man of each county in the State,
whose duty it will be to enlist mem
bcrs and organize them into county
clubs.
The time for holding the conven-
ton will be fixed later.
Mr.. Mcrriwcther this afternoon.
at the conclusion Of the conference.
was asked:
"Will not your movement only
result in turning the State over to
the Republicans
81 do not know, but I would lit
tic rather the Republicans should
win than the present organization of
Democrats. AS Mr. Bryan said to
me last Monday: Il like an enemy
under his own colors better than one
who steals my colors.'"
BRYAN IS NOT IN m.
Atlanta, Ga, June 19.-Thc At
lanta Constitution tonight, in re-
sponsc to a telegram of inquiry, re-
ccivcd dispatch from William J.
Bryan denying that he was affiliated
with the Third party movement. Mr..