Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1901-03-22

reached the "unnatural' conclusion after much
fasting and prayer. There are other ways that
might have knocked out fusion-for instance
unconstitutionality. But the legislative act
was short cut, and if there are any court pro-
ceedings, it is the fusionists who are in the
awkward position. TO 60 into court to estab
lish the doctrine that fusion is natural would
prove to be hereculeau task in view OF the
fact that majority of the judges believe with
Stanley.
Assuming that it is settled that fusion is
'unnatural," it becomes imperative that some
means be devised for legal vent to an "unnat-
ural' sentiment. All that is wanting is a new
name under whose banner all the unnatural"
opposition to Republicanism can rally as one
man. The gravity of the situation demands
careful consideration. 1t is pretty well settled
by orthodox church sentiment that the natural
man is at emnity toward Cod This, also, is
Bible doctrine.
Republicans being "natural' men, it follows
that their state of mind Is at emnity toward all
aspira ITS to office, if not also toward God and
republican form of government
shall be candid enough 20 admit that some
Of the opponents to Repubicanism want Office
with an unique" chabe desire, but | shall also
claim that the number is limited 10 men who
could not get Office from Republican voters.
assume that the great mass of the voters who
oppose Repubicanism do 50 from an honest
conviction that the Republican party is rotten
to the core.
The unnatural" desire to meet and defeat
wrong principles and rotten administration is
Just as much in existence as if there had been
no law passed directed against concentrated op-
position.
With the spirit of opposition alive and grow
ing, there should be no difficulty in finding
name and yet, possibly there will be. The
Stanley crowd counted upon this difficulty to
defeat concentrated action. If we are not care
ful, we shall find that the Republicans of Kan
sas have accomplished as much i'll our state
through the anti.fusion law as the Democrats
in the South through the laws disfranchising the
colored voters The aim is the same in both
sections, but law in Kansas DISTINGUISHING
Populists and Democrats could hardly be en-
forced, even if 'natural'' and constitutional"
To put it in other words, the Democratic ma
chine in the South has the Offices, and means
to keep them. The Republican machine in
Kansas has the offices, and means to keep
them, any pretence to the contrary is thinner
than diluted moonshine.
1t remains to be seen whether or not the Gun
natural opposition to Republicanism is wise
enough to surmount the difficulties of the
situation.
There are Democrats who do not like the
name of Populist, and vice versa. The Stanley
crowd counted largely upon these known preju-
dces to defeat future cooperation of the two
parties think that solution of the d fficuity
lies in new name. To large extent the
Democrats and ?opuists of Kansas are together,
and can be marsnalled under the banner of
new name. AS suggested by Webb McNall,
we might call our party the "Fusion party"
"Reform" might answer very well. 1t is not
only catching, but appropriate. If there was
ever time that reformation is needed it is now.
Speaking for myself, l care nought for name
if principles and men have the true ring, and
now is the time for reformers to get together.