Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1902-07-04
KANSAS POPULISTs.
The Party in State Convention
dominates Its Ticket.
The Meeting Was Excited and There Is
Talk That the Anti-Fusion Crowd VIII
Bolt the Nominations and Put
Out Another Ticket

Out Another Ticket
Topeka, Kan, June 25.-The peo-
Pies party state convention last
night completed the nomination of
the following ticket: Justice of SUI
preme court, four years, Frank Dos
ter, of Marion; six years, Ed S. Wa
terbury, of Lyon, B. F. Milton, of
Ford; congressman-at-larg j. D.
Botkin, of Cowley; lieutenant gov
ernor, Fred J. Close, of Ellis; attor-
ney general, +. M. Pearl, of Brown;
treasurer, D. w. Heff1ebower, of
Miami; superintendent of public in
struction, F. c. Powell. of Reno; SUI
perintendent of insurance, D. j.
Hart, of Norton.
The convention was the scene of
a lively contest all day in regard to
the question of fusion with the dem
ocrats. There were a large number
of straight-out popuists ia the con-
vention who wanted ticket nomi-
mated without reference to the
wishes of the democrats. While this
element was numerous enough to
put up a strong fight, it could not
control the policy of the conven-
ton. Fusion was accordingly adopt
ed. The above ticket was submitted
to the democratic state convention
late last night and will become a
part of the democratic ticket. The
democrats, in their convention in
Wichita last month, nominated a
governor and the other state Off
GERS except those yesterday chosen
by the populists. By this sort of
combina ton the allied forces hope to
overcome the provisions of the anti
fusion law.
Very turbulent scenes marked the
progress of the meeting yesterday.
Senator Harris, the temporary chair
man, delivered keynote address in
the morning. This session was
peaceable, consisting only in the ap-
pcintment of the usual committees.
In the afternoon the fusion crowd,
after securing the organization, at
tempted to railroad" the proceed
ings in favor of amalgamation with
the democrats. Then the battle
started. At numerous periods dur
ing the afternoon the 700 or more
delegates appeared to be all talking
at once, so great was the confusion.
determined to defeat the designs of
the other element.
On only one matter-the selection
Of Senator Harris for temporary
chairman-was there anything Like
unanimity displayed. Every other
step the convention took was con-
tested vigorously.
There was considerable talk late
last night to the effect that the anti.
fusion crowd will bolt the nominal
tions and meet to-day for the pur-
pose of nominating another ticket
The opposition to the fusion idea is
so pronounced that the leaders of
the party would not be surprised to
see such a move on the part of the
boilers. Those opposing fusion say
they never will endure the idea of
voting with the democrats and will
maintain their party name at any
cost.
The following platform was
adopted:
peoples party declared in our last
national platform
Second-We demand the initiative and
referendum as necessary to secure need
borer and producer and to reform ex-
listing abuses.
Third-We demand the enactment of
primary election law, which will secure
fair expression by the voters of all po-
Htica1 parties in the selection of candf-
dates for county and other Offices.
Fourth-We~ approve and fndorse the
declarations of the democratic state plat
form upon the subjects of trusts. railway
commission, taxation Of corporations,
ownership by cities of their public util-
tiles, discriminating freight rates and
free transportation of persons, govern
ment ownership of railroads, direct legis-
latton, minority representation, also its
declaration with respect to Cuba and the
Philippine islands.
Fifth-We rejoice over the practically
unanimous adoption of the initiative and
referendum amendment to the constitu-
ton of the state of Oregon, which was
Endorsed by all parties, at the recent cleo
ton there.
Sixth-We denounce the republican par.
ty for its subserviency to trusts and
combines, its maintenance of unneceS-
sary and burdensome tariff on trust
made goods and for its refusal to afford
promised relief to Cuba. by reducing the
enormous duty charges on sugar-ths
chief product of that island.
Seventh-We denounce the election law
enacted by the republicans as a master
piece of injustice and an abuse of power
for partisan purposes unparalleled In our
history. IL Oepr1VeS any party OF the
right to nominate the candidates of its
choice, where such candidates have been
previously nominated by any other par
ty. 1t puts premium on ignorance and
blind devotion to party, and in every way
harasses the independent voter in the ex-
ercise of his franchise. It renders it more
difficult for the voter to express his
preferences and seeks to disfranchise, to
as great an extent possible. the oppo-
sition to the party in power. 1t pervertS
the Australian ballot law to an instru-
ment of oppression and puts countless OBJ
stacles in the way of an honest ballot
and q fair count. The liberty of the
peOple is not onIy menaced hut over