Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1902-06-27
THE CONVENTION AND ITS RESULT.

The Peoples party state convention was held
at Topeka on Tuesay, in the new auditorium,
and strong state ticket was placed in the field.
Shortly after 10 o'clock, Chairman Ridgley,
of the state committee, called the convention
to order, and temporary organization was ef-
fected Senator w. A. Harris was the only
person mentioned for temporary chairman, and
he was elected with hurrah.
Senator Harris made ringing speech, full OF
patriotism, and admonished the delegates that
it was their duty to rebuke the political pirates
who, by passing the Republican election law at
the last session of the legislature, sought to
disfranchise large portion of the citizens OF
the state and to wipe the Peoples party out OF
existence. The Senator denounced the law as
one of the most damnabe pieces of legislation
ever enacted. He counseled union of forces
of all who believe in free Speech free ballot
and a fair count. He urged that the convention
take such action as will restore TO the voter the
libery to cast his ballot as he chooses, "wthout
let or hindrance."
After Senator Harris address, the usual COM
mittees were selected, besides one to meet with
like committee from the Democratic commit
tee, which was then in session.
Then the convention adjourned till O'Clock.
The whole theme of conversation among the
delegates was, Chow can we get together hon.
orably?" Scarcely delegate would listen to
abandoning the party name or organization.
Almost to man, they chung tenaciously to the
name-not that the name had any charm about
it, but because, under the Peoples party ban
ner, many battles had been fought and many
victories won, and many reforms were inaugu-
rated that have not yet been crystalized into
being, though the leaven is yet working. I'm
der the teachings of Populist papers and speak
ers and workers, many Democrats have had
their eyes opened, and that party, in Kansas
and other western states, has adopted Populist
ideas and incorporated them in their platforms.
Even the Republicans have taken up some of
'fool Pop notions," and have at least made
pretense of adopting them. Is it any wonder,
then, that Populists should cling to their name
and their organization?
Nearly all of the afternoon session was de-
voted to The discussion Of how to get together
without the sacrifice of honor or the ABANDON
ment of the party organization. All recognized
the fact that we are Cup against it"--all on
account of the nefarious Republican election
law.
The plan evolved by the conference commit
mittee-which had also been sumitted by sew
eral speakers-was this:
The Populists were to name candidates for
those offices not already provided for by the
Democratic convention at Wichita. The DEM
ocrats to nominate these men named by the Pop
ulists. The Populists to nominate the men
named by the Democrats, besides their own
candidates, This makes two distinct tickets,
though containing the same candidates. The
tickets will be submitted to the secretary of
state, for filing. 1t is then cup to- the secre
tary of state to accept both tickets and file
them. or refuse to file one or the other. If he