The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1902-05-11
COL. FITCH
SOUNDS TOCSIN
In Notable Interview He Talks
for Democracy
utTlMATUM TO POPULISTS
Should Elect Now Between
Democrats and Republicans.

ssThe Democratic convention viii not be
postponed at the request Of the Populists.
F. The Democratic state convention will be
held at the time advertised"
The above were the words of the Demo-
cratic leader Col. Thomas G. Fitsh, last
night They were uttered with an en-
phasis that.Ief no doubt that Col Fitch
meant just what he said, and there is
little doubt that he expressed the senti-
ment Of the Democratic party Of Kan
sas.
There has been more or less talk among
the Populists here THAI the convention
would be adjourned to a later date, in
order to effect fusion and the Populist
endorsement Of Rose for congress in the
Seventh district, il was claimed, would
be q big factor in inducing the Demo-
Gratis to listen to the advice of the Pc,2u-
list leaders.
Col Fitch was alone in his office when
q reporter for the Eagle called and pro-
pounded the question that brought the
above emphatic answer NOW remem-
Der" he continued. that am only Civ
fng my own individual opinion in regard
20 this matter. have talked with most
Of the delegates in this county 10 the
Democratic convention. as well as with
some others, and that is the conclusion
that Z have reached and 1 viii add that
] think that is the proper thing TO do.
People who viii stop TO reason will at
snce consent that the only object to be
accomplished by a fusion is to beat the
Republican party. 1t is almost conceded
BY the Democratic leaders this year that
10 combination can be FORMED with suf-
fioient strength to beat the Republican
parry in this state. And assuming that
there is some truth in this. what would
be accomplished by fuslon2 If we are
going TO be beaten at the election. I want
20 go down under a Democratic name
ard under the Democratic banner.
II have no political aspirations at this
time. ] am speaking what I think is best
for the Democratic party. 1 would not
be an applicant for any position if the
Democrats should elect the next presi-
dent I simply state this to show that I
have no selfish interest in what 1 am
saying
You VIII perhaps remember that it
was charged that the Democrats Of this
county We're responsible for the fusion
that elected Lewelling governor of this
state. We were then charged with hav-
Ing entered into a conspiracy to disrupt
the Democratic party aRd wipe it out
cf,existence in the state Of Kansas. If
our action could be construed that way.
/ now want the Democracy of this
county to lead the column in its re-estab-
10
plshed by fusion this year.
Now, for the sake OF argument. let it
be supposed that the Democrats would
put of their convention and form an al
lance with the Populists under some
other name. Then in that case in two
years from now, when the great national
contest comes around. the great Demo
cratic party of this state would have to
petition TO get "a place on the official
BALLOT of Kansas. Shades Of jefferson
end Jackson could they ever contem-
plate such a thing as that in a state
where the Democratic party has an or
ganization in every township in the one
hundred and FIVE counties OF the state?
1.-THE Populist party has no effect
I've organization today in all this
country. outside Of Kansas and Nebras-
ka, and what could Democrats expect
TO accomplish by surrendering their or
ganization and going 20 it? / want #
understood that I am Offering no apology
for what I have done in the past nor
have / any regrets for il. I did what
considered best at the time and we won
out; and in politics might makes right.
4 want the Democratic convention to
nominate a full set OF candidates and
place them on q Democratic ticket and !
want every man on il ii elected to owe
his success to the Democratic party.
would not be too particular about mems
former affiliations I would be willing to
place man like Senator Harris or Dave
Overmeyer on the Democratic ticket for
governor ana man like Frank Doster
for supreme Judge As have remarked.
I would not be particular about former
associations. IL would not make any
difference II they had formerly been a
Populist or q Silver Republican.
Conditions today have eliminated the
money question. and it ough; TO be the
policy Of the Democratic party Of this
state To unite the Pouulists and Silver Re
publicans with il. The time is now ripe
for the Popuiist To elect whether he is
going TO oe a Democrat or "a Republican.
If the Democratic party cannot offer him
better Inducements to come 10 it than
the Republican party offers him ne had
better go over 10 the Republican party:
and the sooner he does. the sooner he viii
feel At home.
1t is rare that q negative influence is
productive Of good. and The Populist will
think more Of Tho Democratic party if it
zscrEzZD