The Goodland republic. [volume] (Goodland, Kan.) 1891-1907, 1902-02-28
ESTABLISHED 1886.
NO DEFINITE STAND TAKEN.
Popu1ist Conference Refused to De-
clare for or Against Fusion.
Practically Passes the Matter Up to the
State Committee to Decfde-DeIe-
gates Were Disposed to Put on
Action Until Later.

State Committee to Decide-DeIe-
gates Were Disposed to Put on
Action Until Later.
The peoples party conference con-
vention held at Topeka February q and
and y was largely attended, about 400
delegates being present. Many had ar
rived in Topeka Thursday and Thurs
day night a meeting Of delegates and
others was held in the psrlOrs of the Ma
tional hotel and some good speeches
were made on the issues Of the day and
the future policy Of the party.
On Friday at ten o'clock the conven-
ton was called to order by Chairman
Ridgiey IN the representative hall of the
state capitol During the gathering an
orchestra furnished music. Nearly 400
delegates were present and 70 counties
were represented.
The choice Of Walter n. Allen, Of JEFF
ferson county, by a vote of nearly two to
one over Grant w. Harrington, of brown
county, showed cOncluslvely that the
id-roaders were In the ascendency. The
usual committees were appointed, and
after some speech making, the conven-
ton adjourned until 1:3O p. ~.
At the afternoon session Grant W.
Harrington was chosen permanent chair
man, but this did not prove any change
in the convention, but rather a friendly
compromise. While the convention was
waiting for the report of tie committee
on resolutions, five minute speeches were
allowed to discuss the questions of the
day and the policy OF the party. The
report of the. committee on resolutions
was received, but as it satisfied no one
the report was re-committed and the
convention adjourned for supper.
The evening session brought on the
"tug of war" The committee on reso-
buttons brought in majority and a min
ority report, which were read before the
conference. The majority report was as
follows:
Your committee on resolutions respectfully
submit to the conference the following: We
recommend that state convention of the peO-
pies party OF Kansas be called for the purpose
OF nominating a state ticket. We demand
vigorous campaign in favor Of our state ticket
and for the PRONUNCIATION of the principles of
the peoples party
The minority report was in substance
about as follows:
That the state convention be called at Wichita
on the same date as the democratic state con-
ventiOn and that fusion with the democrats
be effected; provided, that they reaffirm their
platforms Of 1896 and 1870; that One-haf the
ticket be nominated BY the pOpulist conventions
that the other half be nominated by the demo
cratic convention; that both conventions ratify
these nominations; that the name and designa-
ton on the ticket under which they should ap-
pear should be adopted by mutual agreement
and might be either pOpulist or democrat in
name.
The debate was long, earnest fair and
fOrcibIe on the motion to substitute the
minority for the majority report. The
forensic ability displayed by the speak
ers was something remarkable. Whether
one agreed or disagreed with the speak
ers liberal applause followed showing ap-
probation of the skill and ability of the
several orators. Seldom does one have
the opportunity to listen to the elo-
quence displayed in the debate. Among
the speakers was Senator Harris, who
was listened to with marked respect, but
his appeal to the peoples party to re
inforce the democracy, and hold up the
hands of the minority in congress, fell
with little force upon the ears of the ma
iority of the convention.
On the fLal vote the roll was called
by counties and 1651k votes were re
corded for the minority report, and 1885
votes were recorded for the majority
report.
The "straightouts" won out by g ma
jority and the convention adjourned sine
die.
After all the discussion and debate
there was no rupture, no acrimony, IN
friendliness and no breach in the ranks
Of the peoples party. There was only
friendly difference of opinion as to the
methods of cooperation and all were a
unit on maintaining the party organiza-
ton. The convention was a success, all
things considered, and proved to the
people OF Kansas that the populists are
not dead and have not abated a jot or
title Of their allegiance to the principles
ofthe party. They are still force to be
reckOned with J. H STEWART.
Progressive Rajah.
His holiness the rai,b ~ C,,L--