The independent., 1903-11-26
as POPULIsM DEAD"

query prOpOunded by John A. Barker,
editor of the Franklin (Neb.) Sentinel.
Why, bless your soul, no. Popuiism
isn't dead. 1t couldn't die If it want
ed to. But the peoples party-as a
political organization-is about as
nearly dead as its most ardent enemy
could wish. 1t has no organization to
speak of outside of Nebraska and
Colorado. Down in Kansas, by aid OF
the ballot law, it died officially last
year. To get on the ticket next year
it must resort to a petition.
Populism is revolt against having
this country run solely in the interest
of manufacturers, bankers, railroad
magnates and trusts. 1t is a protest
because some one Of the old parties
does not fairly and squareiy stand for
the economic interests of the great
common people. When it seemed prob
able that for once in the history of
the democratic party, it was standing
squarely for the interests Of the peo-
pie as against the trusts, ETC., then
the reason for the existence of the
peoples party seemed gone-and a real
fusion was effected in most states by
the populists going bodily into the
democratic party. In Nebraska alone
the populists maintained their party
integrity, yet joined hands with the
democratic party; this was co-opera-
tion, and not fusion" as il is nearly
always called.
rs fusion at an end?" further quer-
les Mr.. Barker. And he answers:
Ia
of but one answer-oppOsites The
last must be answered first and
while we are not the only blade
Of grass on the prairie we give
1T as our unqualified opinion that
the fusion Of the popullst and
democratic parties will never
again be accomplished in Frank
lin country or on the State ticket
in Nebraska There may OF course
be a few isolated instances where
the leaders of the two parties will
succeed in combining their forces,
but in the main this once popular
method Of securing democratic
control is at an end. But if fusion
is persisted in, then populism is
dead and there will be no resur-
rection,
''On the other hand il the pop
ulists strike boldly out, giving no
quarter and asking none, their
success sooner or later is prac-
tically assured. So long as cor
porate evils exist there is work
for the masses, and past events
.,d show plainly that no relief will
ever. come from either of the old
parties. Populist faith will en-
dure and the principles must and
will live on until such time at
least that equality before the law
is guaranteed to every citizen"
Mr.. Barker is. correct in his opin-
lon that fusion" is at an end.
There is no continued necessity for
two parties advocating substantially
the same principles and representing
the same class of people. Nothing ex-
cept the fear that the democratic par
ty would abandon it's 1896 aid 1900
principles, has kept together what lit
tie remains Of the peoples party.
That this fear is not groundless is
evidenced by the success of German
in Maryland, the defeat of Johnson In
Ohio, the gain in Iowa on a coward
ly'' platform, etc.
Everything indicates the need for
the revival of the peoples party. The
democratic party has shown it's in
capacity for dealing with traitors in
its own ranks. 1t cannot win with
true friend of the people like Bryan
at the front; and victory with a
German or Parker or Cleveland would
be the most CALLING defeat. Cooper.
alton has accomplished considerable
good in state and national way, but
1t Is only temporary measure at
best. The peoples party, by build
ing up its own organization, aud pur-
suing an independent course. can soon
become the real balance of power and
accomplish more than In any other
way.
The immediate work at hand Is to
secure an enrolment OF all populsts
who believe In maintaining the party
organization and keeping straight
ahead course.
SSSS>c<$
HISS HIM OUT
An old worker In the cause OF the
common people. ''of whom God made
so many" writes To the editor. Our
pop sheriff SAYS he takes thirteen pa