The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-05-10
STuRESQuE FUSION.
western Politics Loses Some Features in
Playing the Game Straight,

LIN OH, Neb., May s.-Tho tacit agree
nneht among Democrats and Popuists of
the West not to fuse any longer will have
tne enect or taking one interesting and
picturesque feature out o! politics out here
Inc ceremonies attendant upon the getting
together OF two conventions upon the same
hs' OF nominees were Of decidedly hui
morous character, save to those most
vitality Interested.
IL was tn" custom for the chairman OF
Congress or State committees of both
parties, Democratic and Populst, to call q
convention at the same town on the same
DAY 1t was arranged that the conven-
tions should meet in halls as close togeth her
as dignity and the towns facilities would
permit. Then one of the first duties de-
volving upon chairman was 20 appoint a
conference committee to see what the OF her
fellows wanted and try to shake the notion
out of their heads. Both conventions had
previously adopted resolution that no
nomination should be binding until made bv
both conventions.
The seusbl, and business-like way, OF
course, would have been for both conven-
lions to meet in the same hall, and as each
had the same number Of accredited dele.
cations, neither party would have the
advantage and the matter could be speedily
settled. Each party had a job lot of solemn
dignity 10 maintain. however, and the result
was very often ludicrous.
Bill Dcch, one Of the original Populists,
but now a MidRoader with Republican
leanings, picturesque old farmer with
remarkable flow of language and chin
rate while he was talking, told tale re-
Gently of the old days of fusion
The two conventions of Populists and
Democrats had met in Beatrice to nominate
Congressman from the Fourth district.
1t 20 happened that midway between the
two meeting halls was q gilded palace OF
inquity wherein were sold all sorts OF
frewater. and it was picked out by the
first conference committees as good
place in which to arrange matters.
The committees stayed SO long that the
waiting conventions conventions appointed other con-
falling these, still another pair Of COM
mittees sailed forth. All three finally
reported a disagreement, and under the
rule it was necessary to appoint another
ferring 30 attractive that 1t became neoes-
sary for both conventions to adjourn over
supper. and after reconvenin9 the dele
gates were SO scrappy that there came
near being bolt.
Only the presence Of mind of the chairman
saved the day in the Populist convention.
A man named Holden from Butler county,
former leader, had been turned down In
his home county, but he wanted to make a
speech. so Gage county delegate, one
Kretsinger, handed Holden proxy. Holden
was for fusion and said so in no uncertain
terms. At the close of his speech he move
that the convention proceed to indorse the
man nominated by the Democrats.
Kretsinger was on his feet at once and
seconded the motion.
MIR. Chairman" piped up delegate
from the Saline county delegation. Il rise
to point of order. The gentleman from
Gage can't second the motion. He gave
his proxy to the man who just made the
original motion"
But I've given it back to him. yelled
Holden.
YES" called out Kertsinger. 'here it is.
THE point of order raised by the gentle
man from Saline is not well taken, said the
chairman. THE gentleman from Gage
has called in his proxy. he is therefore a
delegate and as such entitled to all of the
rights Of delegate. All in favor Of tho
motion say aye
The ayes had it amid general laugh and
the i'll humor vanished under its magic.