The independent., 1903-06-04

49,
first page last week, has called forth
considerable comment from the poll
ticians. Some are inclined to criti-
else him for his position because he
was elected governor in 1898 by demo-
cratic and populist votes, the candi-
date of both parties. But it is mani
festly unjust to say that because he
was the standard-bearer of the COM
bined forces at one time he is forever
precluded from expressing an opinion
as to the future policy of his OWL
party.
Thousands of western populists, and
especially in Nebraska, supported the
cause of cooperation or fusion" be-
cause they had implicit faith in the
honesty and sincerity Of Mr.. Bryan,
yet many of them knew that such CO.
operation meant populist party disin-
tegration. They have still the same
admiration for and faith in Mr.. Bryan
but they are by no means sure that
his party will remain true to its prin-
ciples enunciated in '96 and 1900.
Further, they feel that if the demo-
cratic party is to retain it's progres
sive element, it must itself progress.
Mere platitudes about control of
railroads, for example, will no longer
satisfy the man who desires public
ownership.
What the democratic party will 10
next year no man can tell. The Bry-
an element may control-and if so,
none will rejoice more than the pop
ulists, even though it means loss of
party strength to them; and in many
states a virtual wiping out OF the
party. For populists place principles
above party or men.
But the Cleveland wing may cop-
trol-and at this time the indications
point strongly to this, although mu III
may be done to change things in a
year. And if the Cleveland wing con-
trolls, it means that the populists must
have, and will have, national ticket
in the field.
The populist party organization,
outside of Nebraska and Kansas, is
practically dis organization. And
this has been caused by cooperation
or fusion" Sensible populists are
not complaining about it-they simply
recognize it as a fact. the result ii
their own deliberate act, done know
ingly.
But they are populists yet, regard
less of lack of party machinery, and
dc not purpose to help the eastern
,plutocratic wing of democracy. Hence,
on the eve of a presidential campaign
they begin to ask, where are we
att? They expect to be: ready for
battle next year. And Governor
Poynter voices the sentiment of thou
sands who are not quarreling over
the past, but are simply looking to
the future.
Here in Nebraska 1t seems incum-
bent upon the populists to meet ia
convention and nominate Judge Sulli-
van and Regents Won Forell and Ken
over. These gentlemen have good
records and deserve, reelection re-
gardless of party affiliation. But ther's
is no need of a "two-ringed" conven-
ton to do this. No need Of an all
night session getting together" #
the democrats, when they meet in
convention, feel that the populist
nominees are the proper ones, they
can indorse the populist ticket
The campaign will doubtless be a
quiet one. Following republican pre-.
cedent our fusion judges have become
too "dignifed" to go on the stump;
and this mantle of dignity has been
stretched to cover their clerks who,
under the resounding title of ''com-
missioners of the supreme court" ape