The independent., 1903-09-17

The DEhvER CONFERENCE

The DEhvEh CUNFthtNCe
1Er. Long Criticiz.s Inc .zidd;s d the Ss=s
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Democracy
Editor Independent: The comments
we have seen in republican papers on
the Denver conference would indicate
that the republican party is not only
gratified at the action taken by the
ropulist party, but Is interested In the
same. Such comments are to De
viewed in the light OF those made by
the same paper in behalf OF the
craftsmanship Of Grover Cleveland.
The reform element must learn that
IL it wishes to accomplish anything It
must not allow itself 10 be cut UP into
opposing and warning factions. This
has always been the tactics OF the
privileged few when the people de-
n.anded reform in governmental al
fairs giving equal rights to all ana
special privileges to none
In 1896, when the reform forces
were uniting for the greatest conte t
ever witnessed between the masses and
tho classes, the middle-Cf-the-road
pCpulists voted with the republicans
while "old line democrats" voted the
Palmer-Buckner ticket, and thus was
lost to the cause the strength that was
gained from other reform sources
This division OF forces was planned
by the money power and executed by
the republican party and gold demo-
Gratis.
Ever since the reformation of the
democratic party in 1896, there has
been an effort upon the part OF the
gold democrats to gain control OF the
party organization and make the DEM
ocratic party so much like the repuD-
llcan party that to the privileged few
ii will make little or no difference
which party wins. In this the gold
democrats are being aided by repub-
li1ans. And now, lest their attempts
should prove futile, the middle-of-the
road populists have been induced TO
ccme out from among the republican
party where they have been hiding and
Dsnting. ana issue "a call to arms OF
Als former populists. No one can ques-
!ion their right in this matter, but
their motives surely are not above
suspicion. The call. coming at time
when the democratic party is attempt
Ing to prevent its organization from
being captured by the political bandits
Of American politics, has for its evi
dent intention the disorganization O
the democratic party. and the promo
tion Of the schemes of the reorganizer'
with the hope of founding great par
IT. out of the wreckage But this is
delusive hope. The democratic part.
l., not wrecked, nor does it's strengt
depend upon middle-of- -the-road pop
ulists. Neither will the democrati
party be reorganized.
The democratic party as It wa
purged, cleansed and purified in 1885,
Is the greatest reform element wit
which organized greed has to conten
ard is stronger today than ever befor-
The sentiments voiced in the Chicas
and Kansas City platforms, togethe
with a nominee whom money con.
rot corrupt or buy, made it the party Q
all true reformers and such it is today
TIE action of the Denver conferene
will not weaken the cause OF demot
racy, but will stimulate every voti
within it's ranks to increased watcl
fulness, and in the contest OF l9t
the middle-of-the-rOad populists WI
present the humiliating spectacle
again voting the republican tick
while all sincere reformers will
found component part OF the Brys
democracy. j. MARlON Lung.
Versailles 0.
evidently Mr. Longs knoWied
regarding the Denver conference w
gained by reading the republican
pers he mentions. He has certain
rot kept in touch with the moveme
b. reading populist papers, or
would have known that the Call
Arms" was issued by J. A. Edgertc
secretary of the peoples party nation
committee appointed at the Sioux Fa
convention, which nominated Bry
and Towne; he would have kno'
that the majority of those prese
were what are known as fusion pc
ulists'-that is to say, populists "
threw their heartiest support to
t~4L 1909 N 1Q00 Pr