The independent., 1903-12-03
The ONO SLUMP
Mr. Zuckrisgsl Says liquidation Of the
Kansas City Platform Caused the Over
whelming Democratic Defeat
In Ohio

In Ohio
There seems to be considerable diff
ference of opinion as to what caused
the heavy democratic defeat in Ohio.
In the communication below, Mr..
Zuckriegel seems confident that the
elimination of silver from the plat
form was the chief cause. Possibly
he may be correct. Assuming that
he Is, and that the Mclean democrats
also knitted the ticket, it is not hard
to see why Johnson was showed under
by nearly 117000.
the inability of the democratic par
ty to deal with its traitors and sum-
marily expel them, suggests this:
What hope is there for reform? The
republican party has during its exer-
else Of power been a consistent de-
fender of special privileges; 1t caters
to the wealthy few by giving them
the power to tax millions and billions
OF wealth from the real producers; 1t
retains power by appealing to stom-
ach arguments like the full dinner
pail" The democratic party has nev-
er been any better--when 1t gained
power; and 1t has never been able to
win when 1t seemed certain 1t would
do better. What Is to be done? AS
The Independent views it, the only
hope is that the peoples party may
grow strong enough to win. But even
1t will be no better, once 1t gains the
requisite strength, unless precautions
are taken to effect an organization
that will permit its traitors to be sum-
marily expelled by referendum vote,
upon proper showing. The party
organization of the future--the one
which will finally win and respond to
the wishes of Its cOnstituents-must
have an enrolled membership; it
must make nominations direct, with
out conventions; it's campaign funds
must come from It's membership and
not from seekers after monopoly
privileges; 1t must be built upon the
principles OF majority rule.
AS at present organized the demo-
cratic party Is helpless. The peoples
party is disorganized. There is no
hope of defeating the republican party
next year, except by some such man
as Gorman-and tnat would be worse
than a republican victory. But now
Is the time to perfect an organization
that will accomplish something in the
future. Whether it will be done is a
question-but that it should be done,
there Is no doubt Mr.. Zuckriegel says:
Editor Independent: The false con-
struction that is being placed on the
result of the late Ohio election by the
press OF the country has become SO
unbearable to me that am tempted
to ask space in the columns of your
paper to give correct version Of the
causes that led up to this Waterloo.
ask this privilege for the benefit of
sincere adherents to the principles
senunciated in the democratic platform
adopted at Chicago in 1896 and re-
iterated at Kansas City in 1900, par
ticularly the so-called silver plank,
SO that they (bimetallists) may take
encouragement instead of despair
from this Ohio occurrence.
Since the presidential election in
1900, Mr.. Tom l.. Johnson, supposed
friend of Mr.. Bryan, has been the
moving and controlling spirit of the
democrats of Ohio, but, instead of CO.
operating with the so-called Bryan
element of the party, he has been do
ing the direct reverse, in his prefer
ments, official and otherwise; loyal
democrats had no show il bolter
or reorganization disciple could be
found. thus studiously working to get
the party organization into the hands
of the enemy. although pretending
friendship for the national platform
to which at the last two state conven-
tions he gave apparent Endorsement,
but in reality repudiated so far as
applies TO silver. which latter the rank
and file accepts as the soul OF said
platform.
Al the state convention OF 1901 n
resolution indorslng the Kansas City
platform was voted down. this caused
such protest from the voters as 10
bring the politicians to a realization
that this course would not do. SO
Just before the next following eonven-
ti0n. MIR. Johnson gave Il out that the
Kansas City platform would have to
he acknowledged, because. the na.
tlonai convention. only. had right
20 make change aud that party reg.
tliAflty demanded adherence until SC
changed. This was 10 hold the silver
-. "a.