The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1903-08-20

lUIluS. why oO
l am quite certain that the asser-
tons that the dle-of-the-road
pcpulists are dishonest, is as a rule a
mistake. There are dishonest men in
dll parties and doubtless there are
some in the e-of-the-road wing
cf the popuiist party, but am conf
cent that the majority of them were
honest, though mistaken in their ac-
ton of 1896 and 1900.
The assertion that "the most note
worthy part of the new platform is it's
failure to deal with several vial is
sues of the day." is total misconcep-
ton of the aim and purpose Of the
Denver conference. 1t was distinctly
understood that we had no authority
20 promulgate platform and that the
vital issues are continued in the Oma-
ha platform of July 4, 1892.
We do repeat in substance the
address, the cardinal doctrines Of
ropulism; but it must be said with a
cue degree of modesty that The Com
n:oner, not being populist, does not
stand in position to tell populists
what they shall put in or take out Of
their platform or address.
| have been and am yet firm and
loyal supporter of Mr. Bryan. I would
vote for him for president in a con-
ventiOn or out of it, and confidently
Eelieve that the time will come when
ne will reach the goal of his ambition
and where, in consequence of his great
ability, he can be of incalculabie SER
vice to the nation.
But we did not support Mr.. Bryan
Lecause he was populist or because
lie accepted the doctrines of our plat
forms; nor are we prepared to say
that, Mr.. Bryan himself not being in
the race, he has any right to furnish
us candidate for the presidency or
tC. direct us as to the course we shall
pursue. If there was the slightest
hope of Mr.. Bryan controlling the ma
tlCnal convention of his party and re-
ceiying the nomination; if it were not
apparent that the reactionary element
Of his party will dominate its next
convention, there might be some rea-
sen for populists to hesitate before is
suing an address to the people.
Respecting fusion" or more prop
elly speaking cooperation in the
state it will be observed that the op-
position extends only to national po-
l;tical action. 1t was directly under
sc cd in the conference that each state
should be left to control its own local
affairs; that the policy of fusion or Of
Independent action should be deter
r.ined by parties of the respective
states, and I feel confident that no
member of the conference hal the
slightest intention to refuse honorable
cooperation locally as long as that
Can be done to the advancement of our
cause.
That Judge Sullivan will receive the
nomination of the populists Cf this
state and their hearty support for the
great Office he has filled with such
signal ability, is a foregone Conclu-
sion. But assaults on populists and
their motives, and carping criticism
will not have tendency to induce
them to give their full strength to
democratic nominees. It would, in my
judgment, be the part of wisdom for
democrats and populists to work in
harmony on issues held in common;
and neither should make any attempt
At disorganizing the other, but appeal
tC the intelligence of the people to
support the party that challenges
their enlightened Judgment.
The populist party is national
entity in spite of protest or bitter
criticism. 1t will pursue the course it
thinks wise and best and will continue
tc exist and grow. 1t has no intention
cf dying.
1t is going to considerable length
1or democrats to say that the populist
PARTY should disband and be absorbed
ty the democratic party. With equal
lropriety populists can say that the
democratic party should disband and
he absorbed by the populist party
which in my judgment would be the
wiser thing to do.
If indirectly lending assistance to
the republican party is thing to be
avoided, and think it is, this can be
as easily accomplished by the demo-
Gratis becoming populists as by pop
uiists becoming democrats.
By all means let us have perfect
harmony in our local action that we
ray accomplish needed reforms; and
let those who are sneeling at and
Questioning each others motives,
fo he