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

rublicans," as Bryan calls those who
disbelieve in his fusion policy, or will
they drop the democratic name which
has SO often spelled defeat in the last
forty years, and join Che united peo-
RE s party where they have belonged
since the campaign of 1892? Even
should the Bryan democrats succeed
in retaining control of the party ma
chinery and nominate the candidates,
they could not hope to hold tho east
ern wing, and the result would be the
same as in the last two campaigns
one more democratio defeat. Does
Bryan court another such disaster? Is
he optimistic enough to believe that
the democratic party, guided by his
counsel, no matter how wise 1t may be
or seem to be, can win? II not, then
why should he continue to follow the
ignis fatuus of democracy? Why not
jSoin forces with those who believe IL /
his principles under another and bet
ter name? He could not easier or
more surely defeat the plans of the
eastern reorganizers, for with Bryan
and his following out of the demo-
cratic party what would they have
left but handful of assistant repub-
licans?" Let all who believe in the
principles of the Omaha, Chicago and
Kansas City platforms get together
rext year under the united peoples
Earty banner and victory will be In
sight. Meanwhile the work OF organ
ization, education and unification must
60 on this year, as next year after the
national conventions are held will be
too late-James Flannigen, in Her
aid, TT. Morgan, Colo.
MANY populists feel that it is use
less to keep on trying to help one
wing Of the democratic party defeat
the other wing, and at the same time
let the corporation element that Is IN
control of the republican party run the
affairs of the government. There are
thousands of republicans who co not
like the way things are running IN
their party, but who can see nothing
better in the democratic party 1t Is
time for all forces who want reform to
get together.-Jason L. Claflin, in Ord
(Neb.) Journal (pop.).
"A GENEROUS CRITIC"
Even as mild and generous critic
ss Mr.. Bryan does not hesitate TO say
that the Denver conference resulted
in a surrender of honest populists to
the mid-road populists, who have
worked in collision with the republi-
cans since 1896. When men like Sen
ator Allen go over to crowd like that
they destroy confidence. A half dozen
m embers of the national committee
are not the party, and it is safe to say
that Senator Allen will be socialist
republican or out of politics by this
time next year.-C. d. Casper, III Press
ldeml, David City, Neb.
Undoubtedly Mr.. Casper is right:
"A half dozen members OF the national
committee are not the party
neither is Mr.. Bryan nor Mr.. Casper
Bid we raise any hullabaloo some time
ego when an exclusive democratic"
press association was formed, and
populist editors excluded except as
they declared themselves democrats?l
James Flanagan, editor of the Her
aid, Fort Morgan, Colo. only peo-
rle's paper in Morgan county" prints
Edgerton's call for the Colorado state
conference, the Denver manifesto,
come editorials from The Independent
(teing duly credited as besecms a
good populist) and cracking good
editorial of his own production, which |
The Independent quotes elsewhere.
AS TO FUSION.
Notwithstanding the decision Of the
reform forces at the Denver confer |
cree against it, it appears certain that
the fusion policy will prevail in Ne
braska again this year. The rank and
file of both the populists and demo-
Gratis are opposed to fusion, but those
who want Office are bound to cling tol
fusion.--C. Clinton Page, in Progress
(Ionl Holdrege Neh.