The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1904-04-07
Rousing Populist Convention
Straight Party Action
the Slogan.

Dickey, J. M. Isom, F. M. Tomlinson,
Jim Farrens, e. T. Thompson.
Houston: D. l. Finn, O. F. Glib
son, T. P. Farrell, H. Pitzer, e. Mitch
ell, H. L. Abercombie.
The committee on resolutions
Messrs. j. A. Wright, John Mollison,
and w. H. Lyon--reported q platform
reaf1irming the former state and ma
tional platforms, declaring for the
referendum, initiative and imperative
mandate; for a scientific paper mon-
ey, for public ownership Of public
Utilities; and, touching state matters,
some caustic references to State Treas
IieI Kelly, Senator Burton and CanCi-
date Hoch. 1t wound up by declaring
that the chaotic condition Of the old
parties renders independent actiCE
imperative on the part of the peoples
rat in nation, state and county.
This plank was received with the
&. eatest applause.
Election of delegates was then taken
iup, resulting in the delegations given
at the beginning OF this cOrrespon-
dence. Every man nominated for
delegate was called upon to express
his position as to party policy. Ev-
cry one declared for straight party ac-
ton and against any attempt at fIl-
sion.
The congressional delegation was
instructed to use all honorable means
to secure the nomination Of John Mol
lison for congress and well informed
men tell me that his chances are
good for securing it. Mr.. Mollison II
one Of the Old Guard, having come
all the way over the trail" He was
one OF the early greenbackers In IL
linois in the seventies and has been
fighting for reform ever since. At one
time he lived in Cass county, Neb.,
near Weeping Water. He wears tho
| little bronze button OF the G. A. r.
The only crime could find charged
up against John Mollison is that he
has too kind heart. Back In the al
lance days out here John started q
store. There was an agreement on his
part to be content with ten per cent
profit on his investment--or, rather,
to sell his goods On margin of ten
per cent, which is somewhat differ
ent. On the other hand there was an
agreement by the alliance people to
pay cash. Everything worked like a
charm for time; but finally the blue
days of '93 and '94 came around. Cash
payments were impossible. People
must have the necessaries of life or
starve. Mollison's big heart could not
send away empty handed the teller OF
tale of hard times. The ten per cent
margin was retained-but the cash
payments we're abandoned.
For time he was doing a fifty
thousand dollar business. He quit IN
debt, with thousands of dollars owing
to him. my debtors,' he told me,
ARE scattered over Oklahoma, Oregon.
Washington, Texas and elsewhere
some of them live here yet. After I
quit, I went into the bridge business
and made money enough to pay the
debts owed-but can't get anything
that's owing to me-"
| am looking for the populists Of
Smith county to clean the platter this
fall. They have the air Of success
about them, and with such a man a.
Thompson at the head of the cam.
paign. and Joe Wright making The
Messenger a stronger populist paper
every week, don't see how they can
lose. The republicans are scared
that's evident; and there aren't very
many democrats.
Socialism isn't making much head
way here. find One OF the leading
populists some time ago made up his
mind that the peoples party was sim-
ply walking around 10 save an UNDER
takers bill. and accordingly sub
scribed for the Appeal TO Reason with
the intention OF becoming a socialist.
Il studied II faithfully" he said.
"but the more read the farther away
| got from socialism. II may 20 all
right with factory hands. but there's
nothing In socialism for farmers.'
have enrolled the lis delegates To
the Smith county convention IA mem-
bers cf The Vanguard OF Pupulizm.
Two Of them have already enrolled il
the Old Guard. and Al OF them hare
Old Guard invitations which they
have neglected TO answer. Letters