The independent., 1904-01-21

about as the ''anti-fusionv laws OF
Kansas and some other states.
There's such a catalogue Of difficult
ties to contend with, that l see but
little hope for the populist party
with no funds to support even a mea-
gre campaign, it is not possible tc or
ganize or "reorganize" for the COM
ing election. But it is cheerful to see
the zeal with which most OF the oid
Guard write. May heaven bless them;
they have not lived in vain.
I believe the pOpulists stand for
haven of happiness for mankind,
happy medium between centralized
socialism on the one hand and selfish
despotism on the other. Representing
a money system, land system and
transportation for the masses and not
the classes; yet leaving each indi-
vidual free in the walks of life to
choose and ply his own vocation with
equal access and opportunity.
But perfection OF the plan does not
mean success of the cause. For Jesus
the Christ-a perfect man with per-
feet cause the object Of which was to
insure mans happiness on earth and
in eternity-was reviled, repulsed and
rejected; and though today the JUS
tice, grandeur and glory of his cause
is admitted, his followers are divided
into sects and factions all over the
world. The intense honesty and earn
estness of each in his zeal, keeps them
further apart than even in a political
party.
1t is this partisan feeling in human
ity that must be used in forming po-
litical movements.
| hope the February conference at
st. Louis will take this into consid-
Grafton in forming their plans.
Labor will enter this campaign in
gloom and despair; his dinner pail is
no longer full.
The capitalist class has inflated Sc
curities until productive wealth will
not earn sustaining wage and diyi-
dends on billions of bonds, stocks,
etc. So wages are reduced every
where.
No outside supply of shining gold
in vast quantities from the Klondike.
No Spanish war on hand with the
government as disbursing and pur-
chasing agent into millions among
the people. All this will open the
way to better visw of the real situa-
| tion this time.
There must be some common ground
| named and such liberal spirit shown
as will bring the Bryan democrats,
reform republicans and pOpulists to-
gether. There will be but few eociai-
ist votes go to any but socialist can
didates this election-they are too
radical and jealous to make any con-
cessions.
| My want of faith in the democratic
party makes it deplorable and all but
hopeless in that way; yet | must con-
fess that I see but little hope except
| through the Bryan element of that
party; il they surrender to the Cleye-
/ land crowd all is lost for this cam
paign at least.
! But if we can bring the populists to-
| gether at st. Louis and place the work
in liberal patriotic hands, we may be
| able to inspire or force the reform
element of the old parties to action
they would not otherwise take.
| would like to attend the ST. Louis
meeting, but as am not a member oil
either of the committees | shall leave
| them to do what "seemeth best with
out any advisory influence might
have as outsider; but | do think the
meeting is an important one.
With ever-increasing respect for
you and those like you throughout
our country, who have stood for JUS
tice as against greed, for the masses
against the classes, and labored to
build up hope and happiness and
peace and prosperity for our people
| am, with best wishes,
j. II. DAVIS.
Sulphur Springs, Tex.