The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-01-06
AT THE CRISIS.
Senator Mcmillan Thinks Dem.
ocrats Should Be Awake.

Senator Harry Mcmillan, of ottawa
county, believes that the Democrats of
Kansas have a great opportunity be-
fore them just now, that is, if their
leaders Will act along the lines of
broad and constructive statesman
ship" He favors taking in Populists
and disgI unified Republicans and Civ
ing every body a seat at the pie table
as far as possible, without reference to
previous condition of political servi-
tude.
Il think the Democratic party in
Kansas has reached a crisis said Sen
ator Mcmillan today, ''but what its
duty is in this crisis is a difficult ques-
ton to answer I don't like to under
take a statement, inasmuch as the rec
ognized leaders of the party in this
state have maintained silence in re-
gard to future Democratic policies. To
me. however, the duty of the Demo-
cratic party in Kansas seems quite
plain. I think the party never before
in its history had as great an oppor
tunity as at present, nor have its pros
poets been as brilliant and f1attering as
right, providing, however, its organiza-
ton and management shall be charac-
terized by broad and constructive
craftsmanship, and above all by Hber-
atty and unselfShnesS. From what I
hear as a Democrat I think the people
generally are dissatisfied with the state
administration all around, and regard
less of what their action may be on ma
tional issues, if they are offered a rea-
sonable alternative I do not believe
they will endorse the Republican state
and legislative tickets at the next cleo
ton.
But the action Of the Democrats
must be perfectly unselfsh, especially
in their attitude and overtures to the
Populists. The Democratic state CEN
trail committee should emphasize this at
its coming meeting. I believe that all
calls issued by state. congressional and
county committees for conferences or
conventions should be broad enough to
take in all opposition to the Republi-
cans. The representation in such con-
ventions, too. should be allotted so as
to do equal and exact justice to all. 1
would also open wide the doors of the
party to all Republicans-and there are
a good many of them-who are dissatis-
fed with present conditions in that
party.
The parable of the laborers in the
vineyard would be good rule of action
to build upon, and it ought to be plain
ly understood that no discrimination
viii be made against the newly arrived
brethren, if they have shown their faith
by their works, but they shall be en-
titled to an equal share of the perqui-
sites and privileges and honors and
emoluments, the same as the balance of
the party.
This may. go against the grain with
some, but believe it is the only way to
Dullu up great and successful party.
With a broad. liberal and progressive
platform, declaring especially for a law
which shall give just and equitable
freightsrates and with determination 70
rise above Doodle, factions and partisan
ship. and with candidates on all the var
1ous tickets pledged to an honest and
economical administration of public af-
fairs, victory ought to be assured
Senator Mcmillan has three separate
and distinct booms on his hands. He can
doubtless be renominated by the fusion
lists for the state senate in the Ottaw:i-
Saline district if he wants it. At the
same time it is said the Democratic CON
gressional nomination in the Fourth dis
trict is camping on his trail, but as it Is
also following some other Democrats, and
Senator Mcmillan does not seem anxious
for it, he is not likely to run for con-
gress. And recently S. L Hale, a Pop
ulist wheel horse, has started boom
for him for governor