The independent., 1904-01-14
.PopuLIsr-pEmocRArs. VIEWS

in giving a patient hearing-sO, lar
as space will permit-to all who are
actuated by sincere motives in behalf
of reform But it does not, by The
publication of a communication,
thereby give editorial Endorsement to
the views therein expressed. What
it does do, however, is to say in eff
feet, This person is actuated by good
motives and deserves a respectful
hearing"
Hence, the publication of the letter
from Populist-Democrat" on another
page must not be taken as The In
dependents idea of political action to
be taken by populists the coming
year. But there is no doubt Of his
sincerity; and in these days of politi-
cal chaos, there is wisdom in the
counsel of many.
Populist-Democrat has outlined a
model platform. He will have no
trouble in receiving unqualified in
dorsement of it from populists every
where. But grave differences OF opin-
ion will arise over his plan for secur-
ing the enactment of these principles
into law. There is where the hitch
will come.
Few populists-even the most un-
compromising "mid-roaders" - Will
deny that Mr. Bryan wieids larger
influence among the rank and file OF
American citizenship than any other
living man. Few of them entertain
for him other than the kindliest feel
ings, the keenest Of admiration, or the
greatest respect. But populists gen.
erally-the Thoroughbred, "Old
Guard" sort especially-repudiate the
whole idea of leadership" as ii is
generally understood. In other words,
they claim the right to think for
themselves, and to give expression to
their thoughts, without first receiv-
ing a "cue" from the leader" And,
while granting the wonderful inhu-
ence exercised by Mr.. Bryan, they
know that his followers may be di-
vided into three groups: (a) Those
who have the utmost confidence in
Mr.. Bryan, and who are thoroughly
in accord with the principles he
stands for; (b) those who do not
take the trouble to study and under
stand economic and political ques-
tions, but have such implicit conf
dence in Mr.. Bryan as to accept what
ever he says without question; and
(c) those who are looking for seat
at the pie-counter and who care moth
ing for Mr.. Bryan or any other man
or principles-men who simply want
to win.
While this classification is theor-
etically easy to make, it is difficult TO
apply practically even today. But af-
ter the next democratic national con-
yention, it will not be so difficult to
point out those who belong in class
''c' at least-unless those in class "a
should happen to be overwhelmingly
in the majority at that convention.
The Independent does not agree
with "Populist-Democrat's" plan of
action. A few populist representatives
and senators at Washington, as long
as they maintained their party in
tegrity, were to d large degree the
balance of power" but as soon as
they entered the democratic caucus,
and agreed TO be bound by the action
of that body, they lost completely
their power TO influence legislation.
The existence Of a powerful peoples
party from 1899 to 1896. made 1t pos
siblo for the Bryan element In the
democratic party 10 win In the con-
vention of that year. II Is highly
probable that both the democratic and
republican parties In 1896 would have