The independent., 1904-06-30
Thomas E. Watson

Thomas f. Watson
Editor Independent: Whether or
not there is any hope for the popullsts
depends upon the action OF the demo-
cratic national convention.
If that body is dominated by such
republicans-in principle-as Cleve-
land, Parker, German and Hill, then
there will be splendid opportunity 10
unite all the reform elements, and to
make stand for the principles OF JEFF
fersonian democracy.
Cleveland wants the nomination and
may get it. If he does, there are hum
dreds of thousands of good democrats
who just will not vote for that Old
plutocratic fraud any more.
Bryan also wants the nomination.
and he may get it. If he does, ne Will
be defeated worse than ever, but ne
will also make it impossible for the
populists to do business. Had he not
seduced our party in 1896, We would
have controlled legislation in 1900. AS
long as he dominates the western pop
ulists and remains within the demo-
cratic party, he simply makes it inn
possible for reform elements to make
headway, There is no more chance to
do anything for the masses through
the democratic or republican parties
than there was for John Wesley to do
anything in the State church OF En-
gland.
Jefferson was compelled to organize
3 new party; SO was Jackson: so were
those who finally elected Lincoln.
You remember how the greenback
party was killed. the two old parties
put greenback pledges in their plat
forms. beguiled the people into the be-
lief that relief could be had inside the
old parties; and thus checked the on
ward march, of the refOrmers. The
moment the greenback organization
{ went to pieces, the old party leaders
laughed their pledges aside, and COM
posedly continued to do the work
which the corporations cut out for
them
A generation passed away, and the
reformers again rallied. The people s
party sprang up with its million of
votes. No new party ever had so
bright prospect. is
The two old parties realized the
danger, and made common cause
against us. The democrats stole our
platform, pretended to adopt our prin-
ciples, and made us believe that they
would harmonic with us in the ma
tional campaign.
Bryan would never have been
thought of as a democratic quantity
in 1896 had it not been believed by
astute democratic leaders that his
nomination would destroy the populist
party.
And they were right-it did destroy
us.
In 1900. they wanted to drop him
and they are sick unto death of him
now. His sole power over the national
organization is the menace Of pop
ulsm. They fear to break with him
utterly, lest the reform elements
should set up a separate organization
What they will do in their conven-
tion. God only knows-but our fate
hinges there.
uttt IN lHhOu6uOut tuC bhiVh q
vast dissatisfaction with the laws oi
the government There is a certain
widespread shame that the corpora
tions and the trusts should be allowed
to openly plunder the people. corrupt
our judges. bribe the lawmakers. ant
run the mighty machinery OF govern
ment for the selfish benefit Of thu
greedy few. There Is a certain yearn
ing everywhere for the advent OF bet
= ter men, better measures. better stand
ards, better conditions.
You may be sure that no change will
eme unless we strive for H. Th'
rights and liberties we now enjoy cos
labor. struggle. sacrifice-and blood
Special privilege never turns loose til
n Ia choked loose.
Governmental wrongs do not yicI,
10 pcras.s.sn. or Ia reason: Invariabl,
they have 10 be- overcome by som,
fofm of force.
A. Ia oaly when public opinion DO