The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1904-06-09

plea5eS them better than 10 have us
divide our forces, for in so doing
they are sure to win.
These are some Of the reasons |
did not enroll as one Of the Old Guard.
AS long as the democrats made such
progress in adopting our ideas as they
did in 1896 AMI 1900 we are doing
wrong in refusing to unite again with
them. We cant expect to convert the
whole of them at once, but when SO
many of them adopt our ideas and
vote for them, we are doing ourselves
and them great wrong In refusing
again 10 cooperate with them. am
very sorry that so many are short
sighted enough to do SO.
VIM. Fl. BOWER
(Of course, Mr.. Bower must real
ize that two parties cannot perma-
nently cooperate as did the popuIists
and democrats in 1896 and again in
1900. One or the other must go to
pieces and be absorbed by the other
for 1t Is evident that there is no per-
manent need for two parties repre-
senting practically the same interests.
Populists have no reason to be
ashamed OF the support they gave MI
Bryan. His defeat In 1896 was accom-
plished by members Of his own party
mot by any failure OF the populists
to do their part. After eight years
Of cooperation, during which time
the populist organization has been
practically annihilated, those demo
Gratis who defeated Mr. Bryan are as
actively hostile to him as ever, and
In many states seem to be In control
OF the democratic party.
1t may be denied that the Cleveland
ties can control the convention at st.
Louis; but IL cannot be denied that
there are large number Of active
workers in the democratic party who
would repeat the treachery OF 1896 il
occasion presented The very fact
that within the democratic party Ii
going on an intense struggle for Sill
premacy is sufficient to put populsts
upon their guard before their own or
ganization Is absolutely wiped out.
Among the populists are large
number who long ago gave up hope Of
ever accomplishing any reform
through either OF the two old parties,
and this feeling Ii not confined to the
| "mid-roaders' of 1900, but obtains
among many OF those who were mos.
earnest In their support Of Mr.. Bry-
an. The popnlists almost to man
still retain the utmost confidence In
Mr.. Bryan, but they know that within
his party, and prominent In its coun-
ellis. are men representing identicaIIy
the same plutocratic interests that
dominate the republican party. And,
looking on at the fight now raging
within his party, they are In doubt as
to the outcome OF that struggle. Even
II Mr.. Bryan dominates the st. Louis
convention, there is good reason for
believing that the Clevelandites can
repeat successfully the treachery or
1896 and 1900.
4 POpulists, having no voice in demo-
than look on at the democratic strug-
gle. But before their own party or
| ganization is utterly destroyed, they
can gather together the broken frag-
ments and make some repairs. This
Is the work being done In the Van
guard and Old Guard enrolment. OF
course there can be no valid objcc-
ton to any populist renouncing his
affiliation with the peoples party and
becoming a democrat, IL he prefers
to do SO. This Is a personal matter
for every voter to decide for himself.
Mr.. Bower apparently INDUCES in
the vain hope that this year the align
ment can be made: People VS.. Plu-
tocrats Theoretically. this Is beau
tiful; but 1t is practical impossible
ity under the present party machin-
cry Representatives of pIutocraCy
have no difficulty In going to conveD-
tions. Frequently they are gifted
men, but utterly constituencies
Trained to the work, they have little
difficulty in controlling their less
gifted, but conscientious fellow dele
gates who are of and represent the
wealth producers.
Before there IL any hope OF securing
a victory for reform--something vast
ly different from victory which Sc
cures the spells OF ofllce-there must
be a radical change In party govern
ment The principles of direct legIs-
lation. or majority rule must be APP
piled and nominations made direct.