The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1904-06-30
w. C. Gullett.

withstanding, believe the outlook for
populism was never brighter than now.
The great social unrest is growing
more noticeable each day. The great
trust magnates in their so-caiied re-
publican convention at Chicago have
spurned every effort at reform, thrown
La Toilette and others over the trans
som, resolved to stand pat" selected
a running mate for Roosevelt ravor-
able to Wall street and adjourned with
a public be ID attitude.
In few days the democratic con-
'vention will meet in st. Louis and
whether it be Hearst, the ulti-mil-
lionaire, or Parker, the sphinx, the
party will be dominated by the Cleve-
land wing to the exclusion Of all sensi-
BILE economic and social reforms.
This leaves absolutely no place in
the old parties for the million and
more independent voters who stood
for General Weaver and economic free
dom in 1899. Where then shall they
go? To the peoples party, undouDt-
eddy.
1t is an insult to their manifest in
telligence to intimate that they will
stay with the old party, now, when 1t
is far more rotten and putrid than
when they left it a dozen years ago.
If the conditions that surrounded
the people in 1892 warranted the or
ganization of the peoples party, the
surrounding us today APP
peal in trumpet tones for the mainte-
nance of it's life There is the same
corruption in legislatures and congress
and in every branch Of the executive
and judicial branches OF our govern
ment the land is still being cOncen-
trated in the hands of the capitalists;
the fruits of the tolls OF millions are
still bodily stolen to build up col
losal fortunes for few" the finan-
cial demands then made are still TN
realized, government ownership OF
railroads is yet unattained although
railroad ownership OF government is
nearer.
The fact that neither old party offers
any relief on these lines is reason
sufficient for the existence OF third
party, and with the Old Guard and the
new recruits, the outlook Is certainly
What is the prospect for maintain
ing the peoples party as a really vital
political organization? Personally,
think it excellent; provided, of course,
that wisdom and common sense guides
the counsels of the leaders. Fopulism
is a growth emanating from condi-
tions that, to repeat, are rapidly
growing worse So long as these con-
ditions exist there is demand Tor
such political organization. Party
is a necessity only that
men who think alike may act alike.
Whenever the conditions warranting
its organization cease to exist, or are
met by other parties there is no fur
Their need of it's maintenance. But
these conditions have not been met,
and SO long as they are not, the pros
poets for maintaining vital organiza-
ton, looking to their amelioration, is
indeed.
The only thing to do is to maintain
/ thorough Independent organization,
agitate and educate. Steer clear OF
fusion or other entangling alliances,
md when the great reaction comes, as
t must and will, the party Of, for, and
by the people will be ready to meet
he emergencies and lead the American
sraelites out of political bondage into
he promised land of equal rights for
Ill and special privileges to none"
Then. ION to Springfield" There
Jury all past differences and dissen-
'ions, remembering that he who will
work and vote with us today is worth
Is much at the ballot box as one who
las come "all the way over the trail,
Ind in the ides of next November,
when the plutocrats see the reunited
losts marching In solid phalanx
against the common foe they will read
ly perceive that the peoples party is
Is lively corpse as they have at
emptcd TO cmbalm in many years.
As 10 the platform. the old Omaha
declarations are as vital today as IN |
500. These should be Endorsed In
otto, with the added Endorsement OF |
he initiative and referendum aud i'm |
'eratiye mandate. With these aeclar- |
Itions and with an able leader the year
s0i should be the banner year for
'opulism, Remember. brothers ctcr-