The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1904-08-04

(EuiIOfldl COTTcSpOuQeucc.)- fIiOI 10
last night no one could have convinced
me by any sort of testimony that a
populist convention in the sunf1ower
state would ever act in such craven,
belly-crawling, boot-licking manner as
this one did. l have always felt that
fusion was wholly justifiable with any
organization holding to principles
substantially in accord with ours, SO
long as the negotiations were con-
Quoted in a spirit of fairness and
where both parties met as men and
equals. | have seen considerable
"jOckeying" at fusion conventions in
Nebraska-a good deal of "hoss trad
ing; and some times actions which
looked like an attempt to deliver us
into the democratic camp. But have
never seen anything quite SO brazen,
quite SO smooth and bold and slick"
as the delivery made last night by
Chairman Harvey, Taylor Riddle and
Col Fred j. Close.
| said delivery" but it was only
partially SO, for about one-half the
delegates walked out and refused to
participate further with Parker pop
ulisLs" Most of these went over to
the senate chamber and proceeded to
nominate straight populist ticket.
Being obliged to leave at midnight,
or fail to make report ror this issue,
| am not able to state just what was
accomplished at this convention. A
good many delegates left the conyen-
tion hall, and went home angry and
disguised, but did not enter the SEN
ate chamber convention. Among these
| noticed G. w. Hanna of Clay Center,
VIM. Mccullough and w. Spratt Of
Belleville, S. A. Miller of Wichita and
other members from Clay, Cloud, Re-
public and other counLFes.
John Mollison of Smith county led
off in the walk-out. or bolt if you
please-for populists are not such
sticklers for regularity as to swal-
low nauseous dose because the ply
stefan in charge prescribes it. Hewitt
Of Stafford, Thompson, Wright and
their colleagues from Smith, Hawkes.
of Shawnee, Judge Waterbury of Ly-
on, John Connolly of Thomas, and
number of others were leaders in the
movement which ha0 FOR it's object
not the prevention of fusion on an
equitable basis. such as the indie
pendent state ticket plan l have
heretofore outlined. but to make an
effective protest by walking out if
they should be called upon to sup
port a so-called cooperation which
would mean nothing but absorption.
The conference committees repre-
senting their respective parties met
and wrangled all afternoon and until
s or 8 o'clock When the populist
committee reported 1t was found to
be lengthy document describing
three propositions submitted by them
to the democrats, and two submitted
by the democrats to them, all of
which had been duly and emphatically
rejected. In effect it was long and
tedious way OF saying: I'VE didn't
do nothin'."
Judge Waterbury Immediately
moved acceptance of the report and
discharge of the committee. This car
ried. Then Judge Waterbury renewed
his motion to nominate electors for
Watson and Tibbles This had been
held in allegiance several hours in
order that the fifteen men on the con-
ference committee might be present
and participate in the nominations
Nomination of electors was accord
ingly taken up, resulting as follows:
ELECTORS
At large-J. A. Wright, Smith Cen
ter; John Stowell, Seneca; A. c..
Shinn, Ottawa; and DR.. G. Bohrer,
r. f, d., Lyons, to supply vacancy, the
Third district refusing to name an
elector.
sFirst-F. 8. Stephens, Topeka
Second-H. ii. Strong, Linn.
Third-No nomination.
Fourth-Nicholas A. Vyne, Emporia.
Fifth-John l. Brown, concordia.
Sixth-C. III. Emmons, Hill City.
Seventh--W. j. Babb, Wichita.
An attempt was made to recon-
slider the motion discharglng the con-
ference committee. but Chairman
Harvey held II out or order. Taylor
Riddle then secured recognition of The
chair and proceeded TO make an ex-
ceedingly artful plea for fusion ION the
best possible terms" He rccounted
that rejection had been pronounced
and amnhnffg IN aVefV man rrnuossd