The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1905-01-19

ain the defeat OF fdrker III Inooo
states. used those same arguments to
sustain nv position and found but two |
'usion populists who disagreed with I
me. when I went west in October
urged similar action and made use OF
.hese arguments. When l reached
Idaho the campaign seemed to 1avor
the alleged democratic party, but when
urged al populists to vote a repub-
lican ticket and gave reasons for sucn
advice the political aspect changed
at once and the democrats were thor
oughly defeated. In Washington the
populists had refused to nominate
state ticket in order to vote with the
.rrnblicans and thereby crush treach-
'er0uS uSzrnrracy. In every speech |
made and in al The. numerous inter-
views given odtML urgu0s eli populists
to vote where it would do the SamQ-
cratic party the greatest injury. When /
reached Nevada the last week OF the
campaign found the democratic party
greatly elated and confident OF success.
In speeches anC interviews urged all
populists and silver men to join with
the republicans and defeat the demo-
Gratis and that changed the entire char
acter of the contest and made possible
republican victory. No one Ques-
toned our loyalty to the populist par
lty. but every one commended our cour-
age and good Judgment in taking such
"a strong position. The usual good sense
advice in all sections of the country
and the 9Th of November disclosed our
great victory.
Let no one suppose for a moment
that the small aggregate vote shown
by the election returns constitute the
full strength Of the pepulist party. A
letter just opened from Idaho tells a
far different story. 1t says: In my
i township there were 20 populists, %
Including myself voted straight re-
publican ticket and am sure we did
fright" have many others of sim
liar import. In 1892 we east over mil
lion votes 'or Weaver and Field and
believe there are fully that number, Il
mot more, with us today. Some are in
the republican party, forced there by
i fusion. Some are with the prohibition
\ lists, others go with the socialists. In
}isthP resent election not less than half
la million pepulists voted for Hoose-
veH. At least one+ half Of the socialist
.lvote came from pOpuIists, sssshile many
Il could not vote because OF no nonffras
: lions as in California, Pennsylvania,
i Maryland and other states. ALI these
Il and many thousands beside will gladly
take tneir places in the ranks of the
u peoples party just as soon as anything
! like a permanent organization is as
: sured These men have not deserted
) Ipopulism. No indeed, populism aban-
: jdoned them and they are simply wait
: ing the return Of sane and sure condi-
tions.
While the election returns show thai
! Watson and Tibbles received less than
! 10000 votes in the aggregate. what
does the results of the election disclose
Y Get up beside 1lr. Watson and let hin
! point them out. He will show you the
! unhonored grave of the putrid remains
lof fusion never to be reSurrected. al
: least while the memory of this gener.
l alton lasts. He will show you the
| shattered, beaten and discouraged col
umUS Ol uculOCIdCy, WlIuOuL principles
e without honor and without hope, wind
q ing its weary way to the narrow con
:, fines of disrupted and panic strick
d en- south. It's leaders quarrelins
n among themselves and the rank ant
t file Disguised and ready to rebel H.
II will show you the once solid soutl
t broken for the first time and one o
S it's strong members lost forever HI
n will show you that once arrogant AM
q Itreacherous democracy SO thorough,
$ demoralized as to be absolutely incap
o able of an aggressive effort. Are no
y these results satisfactory? If not VIII
: not? We have only the republical
7. party to fight now They have Away
l. fought us in the open and we hav
It never feared. from them knife thrus
lie in the back. We can now decide O
a. political campaign without fear G
/ treachery or the secret methods of a
, unseen foe. This election has destroye
= those who destroyed u.s. 1t now re
mains to be seen whether we have TIL
strength of character and good juds
Of ment to take advantage Of this gres
'e victory.