Rensselaer Republican, Volume 26, Number 35, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 April 1894 — THE DRIFT OF POPULISM. [ARTICLE]

THE DRIFT OF POPULISM.

Reviewing the results of populist victories in the States where they have pccurred, and noting the chaotic conditions which have followed the election of such men as Lewellyn and Waite in Kansas and Colorado, the St. Louis Globe. Democrat draws some logical conclusions. It says: “The simple fact is that populism represents a drift of thought and feeling that is antagonistic to existing institutions. It results in violence because it is inconsistent with accepted ideas of public safety and prudence and with established agencies for the Conservation and promotion of the peace and welfare of society. The men whom it has developed as leaders are eccentric, reckless and irresponsible. They seem to think that it is their mission to create as much confusion and excitement as possible, and to use official authority in the most arbitrary and astonishing manner. If one of them has ever in any contingency manifested an ordinary degree of good sense, the country has certainly not heard of it,, nor is there any reason to believe that they are capable of such service.

It is no longer necessary to discuss populism as an unknown quantity.' The- lessons of experience have taught us what it is and what is to be expected from it wherever it gains ascendency. There is nothing in it as its piactical effects have shown, that intelligent and patriotic citizens can afford to indorse or indulge. Its spirit is essentially mischievous, its tendency is indisputably revolutionary. The doctrines that it represents involve serious dangers, and the results that it is seeking to accomplish are in all respects contrary to the best interests of the people. There is but one proper way to deal with it, and that is to denounce and resist it in all localities and under all circumstances. It includes among its adherents many sincere men, we may allow; but this does not change the fact of its inherent error and peril. The logic of its creed and purposes is in direct conflict with those principles and appliances which society has adopted for defense against prevailing evils. It is calculated to do harm, and harm only. The injury that it has already occasioned is sufficient to satisfy any reasonable person that no good is likely to come from it. When it is plainly seen to be conducive to public disturbance, official usurpation and general demoralization, there is no justification and no excuse for giving it the least countenance. All law-abiding citizens are in duty bound to expose such a force in politics, and to exert their influence for the preservation of the social fabric which it is designed to subvert by such processess as have been introduced in the States where it has secured the opportunity of practical application to the business of government.”