THE POPULIST MOVEMENT 675 



scheme ; another clique wanted a graduated income tax, but re- 

 fused to vote for government ownership of telegraphs and rail- 

 roads. In the Omaha platform, however, these were brought in 

 and became the most prominent demands. The transition was 

 not accomplished without bitter contests. The radicals of the 

 party pulled the conservatives into line and succeeded in putting 

 their stamp on the platform. But as the party grows older it is 

 likely to get to more solid ground ; for experience will teach the 

 rank and file that success does not lie in radicalism. Meanwhile 

 there are two factions in the party, between whom there may not 

 at present be any broad line of distinction. This is due to the 

 fact that one faction, representing the laborer, is greatly inferior 

 in numbers to the other, the farmers. The movement originated 

 among the agriculturists, and it is they who are carrying along 

 the laborer while trying to advance their own cause at the same 

 time. There is no real common bond between the two except 

 that of discontent. On the question of Capital vs. Labor, there 

 is, indeed, some common ground, since the farmer believes he 

 is oppressed by the "gold-bug"; and here the two factions at 

 present have a common interest. 



Although the farmer does not want eight hours' labor, or re- 

 stricted immigration, he does not object strenuously to either one. 

 In fact they are, in a way, a matter of indifference to him ; he 

 allows them to be included in the platform and as a matter of 

 policy he considers it best to put them there ; but these are only 

 minor details. Will he give way or compromise, however, when 

 it comes to more important things ? Just here is where the party 

 is liable to be wrecked, through internal conflict. The feelings 

 of the more advanced will be apt to clash with those of the more 

 conservative. Moreover, the tendency to compromise in order 

 to gain votes and favor from certain interests will undoubtedly 

 pervert the party intentions and ideals. 



