The Wichita Daily Eagle

DEMAND A DIVISION
Democrats Won't Let the Pops Hog the Offices.

TOM FITCH FOR CONGRESS
Democrats Have Submitted Three Propositions.

There is sure to be war between the Democrats and the Populists. The Democrats have decided what they will demand of the Populists and it is very unreasonable to suppose that the Pops will accede to the demands. The Democrats want one of three propositions. And they want the Pops to bring it to them on a platter. The propositions are: The Democrats must either have the resubmission plank inserted in the Pop platform; have the nomination of Lieutenant Governor or the nomination of the congressmen in the First, Fourth and Seventh districts. Every one knows that the Pops are erratic about everything but spoils, spoils is their long suit. The Pop leaders are afraid to put the resubmission plank in their platform. They can't get Harvey or Heffelbower to get off the track on the state ticket and the Pop congressmen like the job they have. It's too nice down in Washington and they propose to stay if by any hook or crook they can get a renomination. they will take chances on being defeated.

At the Jeffersonian banquet at Topeka the other evening all of the Democrats that could be got together in the state were urged to be there. The responses to invitations indicated that the meeting was about to be a failure. The leaders then secured the "Paramount Issue." as a drawing card. Then the Democrats concluded to go. A little trick was worked then and there on the Pop officials. None but Democrats were to be admitted to the banquet but as Leedy and all of the state officers wanted to hear what Bryan would say they were given seats in the gallery. This was just the opportunity the Democrats were looking for. Leedy up in the gallery would think that the Democrats were a host and that he would not be able to disregard all of their propositions.

The Democrats and some of Jerry Simpson's friends are urging Simpson not to be a candidate this fall for congress. They say that he has made his reputation and is the idol of the Pops in the state and that if he lays off this time that in case they secure another legislature they will send him to the senate. It is a Pop rule that any man holding one office is not entitled to a higher place at the same time of holding the inferior position. But Jerry Simpson is too smooth and shrewd for a combination of Demo-Pop enemies. He won't quit and if the Pops ever get another chance to elect a senator he will show them the error of their way about the rule now in vogue.

Should it happen though that the state administration concludes to give the congressional nomination to the Democrats then Wichita Democrats will trot out Thomas G. Fitch. Mr. Fitch only laughs when approached upon the subject of his running for congress. but nevertheless his friends are working hard for him and are lining up all the Democrats in the district to his support. The Democrats say if the Pops don't give him something and one of the three propositions stated above that they will beat the whole ticket and beat it so bad that they will never balk again.