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Story
March 2, 1898
The News & Observer
Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina
What is this article about?
Kope Elias, a prominent Democrat, asserts Western North Carolina Democrats are strong and will win the state election by a large margin without fusion with Populists, but lose by 25,000 votes if fused; calls for a clear Democratic campaign for honest government amid rivals' disunity.
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Full Text
"FUSION MEANS DEFEAT."
Kope Elias Says the Democracy of the West is in Fine Shape.
Kope Elias sees victory perched upon the banner of the Democrats next fall, provided there is no trading with Populists.
"We are alright in the West," he said yesterday. "We are in splendid shape politically.
"If there is no fusion between the Democrats and Populists we will carry the State next November like a cyclone. If there is fusion, we will lose it. That is the sentiment in the west and I've found about the same opinion prevailing here in the center of the State.
"With fusion we will lose the election by 25,000 votes; without it we will win by an even greater majority. We want a clear-cut, distinctive Democratic fight.
"The leading men in the Democratic party in the West will not even go to the polls on election day if there is fusion; without it they will spend time, money and energy in securing success for their party.
"Of course we are glad to have all who believe, like us, that the true issue in North Carolina is good, honest government, economically administered, to join with us, but they must do so as Democrats. The fight must be a straight one from the shoulder."
Mr. Elias has been prominent in politics for many years and he is a close observer of men and affairs. He expresses the belief that the time is ripe for an overthrow of the gang that has misruled the State for the past year. He apprehends that Gov. Russell has so divided his party as that it will be nigh impossible for them to heal all the soreheads in it before the end of the next campaign. Then there is not the harmony in the Populist camp that once prevailed when the question of Republican fusion was mentioned.
Mr. Elias arrived here Sunday night and left yesterday morning to spend a few days with ex-Senator Ransom on his farm in Northampton county.
Kope Elias Says the Democracy of the West is in Fine Shape.
Kope Elias sees victory perched upon the banner of the Democrats next fall, provided there is no trading with Populists.
"We are alright in the West," he said yesterday. "We are in splendid shape politically.
"If there is no fusion between the Democrats and Populists we will carry the State next November like a cyclone. If there is fusion, we will lose it. That is the sentiment in the west and I've found about the same opinion prevailing here in the center of the State.
"With fusion we will lose the election by 25,000 votes; without it we will win by an even greater majority. We want a clear-cut, distinctive Democratic fight.
"The leading men in the Democratic party in the West will not even go to the polls on election day if there is fusion; without it they will spend time, money and energy in securing success for their party.
"Of course we are glad to have all who believe, like us, that the true issue in North Carolina is good, honest government, economically administered, to join with us, but they must do so as Democrats. The fight must be a straight one from the shoulder."
Mr. Elias has been prominent in politics for many years and he is a close observer of men and affairs. He expresses the belief that the time is ripe for an overthrow of the gang that has misruled the State for the past year. He apprehends that Gov. Russell has so divided his party as that it will be nigh impossible for them to heal all the soreheads in it before the end of the next campaign. Then there is not the harmony in the Populist camp that once prevailed when the question of Republican fusion was mentioned.
Mr. Elias arrived here Sunday night and left yesterday morning to spend a few days with ex-Senator Ransom on his farm in Northampton county.
What sub-type of article is it?
Political Interview
Opinion Piece
What keywords are associated?
Democrats
Populists
Fusion
Election
North Carolina
Political Strategy
What entities or persons were involved?
Kope Elias
Gov. Russell
Ex Senator Ransom
Where did it happen?
North Carolina
Story Details
Key Persons
Kope Elias
Gov. Russell
Ex Senator Ransom
Location
North Carolina
Event Date
Next November
Story Details
Kope Elias predicts Democratic victory in North Carolina election if no fusion with Populists, estimating a 25,000 vote loss with fusion and greater win without; emphasizes straight Democratic fight for honest government; notes disunity in Republican and Populist parties; plans to visit ex-Senator Ransom.