There isn’t much to say this month about circulation work except that
results have been highly satisfactory. We appreciate the loyalty and
energy of our friends, and extend sincere thanks for their help. January
was our best month, but at this writing (Feb. 8) the indications are that
February will be still better. A great many subscriptions expired with
the February number. Some weeks ago we sent out a postal card notice
asking for renewal and one new subscriber. The prompt replies to this
card made us throw up our hats and give three cheers for the Old Guard.
Nearly every one who replied sent one to four new subscriptions with his
renewal.
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Remember that the subscription price is now $1.50, but as a favor to our
present subscribers we will accept renewals and new subscriptions at the
dollar rate until March 31. Get in before the time limit expires.
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I made reference last month to Mr. Forrest’s advertisement and the
results up to January 4—only a few days after the January number was
placed on sale. Since then Mr. Forrest has received several thousand
coupons, and more are coming in every mail. He writes me that the
conference is assured, and that it will be a grand success. Mr. Bentley’s
club organization movement is going right along and he expects to call
a conference at St. Louis about May 1. I have suggested that he and Mr.
Forrest join forces and hold but one conference. I can give no details of
Mr. Bentley’s work, except that he is in touch with Populists in 1,800
counties out of some 2,800.
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Organizations on a smaller scale are springing up all over the country.
In Pennsylvania the Referendum Party is beginning active operations. A
preliminary committee on organization has been appointed, consisting of
the following gentlemen:
Clarence V. Tiers, chairman, Pittsburgh, Pa.,
Clement V. Horn, Wilkinsburg, Pa.,
H. F. Lea, Bellevue, Pa.,
H. W. Noren, Allegheny, Pa.,
Walter Becker, Allegheny, Pa.,
John C. Innes, Pittsburgh, Pa.,
George D. Porter, Philadelphia, Pa.,
John E. Joos, Allegheny, Pa.,
Nathaniel Green, Swissvale, Pa.,
J. Ludwig Koethen, Jr., Pittsburgh, Pa.,
Hon. W. F. Hill (Master State Grange), Chambersburg, Pa.,
James William Newlin (Member of Constitutional Convention 1873),
Philadelphia, Pa.
Headquarters are located at Pittsburgh. Address communications to Lock
Box 305, Pittsburgh, Pa. The Referendum Party requests the active
co-operation and financial support of all who favor:
First.—The calling of a Constitutional Convention to revise the
State Constitution;
Second.—Granting to the people the right to veto unjust laws or
ordinances by direct vote; this right to be exercised only if a
vote is demanded on any law or ordinance, by petition signed by
two per centum of the voters of the State or locality affected.
Third.—Granting to the people the right to enact, by direct
majority, needed laws which their Legislature fails or refuses
to enact.