1896 Populist Party Convention Ribbon - Michigan State Convention Third Party

Description

Offered here is a 7” x 1¾” Populist Party Convention ribbon for the Michigan State Convention on August 25,1896 in Bay City Michigan. Some 30 Delegates attended and this is one of those few ribbons. There is a ribbon pull on the right side.
By 1896 the Populist organization was in even more turmoil than that of Democrats. Two main factions had appeared. One, the fusion Populists, sought to merge with the Democrats, using the threat of independent organization to force changes in the major party's platform. The Populist organization in Kansas had already "fused"--over the bitter protest of those who considered this a sell-out. Fusionists argued that the regionally based third party could never hold national power; the best strategy was to influence a major party that could.
The second faction, called "mid-roaders," suspected (with good reason) that Democratic leaders wanted to destroy the third-party threat; fusion, they argued, would play into this plot. These Populists advocated staying "in the middle of the road," between the two larger parties, and not merging with either. In practice, these Populists were not "in the middle," but more sweeping in their political goals than either of the major parties, while fusionists were more willing to compromise in hopes of winning powerful Democratic allies. Mid-roaders like Tom Watson warned that "fusion means the Populist party will play Jonah, and they will play the whale."
Inside the People's Party, mid-roaders sought to schedule the national convention before those of the Republicans and Democrats. They lost this fight, and fusionists selected a date after the major-party meetings, hoping that silver Democrats would win a dramatic victory in the Chicago convention. When this happened--with the nomination of William Jennings Bryan on a free-silver platform--mid-roaders found themselves in a difficult spot.
Our postage has increased due to new USPS updates: 1
st
Class INTERNATIONAL rates have increased and all INTERNATIONAL items can no longer be shipped as a flat envelope it must be shipped as a package.
All my items are guaranteed 100% original from the time period stated in the title.  Please look at my other political items listed on E-Bay.  We strive to make each transaction one of complete satisfaction for our customers and we offer a 100% refund, no hassle return policy.  Good Luck!!
Combined shipping: we are always happy to combine shipping with multiple winning bids.
Remember collectibles will have some age.  They are sold as is; if you have any questions about condition or you would like additional information, please e-mail me prior to bidding.
Worldwide buyers are welcome.  Remember that items are shipped USPS International and once they leave the US, they become part of the buyer's postal service and final delivery is dependent on the local postal system - which can include significant time clearing customs.