What did Kansas editor William Allen White mean when he commented that by the S's populism had shaved its whiskers washed its shirt put on a derby and moved up into the middle class?

William Allen White's comment about populism reflects the movement's evolution from its grassroots origins to a more mainstream and respectable political force. By "shaving its whiskers" and "washing its shirt," he suggested that populism had shed its rough, radical image in favor of a more polished, middle-class appeal. The "derby" symbolizes a newfound respectability, indicating that populist leaders and ideas had gained acceptance among the broader electorate, thereby altering the political landscape. This transformation marked a shift from a focus on agrarian and working-class issues to a more inclusive platform aimed at attracting a wider audience.