 A loyal Democrat, Macune grudgingly supported the People's Party (commonly known as the "Populists") through the fall of 1892, when he was embroiled in a scandal by allowing an associate to make use of the Farmers' Alliance mailing list for the distribution of Democratic campaign literature.In the aftermath of this affair and amidst charges of financial improprieties with regards to the operation of "The National Economist," Macune resigned his posts as editor and member of the National Executive Committee of the Southern Alliance.His participation in the Populist movement at an end, Charles Macune remained in Washington, DC, as the editor of the "Evening Star" until 1895.