Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1896-07-30
WASHINGTON LETTER.
FROM OUR REGULAR CORRESPONDENT.
WASHINGTON, July 9th, 1896.

The nomination of BRYAN for Presi-
dent by the populist convention was
considered so certain before tho conven'
ton met that it has caused campara-
lively little comment in Washington,
but the action Of that convention in
nominating Tom Watson. Of Ca, for
Vice President has set the politicians to
guessing as to what object is behind
that action. Was it, as many populists
say, merely done to keep up the popu-
list party organization, or does it indl-
cate desire to capture the vice rresi-
dency, if the democrats and populists
combined have a majority Of the electo-
raj college? Some guess that the cleo
tors will be divided with the democrats
in the states which the populists have
no chance of carrying unaided, but that
in the FIVE or six states which they be-
leve they can carry by themselves, all
the electors will be populists, and that
should they carry enough Of those states
to give the democrats and populists
combined a majority Of the electora.
college. the populist electors will de-
mand that the democrats shall vote for
Watson for Vice President, aud unless
the demand is acceded to, they will
refuse to vote for Bryan for President.
Whether this guess or any Of the Others
which are being made is right only time
can tell. unless some Of the populist
leaders do. There is no denying that
the populists do not like Sewall even a
little bit, and that is why so many peo-
pie are inclined to believe that they
will put Tom Watson in if there ls any
way to do it: yet there is danger in the
attempt, as the constituents of the dem.
ocratic electors might make big row
should they vote for Watson instead Of
Sewall. Taken altogether. the populist
convention did not clear the political
atmosphere to any marked extent.
Three members Of the admins tration
only have declared their political posi-
tons up to date, and it is said that
President Cleveland is inclined to be
offended with those three for having
done so before be publicly stated bis
own position. OF these three, two
Secretaries Olney and Herbe1t-will
not support Bryan and Sewall and one
Secretary Hoke Smith-will support
the ticket. Secretary Smith will not
talk tor publication, but the impression
is general, especially among bis friends,
that if President Cleveland comes out
against the ticket, as he is expected to
do. Secretary Smith will at once tender
his resignation. Two other members
Of the cabinet-Callisle and Wilson
are understood to have almost made w
their minds to support Bryan but it is
not expected that either Of them will
ray anything for publication until after
Mr.. Cleveland speaks. If the gold dem
ocrats put up ticket the position Of
these two officials will be in doubt, but
if they have to choose between the re-
publican, populist and democratic tick.
cts, they will probably be found voting
fer the latter.
Col. Jere Baxter, of Nashville, Tenn,
is one of the democrats who doesn t e1-
actly know "where he is at. He said,
after mentioning his doubt about his
political standing at present: ut must
take a man with an elastic conscience
and powerful constitution to remain
in the democratic party. and l confess
that the frequent switching is very try
ing to the nerves. But l am free to
maintain also. that Tennessee is ram
PANTY inclined to silver and that there
Is no question of Bryans popularity
ChIIdyan Cyv for