The Press., 1896-10-08
Washington Letter.
Washington, Oct. 5th, 1898.

Washington, Oct. bth 1898.
 If there Is anybody in Washington authorized to speak for Tom Watson mo- body has found him. Senator Butler, chairman of the Populists National Con- mittee, positively refuses to discuss the rumored probability of Watson's with drawing himself as a candidate and de- claring himself against Bryan, and the democrats are equally reticent in public, although among themselves they are ex- pressing some very vigorous opinions as to Watson's recent utterancesee This probable action, and they are discussing the prob able effect of his withdrawal upon Bryan's chances. Republicans say that it can make no material difference what ever Watson may do, but that they dc not blame him for not liking the manner in which he has been treated, and would not be surprised to see him refuse to continue to fight unless he be given an equal chance to share in the spells, if any be won. One significant feature of the situation Is that some democrats are just as bitter against Sewall as they are against Watson. At tention, too, is being called to the probable mix up in the electoral college in case Bryan should be elected, with both Wat son and SewalI on the ticket. If MT. Bryan should be elected by less thon 30 majority in the electorial college, and few of his most sanguine supporters claim that he will get as much as that, neither Sewall nor Watson could be elected Vice Presi- dent, and in case of failure of majority of the electoral college to agree upon some other man, the election of Vice President would be thrown into the Sen ate, and, owing to the peculiar political complexion of that body, that might make no end of trouble all around. As late as 1t is in the campaign there is little doubt that most of MT. Bryan's managers would breath eaiser if both Sewall and Watson would voluntarily retire and let them put up a new candidate for Vice President.
 Senator Mitchell, of Wis, one of the democrats who is supporting Bryan, al- though he was opposed 10 the free coin age of silver and other blanks of the Chicago platform, called attention while he was in Washington to something which seems to have been heretofore overlooked the political status of the democratic Sen ators who have bolted their party and are supporting Palmer and Buckner. MT. Mitchell, wants to know who the boiling Senators will caucus with when Congress meets. Speaking of the subject he said :: "There are certainly not entitled to caucus with us. Maybe Hill is an exception. l don't know about Hill. He is with us and against us. He is for the ticket and against the platform. Maybe he will caucus with both the Chicago and Indian apolis democrats. Seriously though, should object to the supporters of the Indianapolis ticket coming into our eau cuses. They have no right there. They are not only for Bryan, but they are work ing for an expressing hope for the election of Mckinley. That is not democracy" This question will become a rally im- portant one when Congress meets, regard less of the election.
 Secretary Carlisle has positively de- clined to divide time with Senator Black burn at the places he will make speeches in Kentucky. Although this was expect ed, it is causing much talk among politi- clans.
 A Washington man who is supporting Bryan on the stump but who is believed to have doubts of his election, has made an odd sort of wager. He has bet a suit of clothes that if Mckinley is elected he will, within two years of his inaugur- ation, sign a bill for the free coinage oi silver and has publicy stated his willing ness to duplicate the bet.
 Although it seemed that no further complications could possibly be injected into this, already thoroughly complicated campaign, new and most important one is under consideration by the republican managers, and may very shortly materi- alize and give the Bryan managers con- siderable trouble. It has been proposed that the republicans withdraw their cleo. toral ticket in several of the Southern states and throw their entire vote for the gold democratic electors, and their is 8 belief in Washington that 1t will be done It is claimed by the originators of this scheme that several states can be carried by it which would otherwise be carried for Bryan.