Evening star., 1896-10-03
What May Happen if Bryan Should
Be Elected.
NElTHERWAFSON NOR SEWALL MAYWIN
An Entirely New Man May Be the
Vice President.
SEN ATE MAY DECID E

Not much has been said about the out
look for democratic and populist fusion in
Virginia, but movement is on foot to that
end. and 1t is said that there are prospects
of success. The democrats, 1t is said. want
to show q disposition to fairness to the
populists. and are willing to give them rep
resentation on the electoral ticket. 1t is
said they are willing to give the populists
three electors. but that the Virginia man
ayers of the latter party want four. The
difference Of opinion is being looked into
with the hope that 1t may be harmonized.
The populist managers have received
nothing official about Louisiana. but they
believe the published report from there
that fusion has been arranged is correct.
They are also hopeful that fusion will be
brought about in Alabama, Florida, Tennes-
see and Texas. 1t Is known that Senator
Jones has written letters to the democratic
managers In those states favoring an ami
cable arrangement. The matter Is now In
the hands Of the state committees OF the
two parties, and much will depend on what
they do. 1t is not believed here that fusion
will succeed in Texas. The democrats and
populists there are too much at outs with
each other to come to an agreement. II Is
much the same way in Alabama Florida
and Tennessee are likely to have fusion
electors. Fusion is almost imperative in
these states for democratic success Ten
nessee, for instance, is naturally close
and II the populists support ticket OF
their own, with the gold democratic de-
fection also handicapping the democrats,
Tennessee Is regarded by many democrats
as doubtful.
Florida has a strong gold element. In
fact, two of the electors are gold demo-
Gratis, but are for the Chicago ticket The
populists in that state do not have large
following, but 1t Is large enough 10 De
needed For that reason Chairman Jones
will insist on an arrangement In Florida.
The Effect of Fusion.
The effect of the fusion deals already
made is. according to well-posted pollti-
clans, to tie up the electoral college on the
vice presidency in case Bryan is elected.
There will be no trouble in the event OF the
election of Mckinley, no matter how close
he may come to defeat. Hobart will be the
Vice President II Mckinley Is the Presi-
dent. -,
The political situation. however mas
reached that point where the election OF
BRYAN may mean the election OF a man as
Vice President who is not now thougnt OF.
Under the fusion arrangements SO Iai
made Watson has obtained about forty oi
| fifty electors. These are In states Whicn
are almost sure for Bryan. Consequently
Watson will get the electors pledged to
| him. These electors are in the south ano
west.
If Sewall should secure enough votes In
| the electoral college to elect him. Bryan
| will have to get a total Of 2I5 or 300 elec.
| tors If Bryan is elected by a majority moi
exceeding thirty or forty. 1t Is practically
| certain that Sewall will not be the Vice
President. as Watson will stand In the way
| with from thirty to fifty electors.
| Should the electoral college become tiet
| up as between the two candidates. it would
| have a right to vote for any other man Il
| saw fit. There Is no law compelling th'
| al 70 nfo
| could vote for Hobart II they saw fit-tha
| is. silver electors could do so.
| Should the electoral college be unable t.
| choose a man. although electing Bryan. th
| selection Of Vice President would devolv
| upon the Senate. Under the Constitution
| the Senate would have to vote for the tw'
| men who received the largest vote In thu
| electoral college. This would force the Sen
| ate to choose between Scwall ard Hobart
as Sewall would have more votes thai
| Watson.
| Say 1t Won't BE This Way.
Silver men who believe in Bryar's elec
ton acknowledge that peculiar situation
| will confront the electoral college. but the.
| say the silver men will never allow th
| election to go into the Senate. That bod!
| is now tco close as between the silver an
| sound money men to run the risk of tn
| election of sound money man. They be
lieve htat the electoral college will pick VI
| a man who can be agreed upon by al
| classes. In connection with this. there ar
| number of men mentioned. Sibley o
| Pennsylvania is one. Judge Walter Clar
| of North Carolina IS another. Senator Al
len is mentioned. but he is from Bryan
state, and would not be chosen. Ger
| Weaver is mentioned as man who Nigh
receive both democratic and populist SUP
port because Of his fidelity to Bryan.
Populfsts Will Claim 1t.
The populists will make big fight 70
the vice presidency, provided the condition
which have been mentioned arise. The
may not demand that Watson be selected
but they will demand the election of a ma
from their party. and they may induce tn
democrats. or many of them. to think wit
| them.