The Roanoke times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1897-1977, 1897-06-05
MR.. BRYAN AND THE CoNvEN.
TON.

The objections to having Mr.. Bryan adj
dress the Democratic State convention
| during it's session here in August next
amount to nothing in point of argu-
ment, and are really more than anything
else the outcome of the fears of Mr.. ELY.
sons friends, who dread the effect of the
great leaders, presence here upon his cam
didacy for governor. 1t can be easily un-
derstood why this should be and the ad.
vocates of bogus Democracy should OPP
pose the appearance of Mr.. Bryan at the
State convention, but why any genuine
Democrat who loves Democracy for what
it.teaches and not for it's plums should OPP
pose the plan passes understanding. Mr..
Ellyson's following knows that when Mr..
Bryan speaks he hews to the line of true
and genuine Democratic doctrine and they
very naturally fear him. They, however,
need have no fears on this score. Mr.
Ellyssn is already defeated. His greatest
hstrength will not reach as'much as one
Iethird of the vote of the convention. The
little coterie of Ellyson followers here
have lost all courage and are almost
afraid to say they favor him. They be-
long to that element which wants to keen
in the swim; they are Democrats for
buncombe and for office, and when they
see he has no chance will turn on him tc
help cut his throat and boast of their
work. But leaving Mr.. Ellyson entirely
out Of. consideration, there is every
reason why strong effort should he made
to have Mr.. Bryan here in August. It
will arouse wave of enthusiasm that
will not only sweep Virginia, but will be
felt for good all over the country The
plea that Roanoke cannot entertain the
convention and the large number of other
Democrats that Mr.. Bryan's presence
here Will bring rests on no foundation
whatever. Many of those who will come
in that event will leave as soon rs they
have. heard Mr.. Bryan's speech, while. for
such as choose to remain 'onger it is GER
tain that the hospitality of the good peo-
pie OF Roanoke will be amply sufficient
for their full entertainment Besides,
there are Salem, Vinton--a other laces
in this vicinity which would gladly assist
in taking care of visitors When the re-
sources of this city have been exhausted.
80 Roanoke, however, can with little ex-
erton, accommodate many more visitors
than have been put down in the first es-
Innate. There is an abundance to eat
here, while the public school buildings,
,sbipb ,vi11 l,o I.
fitted UP with cots, along with many other
edifices in which sleeping room can be
provided for the occasion.
Dispatches from other sections of the
State show that the suggestion of The
Times to invite Mr.. Bryan to address the
convention meets with popular favor
among true Democrats. and there is no
doubt that this is the feeling of the vast
majority of the Democrats of all parts of
Virginia. To neglect the opportunity on
any such flimsy excuses as have been
presented would be folly. What Virginia
needs at this time is thorough waking
up to the importance OF the issues now
before the people of this country, and all
who know anything of Mr.. Bryan's power
and magnetism feel assured that his pres
ence and speech from him ut the meet
ing of the State convention would rouse
the people to II height of enthusiasm that
would carry everything before IT, by all
means. let us invite Mr.. Bryan to address
the convention. 1t is almost certain that
he will consent to do so, as he has partly
promised TO come to this State in thu
early fall, and to make the trip few
days earlier will not, 1T is believed, mater.
tally interfere with his plans. Besides
he is always ready to promote the inter
ests of the great party of which he is such
fitting exponent, and that mis- presence
at the convention would tend greatly in
that direction gees without saying.