The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-08-25
OUT OF POLITICS.
w. J. Bryan Will Not Campaign
This Year.
His RegimentWfll Go to Havana
With Lee.
WILL WAIT TWO YEARS
Representative Stark is Author
ity For These Statements.
Bryan Hopes For Democratic
Majority in Congress.

Washington, Aug. 25.-William Jen-
nings Bryan will not take part in the
political campaign this year unless his
regiment, the Third Nebraska volun-
teers, is mustered out of the service be-
fore November. There is not much like
uhood, however, that this will occur.
The Third Nebraska is a part of the
Seventh army corps, under Major Gen
eral F'itzhugh Lee, and it is understood
that all the troops of that corps will be
assigned to garrison duty in Cuba They
are now at Jacksonville, but will leave
for Havana about the middle of Oc-
tober.
The Democratic managers expected to
have the benefit of Col. Bryan's services
on the hastings this fall, and his de-
termination to remain with his regi-
ment is a great disappointment It was
hoped that he would either resign his
commission or secure a furlough in or
der that he might participate in the
campaign, but it is known that he will
do neither. Representative Stark of
Nebraska, who is a close personal
friend of the Democratic champion, in
formed the members of the congression-
al committee a few days ago that Col.
Bryan positively would not go on the
stump this year. When he explained
the reasons for this determination the
managers agreed that Col BRYAN had
ample justification for declining to en-
ter the political arena at present.
Col Bryan's friends in Nebraska
said Mr.. Stark, prefer that he should
not participate in this campaign, and
he is in entire accord with their wishes
on the subject. He raised a regiment of
soldiers and was elected to the colonel
cy by a unanimous vote. The regiment
is made up of Republicans, Democrats
and POpulists in nearly equal proper
lions. But the question of politics was
not permitted to figure in its organiza-
me an o7~n oil f7-ie de-
of their colonel. They all love him. al
though some of them do not agree with
him politically. 1t has been disappoint-
ing to both him and them that the reg
iment saw nothing of real warfare. I
do not know the governments plans
but it is believed that the Third Ne
braska will be called on to do garrison
duty in Cuba. Wherever it may be sent
Col Bryan will accompany it. I know
just how he feels on this point. He will
stay with his regiment until it is dis
charged from the army.
while he wears the uniform of a
soldier he will take active part in
politics Doubtless he would resign
from the army if he should consult his
own convenience, but he will not do
that He regards it as his duty to re-
main in command of his regiment until
the government is ready to dispense
with its services. OF course, he is deep
ly interested in the elections to be held
this fall He is very hopeful that the
Democrats will secure a majority in the
next house of representatives. But he
feel that his hands are tied in political
matters. don't think anything could
induce him to leave his regiment even
to make one speech in the campaign.
He has consulted with some of his best
friends regarding the situation and they
are agreed that he has taken the proper
view of the matter. They applaud his
course and I think it will be approved
by the Democrats generally when they
understand the motives which are con-
trolling Col Bryan"