Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-11-20
Mr.. BRYAN WAS NOT THERE
Meeting of Democratic National Committee
in Chicago.
Question of Place for National Com
ventioa Occupied Attention of
Those In Attendance.

CHICAGO. November 2O,-The democratic
national campaign for 1900 was practically
inaugurated today when the members OF
the national democratic executive com
mitteo met In secret session at the Sher-
man House. Nearly every member of the
committee was present when the session
was called to order by Senator ]. X. Jones
of Arkansas. chairman, the only nbsentees
being GOV. w. ]. Stone of Missouri and i.
d. O'Brieu of Minnesota.
1t was said, however, that they were
expected to arrive during the day. although
the absence of Governor Stone caused some
comment. Those present were; Chairman
Jones' Vice Chairman J. G. Johnson OF
Kansas. Secretars c. A. Walsh of Iowa.
II. u. Clayton, Alabama; Thomas Canaan
Illinois, ]. G. Shanklin. Indiana; D. j.
Campau, Michigan; w. H. Thompson: Ne
braska; ]. NJ. Cuffey. Pennsylvania; Edwin
A Price of Nashville, Tenn, held proxy
from Committeeman Head of that state,
while Norman Mack of Buffalo n. Y, held
proxy from George Fred Williams OF
Massa Chusetts
\ number of other prominent democratic
leaders We're also in attendance on the
meeting. This was the first meeting of the
committee held since the recent elections,
and although only routine business, includ-
ing the naming of a place and date for a
meeting of the full democratic committee
was stated to be the object OF the meeting,
1t was the general feeling that the general
scope and character Of the methods to be
pursued in the coming presidential cam
pa'gn would be practically outlined before
the meeting came to close.
There is one thing certain said Chair
man Jones, the meeting will affirm the
Chicago platform. At this time everything
is favorable for the democrats"
1t was expected that VIM. j. Bryan would
be present at tOday's meeting, but accord
ing to Il telegram received yesterday he
will not be abe to attend. Vice Chairman
johnson of Kansas said that considerable
time would be devoted to q discussion of
the general situation as indicated by the
recent elections held in various states
Committeeman Gahan was emphatic in
his declaration that the national campaign
of 100" would be directed from Chicago. as
in 1896, and any movement locking toward
change would be strongly fought.
y warm contest for the honor Of enter
tanning the democratic presidential conven-
ton in 1900 was indicated by the deIega-
tons present to urge the advantages Of
their respective cities. Milwaukee had a
big delegation present. while delegations
were present from Kansas City ana Cincin-
natl.
Senator JONES' shortly after his arrival
Yesterday. went into executive session with
Chairman J q johnson Of the national
executive committee. After the conference
he was asked what lie had 10 say about
candidates and issues for next year He
replied:
There is no doubt thai ,Ir Bryan VIII
cratic convention. in my opinion. Will re-
affirm the Chicago platform. I believe the
democrats will declare against imperialism
and in favor Of LEGISLATION regulating trusts
and similar combinations. 1t IS too soon
yet to say just what Viii b" the domnan-
issue. Conventions and platforms do not
make Issues.
In some parts of the country the finan-
cial question viii be most interesting to
the voters. in another imperialism, i'll an
other trusts, and SO it will GO
When told Of reports to the effect that
he VAS opposed to holding The democratic
convention n Chicago, and to keeping the
national headquarters there, Tho senator
replied that there were good reasons why
the campaign should be handled from Chi
caG0 aud good reasons why i should not De.
National Committeeman Campau of Mich
gan, in discussing the recent elections sail
the result in Nebl aska shows that Bryan
is strong enough TO be certain Of renuMi-
II ton and perhaps b. acclAnayion.
j. VI. Guffey Of PittsbuTg. national COM
nitteemdn from r nnsyivania. said "Bry-
an will be the next candidate. There Is no
opposition to him in my state