Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1899-11-15
NO HOPE FOR BRYAN.

1t must be apparent to the most
stupid political manager that success
with W. j. Bryan in 1900 is an i'm
possibility. 1t is all well enoughfor Mr..
Bryan to feel elated over the election
in Nebraska, but this has no good
omen, so far as the contest in 1900
Is concerned. In fact, Mr.. Bryan's
strength in Nebraska mean his
weakness in the states east of the
Mississippi river. The state haslong
been in bad repute for the COM lom-
crate and fanatical support which
has kept Bryan's head above water.
Nebraska has long been the curiosity
shop for all the fantastical and dan
gerous political theories that threaten
the country and Bryan has been re-
garded as acknowledgements. While
Bryan may gloat over His strength
in the state, astute and keen observ-
ers In his own party are secretly con
sidering the folly of placing him at
the head Of the party in 1900, rs will
be developed later. While in nearly
every state in the union Democratic
leaders are d%iscouraging fusion Mr..
Bryan relied upon success only
through a fusion OF the Democratic,
Populist and Silver Republican par
ties. The fact that he relies upon
these allied forces shows that he has
not a very strong footing even In the
state OF Nebraska. Two things
greatly aided Mr.. Bryan In holding
the state-personal popularity and
state pride. That Mr.. Bryan has a
large personal following no one will
deny. He has some charming traits
OF character and his private life Is
above criticism. But his views on
national questions are unsOund and
Will never be accepted by the Ameri-
can people. Their verdict has al
caused him to hedge and shift
from one thing to another In his ef-
forts to strike a popular chord. But
each new move gives him no irmer
With all her cranky no.
lions Nebraska had no use for Bry-
anti-expansion talk and no
other man but Bryan could have
saved the state on that issue.
That Mr.. Bryan's hold is of a per-
sonal character In evident from the
fact that the states that adjoin Ne
braska have come back into the Re-
publican party. weary and Disguised
with his exploded or unpatriotic
Since the election in 1896 Mr.. Bryan
and his party have lost the states of
Washington, North Dakota, Wyom-
Ing and Kansas. Even should he be
able. II nominated, to carry Kentucky
and Maryland, which is very doubt
Iul, he would be along waysfrom cleo
ton. Kentucky's~e electoral vote went
to the Republicans in 1896 and would
probably do 80 again, particularly
as there ia a bitter factional fight on
cannot be patched upin a year.
might keep in line. provid-
.ng the Chicago platform and free
silver are ignored, otherwise the state
be doubtful. The only show
whatever for Mr.. Bryan Is the abso-
ute abandonment of free silver. which
ne shows an inclination to do. But
ne has been SO strongly identified
with that Issue and other vagaries
that it would hardly be possible for
him to solIdify and get the support
If his party in those states which he
must carry to secure his election. 1t
s safe to say Mr.. Bryan is the only
who can carry Nebraska
n 1900, but this fact does not
strengthen him in the east, as he car
led his own state In 1896. Surely
Iir. Bryan has a hard road to travel.