Evening star., 1900-05-11

Nv t,rvan * TO he acquitted of all respon-
sibility in the matter of the Cincinnati con-
vention. That body was distinctly asalhsl
him 1t put up its own ticket, Wro'e rs
avn pIatform and made its own arrange
rents for conducting a national campaign
The nominations of Barker and Donneily
await no ratification anywhere. They are
complete as they stand and the nominees
are ready to do business In their own
names.
But the Sioux Falls convention was held
in Mr. Bryan's interests. 1t was composed
exclusively of his friends. The delegates
differed as to certain features of the piat-
form and as to the advisability OF noinl-
mating a candidate for Vice President, but
moi a voice. was raised against the nominal
ton of Mr.. Bryan. That was accomplished
not only with ease but with enthusiasm.
The convention pledged itself to him, ana
its deliverauce therefore is entitled to zeri-
Gus consideration in connection with MS
presidential aspirations
VIII the Kansas City convention adopt
this platform? Suppose it does not. That
will make no difference as TO the attitude
am; the expectations of those who stand
upon it. These fusion popuists will de-
liver their votes to Mr.. Bryan on the con-
ditions they name He cannot possibly be
elected without their votes. and if he Is
elected they will be justified in presenting
themselves when the time comes for a share
o. the fruits of victory. They are not shy.
or retiring. They have good opinion of
themselves. and they will be on hand.
VIII Mr.. Bryan remember them should
he come into the kingdom? Sure! He Is
not only a man of gratitude. but he agrees
with these people about the more important
OF the issues they represent. He is, for All
practical purposes. a populist himself. The
initiative and referendum. government
ownership of public utilities. and other such
things dear to the populist heart. are dear
also to his. AS President he would do
what he could 10 forward all such policies.
And thus would come to pass what c. D.
Schrader of Oklahoma. formerly of Ne
brlska said in public speech on the 10th
III April:
We educated and made a popuiist of
Mr.. Bryan. He told me that the day would
come. he believed. when ne could bring the
democratic party with him into the popu!iSt
fold
Some features of the Sioux Falls platform
smack a little of jesting. AS fo- instance
that whack AT the Wholesale disfrancniSe-
ments in the south. without which Mr..
Hryan's chances to be President would defy
the searching power of the Lick teiescope.
That Was inserted to help Senator Butler
in Norrh Carolina; but 1t will not offend.
for it cannot injure. the Bryanites in South
Carolina. Mississippi. and Louisiana, where
"a full. free and fair ballot and an honest
count would lay out the Bryan electors
cold and stiff.
There is reason to believe that Mr.. Bryan
suffered a defeat in the nomination of Mr.
TGwne. He desired no nomination at all
His chief lieutenant. Mr.. Allen. labored 20
prevent one. But Mr. Towne is a Bryauite
to the core-cne of those bright young men
who would give their lives for their lea,iey.
Individually he will cause no trouble at
Kansas City. He will do whatever he can
to meet Mr.. Bryan's wishes there: and if
he is turned dUwn-as he is likely to De-he
will submit with grace. He is not Of the
Tom Watson school, but trader in poll
tics.