New-York tribune., 1900-08-10
CONFERENCE AT BOSTON.
SENATOR HANNA AND MIR. BLISS VISIT
THE HUB.
TOOK LUNCHEON WITH PARTY LEADERS
THERE-HANNA ON BRYAN's SPEECH.

Boston, Aug. 9-Senator Hanna and Cor
nelius N. Bliss. of the Republican National Com
mittee, arrived in Boston this morning for the
purpose of conferring with party leaders in this
State regarding the conduct of the approaching
Presidential campaign.
One of their earliest visitors was George Won
L. Meyer, the Massachusetts, member of the
National Committee. and shortly before 1 O'Clock
the party was driven from the Touraine to the
Exchange Club. where prominent men in Re
publican political circles lunched and discussed
questions of deep concern to the party.
Among those In attendance were Senators HOar
and Lodge Chairman A. II. Goetting, of the
State Committee; Dana Malone of Greenfield;
James P. Stearns. president of the National
Bank Frank C. Webster. of Kidder. Peabody &
Co; NJ. J. Whitall, of Worcester; Congressman
William C. Lowering. of Taunton: Charles G.
Washburn. Of Worcester. and William D. Plum
kitt of Adams.
The conference between Senator Hanna and
the Republican leaders lasted for nearly three
hours. Senator Lodge did not arrive until about
p. M, by which time most of the others had
departed. Senator Hoar came down about 3
o'clock with S w. Mccall. and when asked his
opinion of the meeting, referred the questioner
to George Won L. Meyer for all information. II
was not the policy of Senator Hanna TO have
the detailed discussion given publicity. 1t was
said, however, that the Senator spoke strongly
in warning the members of the party present to
head off the antt-imperialst movement in this
State.
Outside of this State" said Senator Hanna,
the movement has little weight, but in Massa-
chusetts it has found hotbed"
In discussing Bryan's speech. the Senator de-
clared that Bryan is attempting to disguise the
real issue, which IS 16 to 1. He urged vigor-
Gus campaign. and told the men present that If
a victory is to he won they must get out and
fight
- PURPOSE OF THE MEETING.
Mr. Meyer, in a hurried interview, said that
the meeting had been only for the purpose Of
affordng Senator Hanna an opportunity to dis
cuss the conduct Of the campaign with prom
inent business of the party. Mr.. Meyer
was empowered to appoint an auxiliary COM
mittee for campaign work, and will announce it's
personnel later.
Speakers at the meeting, besides Senator
Hanna and Cornelius n. Bliss. were Senators
Hoar and Lodge, and Messrs. Meyer and Goet-
ting 1t said that the question of raising
campaign funds was not discussed at length.
After the other gentlemen had gone Senator
Lodge remained to talk over the situation with
Messrs. Hanna and Bliss. and shortly after
o'clock all left the building Senator Hanna
and Mr.. Bliss returned to the Touraine, and at
6 o'clock departed by the Fall River boat train
for New-York.
Previous to the conference Senator Hanna,
when asked to make a statement OF the Repub-
lcan prospects in the country at large, said that
was something on which he would not prophesy
OF Bryans speech he remarked:
II have read it through from beginning to
end. 1 don't suppose Mr.. Bryan cares much
what I think Of his utterances, but if his friends
are satisfied with his speech. certainly am"
In reply to a question as TO the German vote.
Senator Hanna continued:
Il certainly don't anticipate that such state
much effect upon the Germans. 1 would not
insult their intelligence by supposing that they
would be influenced to take such view Of the
future of the Republic because Of the politics
of the Administration, as the Democrats would
have them take"
Mr. Hanna added that the speech might serve
a purpose in stimulating the people to read the
history Of their country and ascertain whether
some of the great men whom Bryan had quoted
really held such views as he had ascribed to
them.
II think" said the Senator, that that speech
was put forth a feeler, and was devoted TO
the line it took in order chiefly that Mr.. Bryan
might see whether the country took the bait