The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-26
MIR. BRYAN THEIR CHOICE.
He Is Endorsed for the Presidency
by Pennsylvania Dcmocrncy

| ny PcnusyiNuntu Democracy.
| HARRISBURG. Pa. Jan. 2S.-.William J.
| Bryan enjoyed ne hospitality of the De-
mocracy of Pennsylvania today, He found
a sincere welcome and was given the I'M
] equivocal endorsement of the Democratic
state Committee for the Presidency. Mr..
Bryan was given to understand that the
State convention, which will be held in
Harrisburg the 9TH Of April. would sound
the slogan of the Democratic hosts for the
battle this year. This is the secret OF Mr..
| Bryans visit here. While giving II the
appearance Of an incidental demonstration.
the leaders OF the free silver wing Of the
Democracy, now dominant in party affairs
here. timed the Bryan visit for It's effect
upon the State convention. The fact that
the convention will be held so early indi-
Gates very clearly the purpose of giving
out the platform to be adopted-the key
note of the Bryan campaign. An early
convention also heads off possible opposi-
ton to the Nebraskan in the East.
His endorsement for the Presidency by
the State committee this afternoon was
not accomplished without some friction.
Capt. John b. Keenan,, of Westmoreland
county, a close lieutenant of Col James
NJ. Guffy. the admitted leader of the party
in Pennsylvania. protested that 1t was all
wrong to make such a declaration at this
time and he reminded the committee OF
the humiliation of four years ago. when
the Pennsylvania Democrats were COM
PEELED to swallow their own words. He re-
ferred to the change of front after the Ma
tional Convention, when the Allentown
convention deliverance on the money ques-
tiun was repudiated by the very same
delegates that had previously adopted It.
Captain Keenan, said il was not seemIy
that the Democrats OF State which could
not give single Democratic eiector
should try to dictate party policies and
candidates. Former Congressman Snow
den, Of Allentown, expressed similar
views, but the motion having been made
TO declare Bryan the choice of the com
mittee for President. there was moth
ing to do but adopt It,.
The convention in April will probably
condemn trusts and imperialism, accord
ing to the Bryan definition and re-enaet
the Chicago platform. Ii will also con-
denim machine politics and favor ballot
reform.
Colonel Bryan made two speeches to-
day. brief one before the State commit
tee and another this evening at large
public meeting. He will go to Whining
ton. Del, tomorrow, and then to Wash
ington. He told the State committee this
afternoon that the Democrats would win
this year if the voters spoke out as they
did in 1896. His speech tonight was re-
iteration OF his views on the Chicago
platform and the South African war
Bryan's speech tonight was heard by a
great crowd 1T the KeIker Street Hall, the
largest in this part Of the State. He was
introduced by Mayor Fritchey. and begun
his two hours discussion OF the issues By
the Democracy on the OPEN
ing of the campaign of 1900. He said:
'In 1896 the Democrats OF this State. in
spite OF desertions and discussions. pcl;ed
a vote almost equal TO any former vote
east for a Democratic candidate. This |
year, unless signs fail. we shall largely in
crease our vote in this State. both because
Of the issue and because OF the hostility |
which machine politics are arousing among |
Republicans. who believe that the people |
Of Pennsylvania ought to be allowed to |
govern themselves even if they have doubts |
upon the rights Of the Filipinos to govern |
themselves -
Mr.. Bryan then plunged into discussion |
If the money question. Imperialism and |
trusts. and dwelt briefly upon the Boer |
war, taking side. with the people of the |
Transvaal. In his speech before the State |
this afternoon he denounced the |
corruption in Pennsylvania under Repub-
ican rule. and said il gratified him to
ind here men willing to endure ostracism
social. business. and political. in order to
stand by their convictions
When | come to talk to Eastern DEM
1crats," he added II do so because 1t is |
my duty TO give them all the assistance
can, and on behalf of the Democracy
,f other States. to tell them that we ap-
1reciate the odds against which they fight
L is easy to be Democrat in the South.
md it is easier than It used to be n
Democrat in the West. but it is hard for
to advocate Jeffersonian
Democracy in the face Of the odds. | be-
ieye the time will come when the Chi
ago platform viii be as popular in Penn
iylvania as il Is in Nebraska. because, !
n my Judgment that platform touches
he sentiments of all who desire equal
lights for all and special privileges for
lone.'