The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-07-03

bits of Lincoln, delegate at large, from
Mr.. Bryan's own state and chairman of
the state delegation to this convention
1t serves to emphasize the determined
stand taken by the Nebraska states
man. His declaration is that he stands
for a principle and those who would
have him change or modify his views
are swinging simply in the wind of ex-
pediency.
Cato Sells, chairman of the Iowa dele
CATION, who had a three hours confer
ence with Mr.. Bryan just before he
came to Kansas City, not only reafhrms
the statement made by Judge Tibbitts,
but amplifieS it.
After talking with Mr.. Bryan Tor
some time" said Mr.. Sells, with re-
spect to his position and to the attitude
his friends ought to assume in this con-
vention, 1 asked him this blunt ques-
ton:
Suppose the convention should refuse
to adopt a platform containing dis
tinct declaration in favor of free coin
age at 16 to II"
ly, I will not run as the candidate. "
That the convention will bow to Mr..
Bryans desires, nobody who comes in
contact with the delegates can doubt
for an instant. Some diScOrdant ele-
ments are here but they are not men
aching. A few men assert with posi-
tiveness, quite serious, that they pro-
pose to carry the fight against a specific
declaration on the silver question to the
floor of the convention. Such contest
in the convention would be doubtless
dramatic, perhaps a sensational per-
formance; but it would not only not
serve any useful purpose, but might put
away the chance of a victory next fall
which now is the beacon light of every
loyal Democrat.
HARMONY URGED.
To offset the big ratification meeting
in Philadelphia, the Democratic leaders
are urging every possible recalcitrant to
get into line for harmony To that end
harmony may be a distinguishing fea-
ture of the convention. A conference of
many leaders of the various elements
allied in opposition to the Republican
party is even now being held. The con-
ferees are in session at the Kansas City
club the headquarters of the national
committee. Among those present are
National Chairman j. X Jones, Rich
ard Croker, John w Kern, Democratic
candidate for governor of Indiana, and
other leaders among the Democrats;
Senator Teller, former Senator Dubois,
former Congressman Hartman and
Judge Brown of the Silver Republicans
and Senators Allen. Pettigrew. Butler
and Heitfeld, of the PopulistS. It is dis
tinctly a harmony conference. All are
willing to make concessions in order
that peace may prevail in the conven-
ton.
In connection with Richard Croker's
presence at the conference, it is under
stood upon authority that may scarcely
be questioned, that he and former Cover
nor Hill have a thorough understanding
and are in perfect accord as to their ac-
ton in the convention. They will do ev-
erything in their power. it is maintained
to advance the interests of the party
and the ticket nominated by the conven-
ton. It is suggested very strongly that
neither Mr.. Croker nor Mr.. Hill desires
the nomination of Towne for vice presi-
dent
While the New York delegation has
not presented formally any candidate. it
is known that Hill favors the nominal
tion of Elliott Danforth and that Mr.
Croker quietly is pressing the Gains OF
Judge Augustus Van Wyck. Stranger
things have happened in many a Coz
vention than the nomination of Dan
forth or Van Wyck would be.
LOOKING TO NEW YORK
Notwithstanding the fact that Towne