The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1900-01-23

respondence between Mr.. Bryan and Per-
ry Belmont growing out OF Mr. Bryan's
declination OF the democratic cubs in
vitaIon to the Jefferson day banquet last
April. I'M which he condemned. political
communion between jefferson democrats.
who stand apon the Chicago platform and
the republican allies who masquerade as
democrags between campaigns IN order to
give more potency TO their betrayal OF
democratic principles on election day"
The letter continues. ut may be fair
~ Inferred from all of the foregoing that
n you were not understood by Mr.
Bryan TO be an avowed believer I'm his
doctrine Of free and unlimited silver
coinage at the ratio Of l6 20 he would
also have declined your invitation on the
ground that No party advantage is 10
be derived from political communion
with you at the democratic club. We
don't believe in the wisdom Of free coin
age at that ratio. We do know, however.
that we are democrats and are interested
IN the success Of the democratic party in
The city, in the state and In the nation.
"This being true, we sincerely but
respectfully urge upon YOU, occupying
a you do the position OF president of the
club, not to do anything which would
tend TO fores,an the action Of the next
democratic national convention.
"As individuals we insist upon the
right TO express our opinions in regard
to the policy Of our party and the selec-
zion Of i:s nominees We believe It un-
wise to permit the opinion 20 go broad
cast throughout the land that the demo-
cratic club Of this city OF the democratic
party OF this state, so far in advance Of
the convention are committed 20 the en-
dorsement OF the principles OF ;he last
national platform, or in regard TO the
views OF the last political nominee.
1--WE are painfully aware Of he fact
that In 1896 we lost the state OF New
York by 2G9 .469 and city by more than
10000 It is our desire II possible, to pre-
vent repetition OF another such demo-
cratic political disappointment.
'Tn conclusion. let us again repeat that
we take this course in good feeling and
to prevent, Il possible, a misconstruction
Of your Individual act as being the act
OF the democratic club"
KELLER REPLIES.
John Keller had not seen the letter until
a reporter gave him a copy OF 81. He read
IT carefully and then said II was In my
office all day. They could have located
me easily enough i think they might
have sent me a copy before they rushed
to thenewspaper offices with it,"
However" he continued. II win say
ahat these gentlemen have not Understood
my intentions despite all that has been
published, and although not a single
newspaper has misrepreseDted the case.
l have said again and again that nv
dinner to Mr. Bryan - tnat OF cne prl-
vate gentleman to another. There is no;
the slightest change in my plans possibae
because OF the letter ,-se.q 1oi .
Now ] don't think that west AMI
south will understand the dinner 10 mean
that the democratic club accepts Mr..
Bryan's silver views My act is that OF
an individual. 1t compromises the club
in no possible way. I am surprised that
any three men could so interpret Il, ara
especially surprised that these .hree men
are members Of the democratic club. Mr..
Bryan Is the most prominent man In the
democratic party I consider It an honor
/ to the democratic club that he will dine
in hts home.
! "T presume that These gentlmen publish
cd this letter to show TO the world tina.
they are not responsible for Mr.. Bryan's
lencrtainmen,. l cheerfully acquit hem OF
al responsibility"
| Mr. Kellar said he would pay 40 atten-
ton whatever TO the letter Of protest