New-York tribune., 1900-07-29
1T WAS NOT A LOVE FEAST.
HOFFMAN HOUSE-HILL THERE
COLER AND THE GOV
FRNORSHIP


among prominent Democratic leaders took place.
Senator James K. Jones' chairman of the Demo-
cratic National Committee, was the storm CEN
tre. Gathered about him in his room at the
hotel were ex-senator David B. HILL OF New
York; Ex-Governor William J. Stone of Mis-
souri,; Norman E. Mack National Committee
from New-York; James Guffey, National
Committeeman from Pennsylvania; Urey Wood
son. National Committeeman from Kentucky,
and Frank Campbell, chairman Of the Demo-
cratic State Committee of New-York
The Democratic leaders talked in secret from
about a. m. until after noon. They discussed
the plan OF establishing Democratic National
headquarters in this city and plans for winning
back into the regular Democratic fold the Gold
Democrats who bolted four years ago. Arrange
ments were made for another conference of lead
ers to take place at Elberon. Richard Croker
was not represented at the conference yester-
day. but it was planned to have conference
to-day in ex-senator Murphys cottage at FL
beron where Mr.. Croker is a guest
Ex-senator Hill was one of the early callers
upon Senator Jones yesterday morning. He
came to the city from Normandie- y-the-Sea
expressly to see the Democratic National Chair
man, he said. He looked fresh and robust when
he appeared in the lobby of the Hoffman House.
Senator Jones had arisen early and had begun
to receive callers before breakfast. He and Mr..
Hill had talk together before the other Demo-
cratic leaders were called in for a conference.
There seemed to be grounds for belief that
Senator Jones had made plans for a Democratic
love feast, at which Mr.. Hill and Mr.. Croker
might meet and embrace as brothers. While the
conference was in progress a telegram was sent
from the room addressed to one Of the prom
inent Gold Democrats of this city. 1t
ported that Carl Schurz and W. Bourke Cock
ran were to be engaged to make speeches for
Bryan in NewYork.
.-sst INTERESTED THE LEADERS.
One subject that interested the leaders was
the reported willingness Of Richard Croker to
have Controller Bird S. Coler nominated the
Democratic candidate for Governor of New
York this fall. Mr.. Hill. when he asked by
newspaper men II Mr.. Coer would be a candi-
date-rep1ied: Mr.. Coer is a good man, but
there are others equally good, and there are
many candidates for the nomination"
He was also asked If he had heard that Mr..
Croker had consented to Coler's nomination.
He replied merely by shrug Of the shoulders.
Mr. Hill added that he considered the chances
for Democratic success in this State to be good.
Chairman Jones, referring to the situation in
New-York, said: Il think there might be more
harmony than at present exists, although the
feeling is not serious materially to affect
the State ticket. I think the general good of the
party and the State organization will predom-
nate any and all personal animosities that
may exist. I satisfied that the New-York
Democrats will all get together for the general
good Of the organization and work to Offset the
efforts that are being made by the Republican
party"
Senator Jones. in reply to questions. said he
had made no suggestions to State leaders during
the conference regarding the nomination of Mr..
Coler for Governor, mad continued: Il shall not
tn tat
and shall keep my hands off this matter 1 ad-
wise the State leaders only to nominate that man
who has proved himself a good Democrat, who
will command good support, and who will draw
his greatest strength from the conservative and
patriotic element Of the organization"
Controller Coler Is not in the city at present
Before leaving town the other day he said to one
of his friends among the newspaper men: 'I
have said many times that was not candi-
date for Governor, and that l would not be a
candidate. l am tired Of talking about this mat
ter. NOW let me say once and for all that l
would not under any circumstances accept the
nomination If the convention should tender 1t to
me-"
THE LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE
Senator Jones asked as to Bryans letter
of acceptance, and whether or not he thought IL
would be mainly devoted TO the anti-imperial-
istic issue in the effort TO propitiate Gold Demo-
Gratis. He answered that he had little doubt that
such would be the case, adding that he consid-
cred such action wise, in that it would help to
unite the party on the question Of Imperialism
He continued: "Mr. Bryan believes and the
Democratic platform says, that imperialism is
paramount. because the people are most inter
ested IN seeing the military and expansionist pol
icy of the present Administration crushed"
Asked II Mr.. Bryan could withdraw American
troops from the Philippines If elected President
Mr.. Jones proceeded to reply by asking questions
as follows:
why not? They were ordered to the Philip-
pines. Why can't they be ordered back? They
were taken in boats. Why can't they be brought
back in boats? Did this Government have the
right to go to there in the first place? Did
you ever consider that is being carried on
without Congress having declared it2 Have we
any moral right to go to war in China, or Bar
bary. or Tartary, without declaration OF war?"
NOT BECAUSE MR. BRYAN SAYS so"
He wound up his remarks on the subject IN
this way: THE Fipinos have government AL
ready They free and Independent people
or should be. Our troops breaking up their
government. l tell you Imperialism is the para
mount issue in this campaign. not because Mr.
Bryan says So but because the people have
made it So the people who believe that every
principle OF the Declaration Of independence is
being violated by the Republican Administrs
ton"
About p m. Senator Jones started for Ell
beron He said message had been sent re-
questlng ex-senator Murphy TO meet him and
he had been invited 70 stay over Sunday with
Mr. Croker in Mr.. Murphys cottage. Mr. Mack
went TO the boat with Senator Jones. 1t was
sald that Mr.. Mack would spend Sunday at At
the city. "
w A. Clark of Montana sailed for Europe
yesterday. Before he left the Wadorf-Astoria
ne SAID to newspaper man that he had sent a
large check to the Democratic National Com
mittec. When pressed to say if the amount OF
MS campaign contribution was 100000 as had
been reported he replied: II simply did my duty