The Van Buren press., 1900-07-07
PRE.C]NV[NI|0N GOSSIP
Statement Of Mr.. Bryan's Purpose
by One of Nebraska's Dele
gates-at-Large.
INSISTS ON DISTINCT SILVER PLANK.
Conference of Leaders of the Various
Elements Opposed to the RcpUbIi-
can Party for the Purpose of Har-
mOnizing Differences in Advance
of the Convention.

Kansas City, Mo-, July 4.-"Bryan
will not run on any platform which
does not contain specific declaration
io favor of free coinage al the ratio
of 16 to 1. If this convention does not
nut that declaration in the platform,
il will have to nominate another cam
didate for president"
statement OF Judge Tibbitts.
This statement was made by Judge
As. 'ribbtts, of Lincoln, delegate-at-
large from Mr.. Bryan's own state, and
chairman of the state delegation to
the convention. II serves to emphasize
the determined stand taken by the
Nebraska statesman. His declaration
is that he stands for a principle, and
those who would have him change or
mcdify his views are swinging simply
In the wind Of expediency,
COrrobOratcd by Cato Sells.
Cato Sells, chairman Of the Iowa del
ega,ion. who had three-hours' con-
ference with Mr.. Bryan just before he
came TO Kansas City, not only reat'irms
the statement made by Judge Tibbitts,
but amplfes it.
"After talking with Mr.. Bryan for
some time" said Mr.. Sells, with re-
spcct to his position, and to the at
titude his friends ought TO assume in
this convention, asked him this
blunt question.
Suppose the convention should re-
fuse TO ADOPT platform containing
distinct declaration in favor of free
coinage at 1G 10 II"
"'Then,' said Mr.. Bryan, emphatic
ally, i will not run as the candida,e.'
VIII Bow TO Br%bn's Desires.
"That the convention will bow to
Mr.. Bryan's desires, nobody who comes
in contact with the delegates can
doubt for an instant. Some discord-
ant elements are here, but they are not
menacing. A few men assert, with a
positiyeness quite serious, that they
propose to carry the fight against a
specific declaration on the silver ques-
tion to the floor OF the convention.
would be, doubtless, a dramatic, per-
haps, sensational, performance; but
IL would not only not serve any useful
purpose, but might put away the chance
OF victory next fall which now is
the beacon light of every loyal demo-
crat."
Get Into Line for HnriBony.
TO Offset the big ratification meet
ing in Philadelphia, the democratic
leaders are urging every possible recall
citrant TO get into line for harmony.
TO the end that harmony may be u
distinguishing feature Of the conyen-
ton, u conference Of many OF the
leaders of the various elements allied
In opposition TO the republican party
Is even now being held, The confer
ees are In session at the Kansas city
club, the headquarters OF the national
committee.
AmonR the Conferces,
Among those present are National
Chairman j. Il. Jones, Richard Croker
John w. Kern, democratic candidate
for governor Of IN LLAMA, and other
leaders among the democrats; Senator
Teller, former senator Dubois, former
Congressman Hartman, and Judge
Brown, of the silver republicans; and
Senator's Allen, Pcltigrcw, Butler and
IIcitfeld, Of the populists' IT is dis
tinctly harmony Conference. All are
willing to make concessions In order
that peace may prevail in the conven-
ton.
Croker and Nill,
In connection with Richard Croker's
presence nt the conference. " is nm
dcrsiood, upon authority that may
scarcely be questioned, that he and
former Gov. hin have n thorough un-
fcrstnnding, and are In perfect accord
ps 10 their nction in the convention,
They will do everything In their pow
er, II Is maintained, to pdvoncc the
interests of the purity, and the ticket
nominated by the convention,
Uniess Plans Are UPSET
The convention viii be called to or
der Wednesday ut noon, ana unless
present plans are upset, Wm' j, Bryan
viii bQ nominated for the presidency
nt the first session. lie IL TO be pre-
scntcd TO the American people ns the
Fourth of July candidate, Thc scene
gives promise Of peIng one OF the most
dramatic that was ever seen ~ poli'-
ica convention. And, then, according
20 programme, Mr., Bryan ~ To pc
trough; TO Kansas CITY by n special
notification committee, ana he w'll dc-
liver his speech accepting the non'lhn-
tior In the very hall In which his nom
hlHiion was made
- a.