The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-07-04
i"blicLibrary 4s1


the vice presldeTTrrdr candidate. The most
remarkable feature of the situation is the
sudden shift of sentiment since yesterday,
when the dominating influence of Mr..
Bryan was everywhere manifest, whereas
to-day many delegations took formal action
against a specific 16-to-1 declaration, which
is supposed to be Mr.. Bryan's sine qua non.
The movement took form early in the day
among some of the most influential men of
the party. not through any spirit of oppo-
sition to Mr.. Bryan, but because they be-
lieved the overwhelming sense OF the dele
gates was favorable to simple reaffirma-
ton of the Chicago platform without
specific declaration for 16 TO 1. That is. a
conservative instead of radical financial
platform AS explained by one of these
leaders, a man foremost in the counsels of
the party:
I'VE have nothing authoritative before us
showing that Mr.. Bryan insists on the 16-
to-1 declaration. To be sure there are re-
ports and rumors, and the Nebraska dele
gates may or may not represent his view.
The platform committee will doubtless yield
to the expressed wishes of Mr.. Bryan, but
when the time comes the question will be
asked: Who says Mr.. Bryan insists on
this? and show us the insistence.' In all
probability il will not be forthcoming and
the platform committee will follow its own
dictates as to the proper course TO pursue.
There is no doubt that the personal con-
viction of the members of the platform
committee will be for a conservative plat
form, simple reaffirmation of the Chicago
platform, omitting specific reference to Is
to /. I have no doubt Mr.. Bryan would
accept such platform If 1t went before
him as the will of the convention. The
fact is we think it rather unjust to place
Mr.. Bryan in the attitude of a dictator
making demands. and we are proceeding on
the theory that these so-called demands
are not in reality being made by him.
ACTION OF DELEGATIONS.
The force of the movement began to make
itself apparent as the day advanced. Ohio
led off, and after a short fight overwhelm-
ingly instructed its representative on the
platform committee, Judge Chapman, to
work for a simple reaffirmation of the Chi
cago platform without a specific 16-to-1
declaration. This decision was made in the
face of protest by Tom Johnson that it
was opposed to Bryan's well-known wishes.
The Florida caucus followed suit soon after
by instructing its platform member, Mr..
Gibbons, to oppose specific plank of 16
TO and to work for a reaffirmation of the
Chicago platform. AT the West Virginia
caucus the same sentiment was manifested
on the ground that they would give fight
ing chance in West Virginia. The Georgia
and Rhode Island delegates expressed like
tendency. The Wisconsin delegation in
tated and finally postponed it's determina-
ton. The Michigan delegation also came
out for a simple reaffirmation. And aside
from these formal proceedings against the
16-to-1 specific declaration 1t is understood
that Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, part
of New York and other influential delega-
tons share the sentiment for a "conserva-
tive as against radical" platform.
In an effort to modify Mr.. Bryan's ex-
pressed views in favor of an explicit dec
laration on the silver question the following
telegram was sent him to-day:
''It is clear to us that simple reaffirma-
ton Of the Chicago platform, with addi-
tional planks on trusts and Imperialism,
should be adopted. The convention is in
the hands of your friends; their advice is
important. Such a platform comedies moth
| ing and insures victory"
This was signed. Albert J. Barr, Pittsburg
Post; Charles w. Knapp, st. Louis Repub-
lie; Clark Howell, Atlanta Constitution,
and Cincinnati Enquirer.
To-day was duplicate of yesterday as to
| weather. 1t was swelteringly hot, but
the intensity of the heat was tempered
slightly by brisk southern breeze. In
deed, If 1t were not for the breeze, the heat
on the streets would be intolerable to any
| body but a salamander.
-A