The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-07-26
HAY SPEAK ON LABOR DAY
Probability That Bryan VIII Ac-
cep: the Chicago Invitation.
The National Committee Said to
Have Been Consulted on the Sub
ieCt-Dcnocratic Leader Receives
Visit From His Old Teacher
of oratory at Illinois College.

LINCOLN, Neb., July 25-Although Mr..
Bryan will neither affirm nor deny it. it
is believed that he will accept the invita-
tion from the labor leaders of Chicago to
deliver the annual Labor Day address in
that city. An invitation was sent him
some weeks ago at the same time one
was mailed to the President. Nj Bryan
hesitated about accepting 81. The labor
situation in Chicago is quite involved,
aud while Mr.. Bryan was anxious to prove
to the laboring men his sympathy and
support, he did not act until after lie had
consulted with local leaders in Chicago
and after the project had received the
sanction of the National Committee.
Mr.. Bryan said today that he must be
excused from discussing any plans. He
did say that he expected to be in Chicago
on August 80 or 81 to attend the Grand
Army National Encampment. The con-
Guiding section of his letter accepting
that invitation is taken as proof that he
means to DE there three days later, on
Labor Day, and that the certainty of
Roosevelt being there will not interfere.
The most interesting of the numerous
visitors to Colonel Bryan today was Prof.
; S HammiU for many years teacher
OF oratory at Illinois College, the man who
gave the Democratic Presidential candi-
date his first lessons in the art OF which
he is now so famous an exponent. They
had not met in years, and an agreeable
two hours was spent in "reminiscences.
The old professor took occasion TO say
that he had always thought Bryan had
been wronged in the decision whereby he
IL
college contest. upon the winning Of which
he had set his heart a sentiment that
brought the candidate much pleasure,
even after the lapse of twenty-five years.
Were it not for his visitors the time
might drag on Mr.. Bryan's hands. He has
succeeded in getting rid of all the impor-
tant lettsrs be had on hand to answer, and
has proceeded as far with his speech Of &C
oeptance as he purposes at present to go.
The young men-ths first yoters-are prime
favorites among the candidates visitors.
They get the most cordial greeting and
the warmest hanCshake. 1t is to them that
Mr. Bryan will make strong appeals during
the coming campaign. He believes they
will more readily respond TO the sentiment
that viii be the keynote of his speeches
Save the Republic"
Mr.. Bryan gives out no interviews these
days nor will he discuss what he is going
IL do. With his callers he is much froer
IN his expressions Of opinion than VITA
the reporters and to most IF them one Of
his first questions is as to the interest
aroused in the respective sections by the
campaign He seems to regard with salts
faction the almost uniform report that the
Republicans are not able 10 rouse their fol
lowers to the pitch of four years ago.
Some one sent Mr.. Bryan newspaper
today, in which Editor Rice. of the
Springfield (Ohio) Democrat" was quoted
as saying that Mayor Sam Jones, Of Toledo.
would not only support Bryan, but would
be found on the stump advocating his cleo
ton. Mr.. Bryan seemed to take great
pleasure in this piece Of news.
Towne appears to be lost. No one at
the Populist national headquarters here
seems to know where he is. Chairman Ed
mission says he is expecting to hear every
day from him. Secretary EdgeTtOn said
the last he heard Of Towne he was in Ne
vada. As TO whether anything had been
received from him as to his deciinatlon,
he said:
MI Towne is the sole authority in re-
gard to the matter. and he had the sub
ject under consideration when last heard
from. Tho National Committee will await
his decision. II has no desire to inter
fere"
The impression has gone forth that the
Fusionist National Convention instructed
the National Committee to place a Popu-
list on the ticket in case Mr.. Towne should
withdraw That impression Is incorrect.
A resolution Of that kind was introduced
in TIE Washburn compromise, but was
voted down. The National Committee has !
full power in the matter. II may put on |
a Popullst or it may leave the place blank |
There were no specific instructions what it |
should do.