New-York tribune., 1902-09-05
rom JOHNsON'S VICTORY.
REGARDED AS A STRICTLY PERSONAL
TRIUMPH
HIS CHANCES OF Wrestling PARTY LEAD
ERsHIP FROM BRYAN AND SECURING
THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION
FOR PRESIDENT IN 1901
BY TELEGRAPH To THE TRIBUNE.I .

UliiF1 '-iV '-ctuIy OF Tom l.. Johnson in the
Ohio Democratic State Convention Yesterday
Viewing II thus. they do not attach IN If the
importance which the inexperienced observers
IF political movements are ukeI, tn attribute
TO it. II has been well understood here for
more than year that Mr.. johnson was A can
dldate for the Democratic Presidential non1ina-
ton in 1@o4, but not until he framed the plat
form 1or MS state convention was it known that
he was an applicant outright for Bryan's man
tie. BY this II is meant that there has hereto
fore been doubt on the interesting point as 10
whether or not Mr.. Johnson who notoriouslv
was hostile in 1896 to the Bryan movement and
was an outspOken opponent of 10 to l. would
place himself squarely on the Bryan platform
when the Nebraskan no longer was an avowed
candidate Now that he has done so. some
Democrats capable of forming Judgment on
the subject fear that the situation of the na-
tiCnal Democracy is more seriously complicated
than ever. There were signs that the party was
determined to return TO some of its ancient
landmarks by purging itself as thoroughly
practicable of Bryanism. in the hope of getting
back to the fold that large element which was
driven away by the vagares of Bryan and the
host of incomDetents that we're put in high
places in Democratic councils by the revolution
of six years ago The persons who entertain
this fear, of course. believe they see a signifi-
canoe in Mr.. Johnson's victory which other
Democrats fail 10 perceive. While all are
agreed that Johnson has made bold bid for
the Bryan following, it is thought by most DEM
ocrats here that he will fail of his purpose chief
ly by reason OF the indispositon of Bryan him
self to transfer his leadership to other hands.
which action would in large measure cause
him to lose for all time the grip he has
a Dig body of voters. who. he is firmly con-
vinced, some day win carry the country and
regulate the government at Washington along
the radical lines he has been following ever
since he became national figure.
The Ohioan. therefore, paradoxicaI as the
sta tement may appear. need not expect much
assistance from Bryan 1t goes without saying.
of course. that when called on for an expression
Mr.. Bryan will heartily indorse the platform
adopted in Ohio yesterday. He could not do
otherwise without being inconsistent But it is
freely predicted by those who know Mr.. Bryan
best that his support of Mr.. johnson will end
with an Endorsement of the platform and that
he will find some convenient means to iet his
followers plainly understand that Mr., Johnson
should not be their standard-bearer in 1901 On
the other hand, there are some Democrats in
Washington we'll acquainted with the condition
of their party who contend that the Johnson
ca ndfdacy Will soon be shown to be the biggest
thing extant, and that not even Bryan can
head it off or weaken it. unless, of course the
Nebraskan should recant his recent declara-
tions that he will not be candidate two years
hence This view of the case is based the
supposition that Organism is vital force which
is not dependent on particular leadership either
for its strength or persistence. and that. there
fore, Tom Johnson. after proving himself de-
vout disciple of the cult, will be just as strong
as BRYAN among the class of voters who have
looked to the Nebraskan for light and leading
In support of this contention it is pointed out
that Johnson was elected Mayor of Cleveland
when it was known that he was not favored by
Brvan. and in brief. that he mas p-ospered
politically in spite Of Bryan's quiet opposition
TROUBLE AHEAD FOR DEMOCRACY.
II this view OF the situation proves correct.
then indeed is there trouble ahead for the De
mocracv. Johnson has millions and desperate
ambition His esDousal of the Henry George
economic doctrines and his giving TO several
of the George theories practical application IN
the matter of reduced streetcar fares and the
+axation Of public franchises in Cleveland have.
il IS thought brought him a political follow ng
IN the large cities of the country which 1t Is |
VT believed Mr.. BRYAN could take from him |
Hence it is contended that dohnsons canoi- |
a,c, for the Presidential nomination in 1871 !
,,-tu sroaaI with special force TO the mass OF !
r,,r,oc~ats in the cities of the country as |
s-ronrlv as B~yans candidacy for renonlna- /
+,o,, TWO wears ago appealed to the great mass
~ Democratic voters in the rural districts all
,,-er the country IN other words. Bryans op-
,,ositi,n might be effective against the ChIoan
~ -ba rural districts, but this could De over
,,a sazirv in the cities. ard thus the urban
.,.+., clement would counterbalance the
r,,ral aera-ian element and preserve the pres
..+ sr.-,s Of the Democracy. In this event
MN tl-r -
r,ar,,cr,+fc STATE conventions . secure the
-, fo- himself in 1904 against even
- -,.f,,s 7nnosition Of Bryan. This would
,-,l, +,re,, rurvv the present plans Of the Dem
-. r,sragers who agreed on their policy
so ,oal only after they had gained Mr. Bryan's
consent 10 that policy II is an open secret
49, H. Tan,oc~atic organization is now being
worried for the nonina tion OF one Of two New
1-l-.re--Irdre Alton 2 Parker or Edward NJ
eha,ar5 Brvan has let il be known 10 the
MACHINE managers that either OF these men
would he acceptable 10 him, because OF the rec
ora ~ Zach for regularity" That is 10 say.
both Of them supported Bryah IN MS TWO races
,,,,iIa t1fu and German, the only other Demo
a,ats ~ prominence who ever are mentioned
80. ~. ,,oroinstion either sulked through all
-. -, -,.r+ nj both of Bryan's campaigns.
4, araI,sis of Mr. Bryan's political views
a,1 r,~noses shows that he does not believe it
rossib1a for the Democrats to win in the next
aIao+ion with any Eastern man. and therefore
bis ,orsAn+ TO the choice of either Parker or
shepard as the standard bearer for 1904 in
wolves no conscious sacrifice on his part. In
point of fact. he is convinced tnat disaster is
snra to come to his party with any candidate
9tho Joes NOT typify him in personality and
principle, and he is more than willing. for the
saI-n ~ making a display OF rnagnaninlity for
80 ,ar,1-'s good to see the prize handed around
until through the process of 'reductio ad alb
surdurn,' the Democracy, reunited through sue
nd the