The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1902-06-19
Commence Comment.
Extracts From W. J. Bryans Paper.

{ 1 1. I. i +
ALIENS EDITORIAL AND BRYAN's
REPLY. 4.
The Editorial
a very careful study: of the political
situation satisfies us that the only
really wise thing to be done by the fu-
stonists is to nominate Hon. William
J. Bryan for governor and redeem the
state from republican misrule. With
out the slightest disparagement of
other gentlemen who nave announced
their willingness to make the race. ali
OF whom are we'll qualified to discharge
the duties of the office the Mail is
satisfied that wisdom and prudence de-
mand that the democrats and populists
unanimously tender the nomination to
Mr.. Bryan and insist on his accept
ance.
Notwithstanding his defeat in 1900.
MP is by long odds the strongest man
IN the state. His personal magnetism
exceeds that of any other gentleman
who could be nominated, and his name
would create greater enthusiasm and
Dr1ng to the polls more democrats and
populists than the name of any other
candidate whom we have heard named.
The Mail sees no force in the argu-
ment that the republicans will flood
the state with money to defeat Mr..
Bryan. If they can defeat him with
money they certainly can defeat a
weaker candidate with less sum of
money, and they can defeat any candi-
date with sufficient amount of
money.
If Mr.. Bryan should be elected he
would carry the balance of the ticket
to victory, and the young state of
which we are all proud would be thor
c.ughly redeemed. Mr.. Bryan would
then be placed in a position to defeat
che attempts of the reorganizers of
the democratic party to control the
nomination for the presidency in 1904.
II he should be defeated we would
know that we had had fair test of
political strength and would under
stand where we are att
1t Is due to Mr.. Bryan to say that
we have had no communication what
ever with him respecting the matter
and do not know what view he will
take of 1t; but we assume that as a
patriotic citizen and loyal son of the
state he would not decline nomina-
tlon II 1T were unanimously rendered
him.
The Mail begs to express the hope
that democratic and populist papers
will take sober view of the situation
and remember that however much we
may wish to advance the interests of
some particular and worthy personal
and political friend, the political ex-
igencies of the situation require the
exercise of a high degree of wisdom
and political foresight, and that in
such circumstances personal prefer
ences should be laid aside-Madison
Mail
Hon. VIM. v. Allen, Madison, Neb.-
My Dear Mr.. Allen: have Just read
the editorial which appeared in the
last issue of your paper, the Madison
Mail. While have not thought it
pEpper to take public notice of the
Suggestions that have occasionally
been made in line with your editorial,
your prominence in the populist party
and your high standing among the
democrats of Nebraska and the ma
ton would seem to make some reply
necessary, and I answer at once. 1
need not assure you that appreciate
the compliment which you pay me- as
l do the friendship that you have
shown toward me on former occasions,
Neither need repeat my expressions
OF gratitude to the democrats and pop
ulists of the state for the support they
have given me. After twelve years of
service, four of which were spent in
congress and eight in the advocacy of
those reforms for which democrats and
populists have contended, l take it for
granted that political friends are con-
WINGED that my sole aim is to be use
ful in securing good government; but
am satisfied, and 1 believe you and
other friends in the state will, upon
reflection, agree with me, that I can
best serve our people by continuing
to discuss through the columns of my
paper and upon the platform and
stump, the principles which were enun-
clated at Chicago and reiterated and
amplified at Kansas City.
Many can be found in the democratic
and populist parties fully equipped for
the discharge of the duties Of governor
men who have and deserve to have
the, confidence of the reform forces of
the fullest possible extent. Several
nave ~a1ready Deen mentioned in the
public press and others might be men
toned. The moral courage, fidelity
to principle and willingness to sac
rifice for the right shown by these
men entitle them to the unanimous and
enthusiastic support of all who are
opposed to republican policies The
selection of one of these to head the
state ticket and of others to complete
the ticket, ought to be undertaken with
a feeling of friendliness toward all the
candidates, for as between them it is
only a matter of personal preference,
not a matter of great political impor-
lance
It is not certain that could poll
more votes than any one of a dozen
who might be named. Therefore, from
the standpoint of votes, there is no
necessity for my nomination and no
good reason why should give up what
believe to be a more important work