New-York tribune., 1902-02-23
BRYAN WAS NOT ASKED
LEFT orr TON LIST
or MANHATTAN CLUB.
EX-SENATOR HILL PRACTICALLY OUT
LINES A PARTY PLATFORM-PLEADS
FOR HARMONIC. II. SHEPARD
AND OTHERS SPEAK
AND OTHERS SPEAK.

William J. Bryan was not present at the re-
union of Democrats from various parts of the
country at the Manhattan Club last night he
was not invited. Ex-senator David b. Hill was
there and was the star speaker of the occa-
sion This meeting in honor of Washington ;
Birthday took the character of great love
feast of Democrats from virtually every State
in the Union. Speeches breathing harmony ana
Cancellation were made. Silver was CLOSED over
and factional differences of the past were put
aside for the night MI Hill made a strong
speech, practically outlining party platform.
He said that the party platforms now in exist
ence were binding. but intimated that many OBJ
jectionabIe features contained in the Kansas
City platform might not be found in the next
National platform He declared for renewal
of the free trade fight, declared against GER
tain phases Of imperialism, and urged that all
differences of the past be buried and that har-
mony prevail.
The absence of William ]. Bryan from this
gathering was commented upon II not
until after the meeting that the cause of Mr..
Bryan's absence was learned. The board of
managers of the club, by bit of neat Juggling,
left him off the invitation list In sending out
invitations to prominent Democrats, each mem
Der of the club was asked to suggest a name in
order that the gathering might be representa-
tive. It was agreed at the same time that no
one should be invited unless more than one
member of the club asked for him. Last night
it was declared that not enough requests had
been received 10 insure an invitation for Mr.
Bryan. Whether any one did ask that MT
Bryan be invited and all other details were kept
secret All that the officials would say was
that no one was asked unless more than one
member so requested.
WELCOMED BY JUSTICE TRUAX.
The meeting was great success Justice
Charles H. Truax presided, and in welcoming
the guests Of the club, said:
A little more than a year ago. at a meeting com
posed of members OF the club, had the pleasure
Of calling the attention of those present to the
fact that this club was the home OF al f K6os 6a S
West Democrats from the M9TJa ana d6o Of the
that when they entered me az inn were
left behind and they met within its walls as men
cess Of the Democratic party. This meeting is on
broader lines than was the other. Ihat was local
every State in the Union and so It IS almost na- M
% Snal bs n It's ho a meeting Controls
this meeting and so h9Png& & fSoT Ma d m
our friends the Republicans have been asking
the object Of this meeting. One object is TO get
10 6eW thai the derec ween' them are not
so great as they seem to be. Close is good, my
to another the stronger viii the party be. If
the Manhattan Club can help in bringing Democrats
together il will do a great thing for the party.
If the Democrats Of this country were as close
party would be successful in the coming Presi-
Dental election. We were together in the victor
jackson Of Van Buren, and Cleveland and there
is no reason why we should not get together again
OF us stand together? II is. perhaps too early now
the materials et u by the fathers Of the fatS
a platform broad enough and strong enough to hold
platform.