The Washington times., 1902-03-14
Believes Imperialism to Be
Leading Issue.
CALLS ON HIS OLD FRIENDS
Gives Evasive Answer as to Whether He
Will Accept Third Nomination
Warmly Greeted by Speaker Hender-
son-Entertained at Luncheon.

Mr.. William Jennings Bryan, twice
Democratic candidate for the Presidency.
spent yesterday in Washington. He left
the city at 4:S0 o'clock over the Southern
Railway for the old Bryan home in Cul-
.peper, Va. where last night he delivered
San address.
I The distinguished Nebraskan discussed
hut briefly political questions. He gave
aP evasive answer to a query as TO wheth
or he would or would not accept third
domination for the Chief Magistracy at
the hands of the Democratic party, but
left strong impression that such action
on the part of the Democratic party as
sembled in convention on the next occa-
sion would by no means be the most dis
tasteful thing in the world.
Colonel Bryan is not superstitious, al
though he wore two opals. When banter
ingly criticised by one of the Democratic
Representatives in the cloakroom of the
House for wearing "hard-luck" stone,
the statesman editor donned for an in
stant the look of man to whom that
sort of luck is only an incident.
Arrived From Gotham.
Shortly after O'Clock the train from
New York bearing Colonel Bryan pulled
into Washington. From that hour until
the time approached for his departure
for Culpeper the leader of the Demo-
cratic party held what was almost a
continuous reception.
He telegraphed early yesterday morning
for apartments at the Metropolitan. They
were reserved for him, arranged with re-
gard to his desires, and to this resort of
Congressman he went Immediately upon
reaching the city.
After remaining at the hotel for break
fast, at which Colonel Bryan was the
guest of Representatives Robinson, Stark,
and Neville of Nebraska, the Nebraskan
sought refuge from besieging callers at
the residence of Mr.. Cotter T. Bride. on
Capitol Hill, where he had lived when a
comparatively unknown Congressman from
an obscure Nebraska district. and which
has since continued to be his favorite
abode when in Washington.
How is 'Babe'?" queried the editor
OF THE Commoner,' as soon as he had en-
tered the door. When informed that
Babe" was we'll, Colonel Bryan took off
his coat.
Babe" is Mr.. Brides daughter Louisa,
who was almost a baby when the Con-
gressman first came to Washington from
the Platte He has always regarded her
as almost one of his own children. Last
summer she was the guest of Miss Ruth
Bryan at Lincoln.
Cannot Say.
"Under any circumstances would you
ever again accept the nomination for the
Presidency from a Democratic conven-
tion?" he was asked.
81 cannot say just at this time what l
shall do Mr.. Bryan replied.
"A man cannot say that under certain
provocations he might not steal certain
things All he is able to know is that
under no circumstances would he ever
steal anything"
Speaking of the death of Ex-Governor
Altgeld. he said:
Il feel his death deeply. In him the
country had jealous public servant and
devoted patriot"
MIR. Bryan then briefly touched upon the
question of Imperialism 1t is his opin-
ion, judging from the present outlook.
that this will be the big plank in the
Democratic platform.
1T is impossible TO say at this time"
said Mr. Bryan,'.what the principal plank
in the platform will be. 1t may be
finance, the trust question, or that of
.tf &c
Iast-would be the main issue. / would not
want to say.
.-------- Outlook Is Bright.
$50 far as The future of the Demo-
cratic party is concerned, the outlook is
bright.
Il have ample time to discuss all the
questions of the day, through The Com
nloner' and in addresses delivered from
time to time. am kept busy, and have
my tine well occupied"
Mr.. Bryan held long conference with
Senator Carmack of Tennessee, the two
gentlemen being closeted for more than
an hour. The question of the chairman
ship OF the Democratic National Con-
eressionaI Committee was touched upon.
light luncheon at the house was
served. There were present Mr.. Bryan.
Senator Carmack, Mrs. Ashton C. Shallen-
berger, wife OF Representative Shallen-
berger Of Nebraska. who is a warm per-
sonal friend of Colonel Bryan, and the
members Of the family.
Mr.. Bryan then went to the Capitol for
conference with Democratic leaders, and
TO greet his friends Of the House of Rep
resentatives The Capitol was reached
shortly before l o'clock. The distinguish
ed visitor was escorted to the House
cloakroom. where for some time an in
formal reception was held. Mr.. Bryan
declared It TO be one OF the most enjoy
able experiences OF his life, and his face
flushed with pleasurable excitement as
cordial greetings from former associates
and acquaIntances were showered upon
him.
In House Cloakroom.
In the cloakroom Colonel Bryan and
Representative Sulzer were conversing
when Speaker Henderson entered the
circle His face wore broad smile Of
greeting. Extending his hand he offered
his we'll wishes TO the Nebraskan. Then,
turning 10 Mr. Sulzer he said:
VIII the Democratic ticket in 1904 be
Bryan and Sulzer, or Sulzer and Bryan?'
''sulzer and Bryan would suit me well
enough" responded the editor. Mr.. Sulzer
laughed heartily at the pleasantly, and
Speaker Henderson stood for some
,,,;rrtes talking to the distinguished yIsi-