The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-08-28
STRENGTH OF BRYANIsM IN THE
WEST.

People who have been watching the two
wings OF the Democracy since the work OF
reorganization and harmony-making began
OF the basis of ignoring Bryan. Organism
and his platform must have recognized that
the work OF the reorgshizers is not going
on with that unanimity which was apparent
on the surface of such Democratic state
conventions as those OF Indiana. Illinois,
Iowa and Michigan. 1t is easy for skiIlful
chairmen and managers TO prevent the pro-
test of those who sit in convention halls,
but men who are bafled by such methods
viii speak their minds sooner or later Only
by adroit management has the Kansas City
platform been kept out of district conven-
tons. In the Ninth Indiana district the
open Endorsement of the Kansas City plat
form was prevented by a declaration of ad-
miratiOn Of Mr. Bryan as a leader, which
was equivalent TO an Endorsement, since if
AIr. Bryan is a great statesman. d brilliant
leader and a true Democrat. Mr.. Hill can
not be. County conventions in this State,
chafng under the restrictions Of the State
platform, have in several instances declared
their belief in the Kansas City platform and
in the principles of Mr.. Bryan as the latest
exposition Of Democracy. 1t would be use
less for the leaders who would ignore
Organism and the man to assert that his
following in the larger cities is rapidly dy-
ing out, because it is not. Mr.. AIiers has
been compelled TO yield TO it in the Second
district. If ne should openly oppose the
Kansas City platform. as it is doubtless in
his heart TO do. he would be defeated. a
Democratic speaker would not dare to ask a
rising vote on the Kansas City platform in
Democratic stronghold in a public meet
ing. 1t is the same in Illinois. Having the
machinery in their hands, the ant-Bryan
leaders defeated the Bryan faction in the
Democratic state convention, but those who
look for straws find enough to indicate that
the rank and file are not reOrganized to any
extent On Tuesday. in a judicial district
convention in central Illinois, the Kansas
| City platform was indorsed by a vote of
about seven to one. Other indications are
not wanting to show that the element of
the Democracy believing in Mr.. Bryan is
making a stand.
! There are other indications that must dis
hearten the leaders The other day Mr..
| Watterson, who is opposed to both Mr..
| Cleveland and Mr.. Bryan, declared that if
it came to the Democrats to vote either for
| Mr.. Cleveland or Mr. Roosevelt many
/ would vote for the latter. On the other
hand, the Chicago Chronicle said that if
the Democrats had a choice between Mr..
Bryan and Mr.. Roosevelt, many would vote
! for the latter. There are many Democrats
who Will not vote for Mr.. Hill, even If they
do not care for Mr.. Roosevelt. The candi-
date probably will not be Cleveland or Hill
! but ii will not be much better If any man
representing their views the past six years
shall be nominated. Mr.. Bryan is not a
candidate. but any Democrat who has been
an ardent supporter of Mr.. Bryan will not
be able to get the entire Democratic vote
upon a Kansas City platform So it looks
| as if the harmony to use the words of Mr.
| Bryan, will be lin two groups"