The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-05-21
LOOKING FOR TIMBER
FOR THE PLATFORM
Prominent Democrats Discussing FL
nancial Plank

Two more candidates for the PTesiden-
cy and a discussion of a probable plat
form have been injected into the Demo-
cratic situation in the last twenty-four
hours. while receptive candidate for
the Vice Presidency arrived in the city.
The arrival is Benton McMillin, of
Tennessee, former Representative in
Congress and governor, who is at the
New Willard. The Presidential candi-
dates are Judge Walter Clark, of North
Carolina, who IS said TO have the In
dorsement of William Jennings Bryan.
and Adlai Stevenson, former Vice Pres
ident of the United States
The platform controversy has been
brought about by an exchange OF letters
between Norman E. Mack, of Buffalo. q
member OF the Democratic national ex-
ecutive committee, and Richard L. Met
calfe, an editor of Omaha, who is a close
personal friend of Mr.. Bryan
The point at Issue In the discussion
seems to be II It would not be good
idea TO draw up platform in which the
troublesome financial plank be left out.
Mr.. Metcalfe brought matters to this
stage by inquiring Of Mr.. Mack If such
action were taken would 1t not avoid in
curing the displeasure eyinced at the
last election by the followers OF Mr..
Cleveland. Mr.. Mack is quoted as reply
ing:
while l have been firm believer
in unfolding the principles enunciated In
the. Chicago and Kansas City platforms.
and would support those principles IL
contained in the next platform, Il seema
to me that the adherents OF those two
platforms could meet the adherents OF
the indianapolis platform on a plank
which would provide that Congress exer-
else the function of determining from
time to time the proper ratio to be es-
tablished between the two metals as
their respective values fiuctuate accord
ing to the law of supply and demand"
Several others of the vital issues Of
the party are involved In the Interchange
of letters, and on the trust question Mr..
Mack says the Democratic attitude must
not be disturbed. He demands proper
tariff reform, as q protection against
the monopoIies. He also registers pro-
test against government by injunction,
and closes by suggesting that a candi-
date be selected who will subscribe 70
the tenets of both factions-provided
there be such phenomenon in existence.
According to reports, Senator Black
burn of Kentucky Is the man who
brought the name OF Judge Clark 10
the attention of Mr.. Bryan. and obtained
that leaders Endorsement of the North
CaroIinian. This is alleged to have TAX
en- place, while Mr.. Bryan was In Wash
ington. Mr.. Bryan is reported as hav-
Ing asked Senator German and several
others who they thought would make
the strongest candidate
The names of Hill, Olney, German, and
Cleveland were all canvassed, and all
were rejected by Mr.. Bryan. Then Sem
ator Blackburn was asked for his view.
and he mentioned Judge Clark. who at
once pleased Mr.. Bryan. The name OF
Mr.. Stevenson came up in the same way
and no particular objection developed
to him
Mr. McMillin Is on his way home
from visit TO New York. IN discussing
the Republican situation in the Empire
State he takes an opposite view TO
those who have already spoken, and
says that both Democrats and Republic
cans are against President Roosevelt,
and would like to see him defeated