The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1903-09-07
Harmony in Sight.

Harmony in Sight.
One feature of the present Ohio
campaign Is likely TO attract more at
tention among the democrats of the
nation than any other. The democ-
racy OF the Buckeye state, although
very much in the minority, always
manages to find way to hold the
center of the stage, and deep interest
is manifested, for one reason or an
other. in every Ohio campaign. 1t
has been good many years since
the democrats carried that state,
either for state officers or in securing
control Of the legislature, but those
strenuous Ohioans seem to draw ma
tional attention to their dongs far
in excess of that manifested in the
contests of other states i'll which dem
ocratic chances for victory are much
better.
The spectacular success of Mayor
Tom Johnson in securing control OF
party affairs and nominating himself
for governor furnished the occasion
for columns Of newspaper notice.
Hardly had the campaign opened up
before the fact that Mr.. Bryan had
to postpone for a few days his visit
to the state was heraldcd as evidence
of the Nebraskan's GOODNESS toward
Mr. Johnson and his campaign, cool
ness which did not exist and for the
announcement of which there was
absolutely no WARE ant. This is shown
by the present visit of Mr.. Bryan to
tho state. during which, according to
the newspaper reports, he is speak
ing enthusiastically for the Ohio
ticket as a whole.
1t is this enthusiastic support OF the
ticket as a whole that is likely to at
tract most attention among demo
Gratis outside OF Ohio There is moth
ing new in his strong, hearty indOrse-
ment OF Mayor Johnson, for that has
been frequently given, but real sig
nficance may properly be attached TO
the warm support which the Ne
braskan is giving Hon. JohnDH.
Clarke, the democratic candidate Tor
United States senator, duly accredlt-
ed by the state convention which put
this ticket in the field, because this
for which Mr. Bryan's critics nave not
given him credit.
Hon. John Fl Clarke is Il prominent
attorney of Cleveland who was SO
strongly identified with the gold wing
of the party that he boited the noml-
nees and platform IN 1886 and voted
for Palmer and Buckner. Like many
another good man. he has since seen
the error Of his ways. Although not
changing his position on that issue OF
the past, he affiliated with the party
in 1900 and has been since then rec
ognized as a loyal worker III the
ranks. though at no time active or
prominent in party affairs he was
designated as the party candidate
against Senator Hanna by Mayor
Johnson. who absolutely controlled
the state convention, because OF that
gentleman's commendable desire to
bring all elements together III har-
mony; and that action now has the
hearty and enthusiastic approval OF
Mr. Bryan.
The real significance OF this APP
provaI lies of course. in the fact that
the days of prescription, so Tar as Mf.
BRYAN are concerned, are at an emu.
He evidently realizes, as all other
good democrats must reallze, mat
party harmony is the one great essen
tial: that it is only though the draw
ing together Of all elements that there
will be the slightest show for success
in the campaigns of this year and OF
1904 that all men who profess to be
democrats will be welcomed as work
ers in the ranks; and, further even
that the position taken by man upon
All issue which does not now enter ac-
lively into the political equation need
not be a. bar to his nomination to nigh
office so long as he possesses the
qualifications for that office and
stands with his party upon the issues
Of the day.
1t is viewed in this light that Mr.
Brvan's hearty and enthusiastic IN
dorsement of Mr.. Clarke's candidacy
for the United States senate is OF par
ttcular interest to democrats outside
of Ohio Whether MIR. Clarke may or
NAV not be elected to the senate
makes little real difference; but 1t is
of value to see that Mr.. Bryan, WEoSe
influence as a factor in party affairs
must not be minimized, has taken
such an important step forward to-
ward party harmony
The Nebraska leader has been
quoted as declaring in the past that
this man of prominence or that one
would not do as the party's candi-
cate for the presidency because OF his
Dosition in the campaign of 1886
Some of these men, like Mr.. Clarke
saw fit to bolt the party on tho issue
then paramount, others acquiesced in
the will of the majority and sup
ported the ticket, though they
did not approve OF some feat
ures of the platform. 1t it fair
presumption now, in view of his sup
port Of the candidacy OF Mr.. Clarke,
either that Mr.. Bryan has been mis-
quoted with respect to those other
1ren or that he has wisely permitted
bis first tendency 20 criticize 10 give
way to the greater consideration of
party harmony.
Now, il the abusive critics of Mr.