Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-09-14
DISTRICT DEMOCRACY
Delegates to Next National
Convention.
TWO RIVAL FACTIONS
LIKELY TO AGAIN SEND oPPos-
ING BODIES.
German Sentiment Strong Here
Bryan Men to Make In
f1uence Felt.

Although many months intervene before
the election Of delegates to the democratic
national convention, 1t Is now evident that
two delegations will seek recognition in
that body, as was the case in the last con-
vention Of the party.
One of these delegations will probably be
for German for the nomination and the
other for any candidate who may receive
the support of Bryan. 1t now seems prob
able that the German delegation will be the
one to have the greatest support in the
District Of Columbia, as the discussion of
candidates among the democrats shows
decided feeling that Mr.. Bryan's leader
ship should not prevail in the next national
campaign. They feel that there is abso-
lutely no chance to win under the old issues
and they want to get back to what they re-
gard as first principles in the democratic
faith.
The leaders in these two factions Of the
democratic party in the District will doubt
less be the same men who played in similar
roles the last time delegates to the conven-
ton were chosen. What may be regarded
as the old line democrats will be under the
leadership OF Mr.. James L. Norris, and the
Bryan contingent will act in accordance
with the views of Mr.. Cotter T. Bride, who
has been a follower of Mr.. Bryan for many
years.
Sentiment for German.
1t was generally believed that If Mr.. Nor
ris had been able to swing the vote Of the
District delegation in the last convention
for Mr.. German, with any possibility of Sc
curing his nomination, he would have kept
voting for the Maryland senator from first
to last. Everything was for Bryan in that
convention and Mr.. Norris had no oppor-
frrrf 70, Az r1r For
date who was regarded as his favorite.
Now the situation is changed, Mr.. German
being one of the strongest of the candidates
whose name will come before the conven-
ton.
When Mr. Norris was seen by a Star re-
porter he declared that the convention is
too far of to make of any Importance
a discussion of candidates. No one could
tell what the situation would be six or
eight months from now. All sorts of things
might happen In the meantime But among
the friends Of Mr.. Norris there Is absolute
ly no doubt as to his intention to do all
in his power to secure District delegation
that will vote for the nomination of Mr..
German.
How Business Men Feel.
Not only is that believed to be the senti-
ment of Mr.. Norris. but the German senti
ment is quite strong among District demo-
Gratis, especially among business men. There
that Mr.. Bryan should not be allowed
to name or to be influential in nominating
a candidate, unless that candidate is re-
garded as entirely reliable as an old-line
democrat, without sympathy with Bryan
ism as expressed in the Chicago platform.
No one expects that Mr.. Bryan will APP
prove of any candidate who is not in prac-
tfcally entire sympathy with him on po-
litical questions, SO that the attitude of
old-line democrats in the District Is tanta
mount to absolute warfare with the Bryan
element In the party on the questions of
candidate and platform.
Under Bryan Leadership.
On the other hand, there is considerable
contingent among democratic politicians
the election of delegates to the conven-
ton. favoring the leadership of Mr.. Bryan.
These men will act with Mr. Bride, 1t is
confidently expected with the result very
much as 1t was at the last election, SO that
double set Of delegates will leave here
for the convention. each fighting for recog-
milton as the only true representatives of
the democracy Of the District of Columbia.
While the probable course Of the demo-
Gratis of the District Is very easy to de-
termine, SO far as their present inclination
| Is concerned no action has been taken by
any District organization in relation to the
nomination. Until the national committee
meets next spring there will be no meet
ing of democratic clubs. In the mean
time plans will be quietly laid by the op-
SO that when they get to work they may
each be in as favorable a position as pos
sible to exercise influence in the election
Of delegates.