The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1904-04-30
Mr.. Bryan Says that Judge Parker Ia
Not a Satisfactory Candidate.

tonight in the Second Regiment
armory. The meeting was entirely
an affair of Mr., Bryan's. He paid
all expenses. He WAS particular to
have it understood that his ad.
dress was not in favor of ragainst
any particular aspirant for the
nomination for the presidency
HIS subject was "The New York
Platform" and he repeated several
times during the course of his ad-
dress that he WAS discussing
measures only, and not men. He
was his own presiding officer, and
introduced himself to his hearers.
He characterized the platform
adopted at the recent state con.
vention in New York as "ambign-
Gus, uncertain, evasive and dis
honest" declaring that sit would
disgrace the Democrats of the ma
ton to adopt such platform, and
it ought to defeat as an aspirant
for a Democratic nomination any
man who would be willing to have
1t go forth as declaration of his
views on public questions" Mr..
Bryan spoke, in part, as follows
LAS ii is somewhat unusual for po-
ltical speech to be made rs this one Is
tonight. let me preface my remarks with
an explanation. have hired this hall
and introduce myself because | don t
care to speak under the auspices of any
club or organization which is committed
to any particular aspirant for office, My
concern is not about the name or the
personality Of the nominee, but about
the principles for which the Democratic
party Is 20 stand While many Of the pa
pers seem to assume that the contest for
the Democratic nomination is necessari-
ly between Parker and Hearst, and that
every Democrat must either be for one
or the other, such a position is illogical
and without foundation. Those who are
classed IA reorganzers--and by that |
mean those who would carry the party
back TO the position that II occupied I'M
der Cleveland administration-are not
entirely agreed among themselves as to
the candidate on whom to concentrate
their votes, and 70 those who are IN
sympathy with the spirit of our recent
platforms may differ rs to the relative
availability of those who represent the
progressive element of the party. Ny
own position Is one Of neutrality. re-
gard rs available all candidates who are
In favor Of making the Democratic party
anhonest. earnest and courageous expon.
sat Of the rights and interests OF the
masses, and regard as unavailable all
who are in sympathy with or obligated
70 the great corporations that dominate
the policy OF the Republican party and
geek through the reorganizers, to domin'
ate the policy of the Democratic party.
! have no favorites among those on our
aide and no special antagonism TO those
represent the reorganizers Ibelieve
the line should be dr. wn between princi.
pies, not between men, and men should
be considered M they may be able TO adj
vance or retard the progress Of the
Democracy.
''When some two years ago became
satisfied that David b Hill was planning
10 be y candidate ! pointed out the oh,
jections 10 his candidacy When the
Cleveland boom WIS launched poir ted
ont the objections 10 his candidacy aud
now that Parker seems TO be the leading
candidate Though not the only canii
date) among the reorpanizers, i desire to
present some reasons why he cannot be
considered ~ an available candidate for
Democratic nomination, and | find
these reasons not IN his personality but
IN his position upon public questions,
For n year he has been urged 90 speak
out and declare himself upon the i'm.
portapt Issues Of the coming campaign,
bnt he has Remained silent. II this sil.
ence meant that nobody knew his views
those who have been loyal TO the party
In recent years would stand upon an
equal footing with those who deserted.
hut II In evident now that while 10 the
public generally hIe views are unknown
they are well known 20 those who ARE
urging his nomination Whatever doubt
may have existed On this subject hereto.
fore has been dispelled by the platform
adopted by the New York state conyen.
ton, Taking this platform IA u text, !
AN sanguioe enough 10 believe that eau
prove 10 every unbiased mind that
Parker II not III man to be nominated
either by the Democratic party or by Auy
other party that stands tor honesty and
fair dealing IN politics, cannot hope 10
convince 'hoec who favor deception and
fraud In poliiIoa, but an satisfied that
wv now have evidence Sufficient 10 con.
vic, Parker VI absolute una'nesa for the
pomlnation II he dii not know Of che
platform in advance, II bs did not hItusslf
dictate II or agree 10 n, he allowed h 10
20 out ~ hia a'irranfe, for thu eanqen.
doc was dominated by his friends aud