The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1904-07-21
DEMOCRATS CONFERRED
National Committee Will be Called
to Meet in New York July 26.
FREE TO ELECT ITS CHAIRMAN

Conference Was Held TO Give the
Leaders An Opportunity TO Meet
Senator Davis, the Candidate For
Vice President.
New York July l9-Leaders OF the
Democratic party conferred for more
than two hours in the rooms of fsrmef
Senator David b. Hill at the Hoffman
House. and at the close made public a
statement 10 the effect that the chair
manship Of the national committee had
not been discussed. Privately IL was
said the judgment OF all present was
that the interests OF the party would
De best conserved by leaving the COM
mittee absolutely free 20 elect its chair
man. Judge Parker was said to favor
this course. The conference resulted In
an agreement 10 call meeting OF the
national committee To be held at the
Hoffman House on July 2G. The ques-
ton of fixing the time and place for
the notification OF the candidates for
president and vice president was left
to tho candidates themselves.
Present al the conference were the
leaders who brought about the nOmina-
ton Of Judge Parker. There was also
present Senator Victor J. Bowling, Of
New York. who looked after the Tam
many interests Every one declared
that harmony had been the watchwOrd
throughout The conferees were former
Senators ID. b. Hill. Of New York;
James Smith, Jrr Of New Jersey;
Henry c.. Davis, of West Virginia. can
didatc for vice president. Edward Muir
phW Jr, Of New York; Senator Cor
man. Of Maryland; William F. Shee-
han. nf Now York. Cord Meyerm. the
chairman OF the New York state COM
mlrree; John w. Kern, of Indiana; Col
lnpl James NJ. Guffcy. of Pennsylvania:
Senator p. II. McCarren. OF Brooklyn;
James NJ. Head, of Tennessee; Nor
man f.. Mack, of Buffalo. Perry Bel
mont and August Belmont. Of New
York: Thomas +. Ryan. Of Virginia;
Senator J. K p. Hall, of Pennsylvania.
and John II. Mclean. OF ohio.
The statement issued concerning the
conference was as follows:
Colonel j. NJ. Guffpy presided, The
gentlemen met primarily for the pur-
pose Of meeting Senator Davis. Of West
Virginia. candidate for vice resident.
An exchange OF views followed and the
question as 10 when the national com
mittce should be called together for or
gani2ation was discussed, and 1t was
agreed To recommend that the commit
tee be called 10 meet in New York city
al the Hoffman House at u o'clock
noon on July %.
THE question of fixing date for the
notification OF the candidates was
talked over and finally referred to the
candidates to fix the date and places
of notification.
There was also a general discussion
rs to the favorable prospects Of the
party in the coming campaign.
There was no discussion whatever
concerning the selection Of chairman
Of the national committee"
Mr. Davis engaged In the discussion
OF all the topics before the conference.
but in no more personal vein than 9th
ers in attendance. His most significant
statement was in relation 10 the unit
ing OF all interests. The gathering of so
many strong men representing factions
which had not always pulled together.
he said was indicative Of a strong cam
paign.
The meeting gave a number OF those
present the first opportunity they have
had Of coneratulating Mr.. Davis since
his nomination at 81. Louis. and the
reception accorded him was hearty.
The discussion of prospects in the
coming campaign was general in char
acter The opinion was expressed by
several that western Democrats would
give earnest support 10 the ticket and
that no fear of factional opposition
need be entertained.