Arizona republican., 1904-05-13
The Importance of the Indiana Con
 Vention.

The democrats of Indiana met in state convention yesterday to elect delegates to the presidential con- vention at St. Louis. The issue was squarely drawn between Parker and Hearst. and the result was awaited with interest all over the country. Now that Indiana has gone for Parker, after the desperate efforts that have been put forth for Hearst, the speedy collapse of the Hearst boom everywhere ex- >cept among the socialists, populists and commercial politicians may be looked for. On the other hand, if Hearst had got the delegation, his ability to make trouble at St. Louis woul8 have in- creased. Now that Indiana is carried by the Parker forces the result will be especially significant as marking the rapid decline of Bryan's influence in the states which actually decide presidential elections.
 MT. Bryan did his utmost to defeat Parker in Indiana. which means that he did his best to throw that state to Hearst. A few days ago he wrote, for publication, letter to Judge James McCabe, a former mem Der of the Indiana supreme court, which was intended to rally the Hou- siers around the Bryan Hearst banner. After complimenting the Indiana dem ocrats upon their loyalty to him. the Nebraska statesman delivered this in dictment of Judge Parker:
 Tt is impossible to conceive of a democratic campaign fought on a meaningless platform and under the leadership of a muZzled candidate. The excuse that his judicial position makes it improper for him to discuss public questions is a pitiful and contemptible pretence.
 "Other judges have not been so ham pered by judicial ethics, and, besides, he can resign any day and thus free himself from the imaginary restraints which he has invoked to excuse his lack of frankness; and if a democratic nomination is worth having, it is ceu- tainly worth resigning a judgeship to secure.
 But the judges attack of Iockjaw
 
 less heard of the simpleton, who, when leaving home, was told by his mother that if he would not say anything he could conceal from others the fact that he was foolish. The boy came back and told his mother that he had been found out anyhow.
 And so with Judge Parker, the peo- pie have found him out, even thougn ha ha tn criH- public questions. A democratic candi- date can no more justify the evasion of public questions before a nomina- ton than he can afterward, for the members of his party have as much right to know where he stands as do the members of other parties"
 This is a severe arraignment, truly, of a man whose only crime is his re- fusal to talk: but it should be re- membered that in MT. Bryans opinion effectiveness is one of the cardinal virtues and silence a deadly crime. It appears. however, that the Indiana democrats were not inclined to be con trolled by either Bryan's advice or Hearsts money. John w. Kern, who was the democratic candidate for gov crnor of Indiana in 1900. and one of Bryan's most devoted followers, came in caustic reply to Bryan's letter to NcCabe. MT. Kern it seems, was most influential democrat in the Hoo sier state; at all events MT. Kern was quoted few days ago as stating that Hearst had offered him s25,OOO. MT. Kern with fine sarcasm says of Bryans support Of Hearst:
 :. T would be glad to follow MT. Bry- ans leadership in this preliminary contest if I could do so conscientious ty. and it he would point out the way But he declines to name a man whose candidacy would be acceptable to him. Of course, everybody who knows any thing of MT. Bryan must be convinced that he is not for William R. Hearst Aiy. Bryan has declared over and over again that his candidate for prnsi- dent must be a man who believes in the principles of the Kansas City platform Sir. Hearst has distinctly repudiated thc platform and held it up to scorn and ridicule.
 MT. Bryan has again and again de- clared for purity in politics. His magnificent address at Tomlnson hall taEt January, in which he so eloquently t'getested against the corrupt use ot money has not been forgotten. Wii- Sian R. Hearst's campaign in Indiana For the presidency has been so con- dUcted that it cannot escape censurc on the part of those who do not be- gseVs in the corrupt use of money. His paid agents, with dirty money in theiI hands, arc at his hour in this city going about trying to bribe delegates te bctray their trust. l am talking oi that of which have knowledge"