New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-23
BRYAN EVADES ANSWER
ASKED IF HE WOULD BOLT.
'ttn Not Define HIS Course If OPP
pOnents Win at Contention.

The question, viii you bolt II beatene was
squarely and fairly put to William J. Bryan last
hlSht az the house of his friend o. J. Smith No.
D. Park-ave. by a Tribune reporter. The an
s"er VIII prove interesting reading TO the Gold
Bug Democrats and Democratic newspapers who
are insisting that Mr.. Bryan make haste to take
q back seat and keep still.
IN case you are overwhelmed in the national
convention by the SO called conservative element
represented by the New-York and Maryland
Democrats. viii you support the ticket Eominat-
ed?' Mr.. Bryan was asked
IL takes a good deal to disconcert Mr.. Bryan.
lie IS an unusually frank man in answering
questions He looked little Jared by the ques-
ton' but, quickly gathering himself. replied:
1hat question would never be asked me by
any one who supported the Democratic ticket in
1876 and again in 1900 and the men who boIted
the ticket in those years haven't any business
asking the question"
DO you still think that the Kansas City
platform will be reafirmed by the ST. Louis con-
vention?'
Il certainly think that the Kansas City plat
form Will be reafirned. as I believe it should
be- L believe I know something of the senti-
ment or the people who supported the Demo-
cratic ticket in 1896 and 1900. believe that
the real Democrats are in favor OF the reafirIna-
tion of the Democratic platform Of 1900. and the
adoption of such new issues as have arisen in
the last few years II Is too early TO talk about
what the next platform win contain. I have
declined to talk about candidates, and 1 must
refuse to answer any questions on that line"
Are you to begin a speaking campaign in the
South at early date?'
Yes" said Mr.. Bryan. Il shall be in town
until Thursday of next week I have a number
OF business affairs to look after. 1 am due to
speak to the students of Dartmouth on Monday.
I shall leave town Thursday for Washington.
where 1 shall attend the dinner of the Gridiron
Club. and then l am to speak in Virginia. North
and South Carolina, Alabama. Tennessee and
Kentucky"
1t is said that Clark Howell, OF The Atlanta
Constitution is opposed to you. Is that true?"
Mr.. Bryan was asked.
Il have not seen heard from Mr.. Howell
lately 1 do not know whether he is or not" re-
piled Mr.. Bryan.
Were your defence OF labor organizations and
your remarks stock jobbing corporations at
the Holland Society dinner unprecedented"
Absolutely so. 1 expected 20 stick 10 my text
when / went to the dinner. l did not know that
Mr. Beck would attack labor organizations. and
when he did so. 1t seemed TO me that a reply
justified. doubt if an those present last
night .vvers. or are. "a favor OF the attitude
teisfssS'ss s,rs i5eSS.a tySs
just what 10 understand by your re-
cent reference to the 'plutocratic wing OF the
Democratic party?" Mr.. Bryan was asked.
by the plUtocratic wing I mean that wing of
the party which spends all its time talking about
vested interests and never talks about human
rights was Mr.. Bryan's answer.
Could the Cleveland wing be so called?'
The plutOcratic element continued the Ne
braskan. was in control of the party during the
Cleveland administrations. That element In the
ests. and expects corporate interests 10 provide
the siuews Of war In a campaign. Its purposes
and methods are identical with Republican in
teCests and methods"
DO you think it will control the convention? -
Il DO not think it can. In fact. am pretty
sure It cannot"
Mr.. and Mrs. Bryan and Miss Bryan. their
youngest daughter are the guests of D. j. Smith
and family. at No. - Park-avC
James NJ Beck. when asked yesterday If he
had deliberately framed his remarks as to
provoke Il reply from Mr.. Bryan at the Holland
Society dinner. said
MY remarks the seSult Of careful de-
liberation and positive conviction 1 do not
think that the so-cacd labor question should
be dragged into politics. 1t does not properly
belong there"