The Washington times., 1904-04-25
VIII Bryan bolt?

VIII Bryan bolt?
VIII he vote for Roosevelt?
In the midst of jollification over the
prospects OF what seemed for the mo-
ment to be party harmony. and when
the Democrats were feeling good over
the fact that upon two consecutive days
of last week they had put the Republi-
cans of the House to rout, these ques-
tons have been INTERCEPTED.
They have created not a little unrest.
uneasiness. and ill-concealed disappoint-
ment and displeasure. Everywhere in
Democratic circles the queries are put
today, prompted by Mr.. Bryan's speech
delivered in Chicago last Saturday night
in which he took occasion TO denounce
the New York platform, and to empha-
size his opposition to the nomination of
Judge Parker. upon whom the Demo
Gratis are seeking 10 concentrate and
unite.
Friends Most Disappointed.
Those who have unhinchingIy main
tanned, while Mr.. Bryan was doing
much writing and more talking against
prominent Democrats, suggested in con-
nection with the nomination, that he
would remain in the party. abide by the
decision of the St. Louis convention. and
Loyalty support its nom.aees-those are
the most disappointed.
They are those who still believe Mr..
Bryan has great influence with those
voters who followed him I'm HIS two
campaigns of defeat, or at least con-
siderable part of them. Accordingly
their gloom Is deeper than Is the dis
appointment of those who hold that
Bryan's opinion VIII have little or no
weight one way or the other upon the
great mass Of Democrats.
The manner In which the Parker wave
Is sweeping over the country leads to
the conclusion that the Bryan-Hearst
element will not be able TO rally one
third vote Of the convention. and thus
prevent the nomination of Judge Parker
and that therefore Mr.. Bryan, realizing
this. Is preparing to bolt.
Worried by Chicago Speech.
Many who through thick and thin
have been his warm friends now enter
tain that fear, since they have read his
latest Chicago speech. Some even go sc
far as to declare tIsiI belief he will
support Roosevelt in the coming cam
paign as against a candidate nominated
by the so-called "reorganizers" and
upon a platform not to his liking.
Others think he Will lead a revolt as
the candidate Of the Populists. Atten-
ton IS called TO the fact that the Pops
viii convene In st. Louis on July 4. two
days before the Democrats hold their
great national conclave.
Bryan will be there He will be there
getting out daily editions OF the Com
moner" In all probability he will be
there as a delegate to the Democratic
convention from Nebraska. He vii
take occasion. no doubt, to make a
speech. and 1t Will be a speech OF pro-
test, and his effort will be TO stampede
the convention just as he did eight
years ago at Chicago, not for the nomi-
nation, but to prevent the nomination
of a candidate or the adoption Of plat
form not radical in its nature.
May Walk Out.
Should he fail. as seems altogether
likely in view of the present temper Of
the national Democracy. many believ,
he will walk out or the convention and
TO the temporary office of the Com
moner." and there through the column.
Of his paper. formally declare he viii
not support the ticket
It is not unlikely. II is pointed out
that the POpulists after adopting a plat
forI2. may withhold their nomination!
until after they see what the Demo
Gratis do. This. not with the view of in
dorsing their action as In the last TIVE
campaigns, but for the purpose OF tax
ing advantage OF a possible Bryan bolt
They may perhaps name Mr.. Bryan
himself as their candidate. Such re
suit would not be wholly unwelcome 4
many Democrats, for il is believed tina
thereby the party would be rid OF hin
! forever.