Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-10-08
BRYAN'S ADMISSION
PROGRESS OF POLITICS IN NE
BRASKA.
State Conceded to Republicans by
Former Presidential Candidate
Many Issues Defined.

Specldl Correspondence OF Inc Evening otdr
OMAHA, Neb., October 8, 1904
There Is no question for whom the electoral
vote of Nebraska will be cast this year. In
speech at South Omaha this week Col.
Bryan declared that there was no need for
him Ito discuss the relative merits of the
presidential candidates, as Mr.. Roosevelts
victory in Nebraska is certain" He went
on to say that the only reason he felt justi
fed in discussing national issues at all be-
fore a Nebraska audience was that the
tor were at stake.
At no time since the nomination of Presi-
dent Roosevelt was assured has the oppo-
sition democrats and populists) had the
slightest Idea that the electoral votes of
Nebraska could be taken away from him.
So little confidence did they place in their
abilities to make Roadway against the wave
Of Roosevelt popularity that they did not
think 1t even worth while to fuse on single
electoral ticket, they had done in 1896
and in 1900. On the contrary. when two fu-
sion conventions met simultaneously at the
state capital in August, the one as demo-
cratic convention and the other as a popu-
list convention, no suggestion was made
that they try to get together on an electo-
raj ticket, except from Mr.. Tibbles, populist
nominee Tor the vice presidency, who
wanted to force the democrats to accept
the populist candidates for electors as the
consideration sine qua non for "co-opera-
ton on state and legislative candidates
The populists at that convention were
thoroughly aroused against what they con-
sidered Mr. Bryan's betrayal Of their cause
and large proportion of the delegates
were opposed to any continuance of fusion
at all. They were finally cajoled and per-
suaded into leaving three minor places out
OF eight on their state ticket for the demo-
Gratis to FILL II they saw fit to indorse the
candidates nominated by the populists for
the other places, and under the piteous an
peais OF Mr., Bryan the democrats yielded
to the ultimatum.
Apathetic Campaign.
This split between the former allied fusion
parties. In addition to the decided dissatis-
faction with Gov. John H. Mickey, renom-
mated by the republicans, accounts for the
present situation in Nebraska, namely, a
campaign in which the active forces in
each party are decidedly apathetic The
electoral vote being conceded to President
Roosevelt, and the momentum which his
popularity is sure to give to the other can
didates on the ticket being recognized, the
fight has been conferred solely upon the
governorship and the control of the legis-
lature.
The fusion candidate for governor is Geo.
w. Berge of Lincoln. a populist. a lawyer,
and, like his opponent, a stanch Metho-
dist. AS the fusion nominee for Congress
noui years dso against representative Bur-
kett. he was beaten by a majority upward
OF 2OOO. He was nominated once for
judicial office on the prohibition ticket, and
has been explaining ever since that mis-
friends took advantage of him while he
was out OF town and used his name with
out his authority. and that on his return Il
was too late for him to withdraw.
Railroad Taxation.
Mr. Berge is making his campaign not SO
much on his own strength as on his OPP
ponents alleged weakness. He Is trying to
make an issue of railroad taxation, copy
Ing after La Toilette in Wisconsin. He il
trying to rouse public sentiment against
legislative lobbyists and railroad pass