The Washington times., 1904-04-25
TWILL BRYAN BOLT OR
VOTE FOR ROOSEVELT
Democrats Dubious Concerning His Observation-Disclosures
by Anticpatons of Injury to the Vote.

Knowing Bryan's opinion Of boilers.
there are still many Of his friends who
do not believe that he would 20 taat
far. They believe he VIII remain witt n
the party, and seek to accomplish lis
reforms within party lines, even II the
candidate and platform may be -.Jsc-
tionable TO him. They argue that to De
consistent he must abide by the decis-
Tor of the majority; others contend that
he could not be consistent and accept
the population OF his cherished doc
trines
Effect on the Party.
Whatever Mr.. Bryan might do would
not have great effect upon the party In
the East, especially In New York. stu,
the aght. even in that State. will be 50
close that the loss Of a few thousand
voters who would follow Bryan away
from the party might very easily lose
the Democrats the State
His influence in such States as Illinois
and Indiana might be little stronger.
As the chances are against the Denoo-
racy there, Bryan bolt might make
the cause Of the party hopeless.
OF course. the great bulk OF the party
would denounce Bryan for leaving the
party.
But where the margin Is exceedicSiy
narrow at best. a slight detection you'd
place the Democrats at still greater dis
advantage than they are now. At any
rate, the Democrats are not little dig
turbed. however strong efforts they
may make to conceal their uneasiness.
In order to conciliate Bryan and keep
him and his following. whatever that
may be. great or small. they will be
obliged to make some concessions to
him. BY making concessions 20 him
the,. Will incur the condemnation Of
those who left the party In 1886 and are
now seeking TO return.
BY taking either horn of the dilelama
there is trouble ahead for the nemoc-
racy. and they are realizing it more and
more every day. and are only living In
hope that something viii happen to
keep Bryan Quiet-a hope which would
seem TO end in disDair.
Cochran Clean Handed.
Representative Cockran's denial Of the
charge made against him in the House
by Mr.. Dalzell on Saturday that he ac-
eeLted pay for his campaign speeches
for Mckinley in 1886 has been verified
by those who aver that they are in
position to know.
, The statement is made that Mr.. Cock
ran participated in that campaign under
the auspices of the Democratic Sound
Money League, Of which the late Gov
Roswell p. Flower was treasurer.
Major John Byrne president Of the
league. tells the story of the menner
in which Mr.. Cochran came TO enter
the campaign for Mckinley.
His statement is to the effect that h
and Mr.. Flower discussed the situation
and plans to avert the election Of Bryan.
They wanted some Democrat who could
match Mr. Bryan in eloquence and ora
tory and answer him. Mr.. Cochran was
in Europe and they urged him to re-
turn
They met him at the dock when he
landed. Governor Flower had said
that he did not know what arrangement
Mr. Cochran would make. but Mr.
Cochran settled that matter himself.
when ne was introduced to me-"
Major Byrne is quoted as saying. ''an1 I
had told him how we had revcitdd
against Organism and wanted to make
tight for honest money. he said.
| quickly:
- Major Byrne. il you are a Republi-
can, or II the league has any connection
with the Republican organization,
can't do it. II it isn't I will speak only
on one condition; that is, that Z receive
no compensation and am allowed to pay
all my expenses
And that was the bargain that was
made then and there. Mr.. Cochran
spoke the first time in Madison Square
Garden Afterward, under my manage
ment. he made tour of nineteen States.
speaking in all the big cities. He never
cost the league single dollar. Rail-
road fares, hotel expenses and every
thing else. he paid out Of his own
| pocket