The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-01-11
Iaggart and Bryan Speak at
la Faettt, Ind,
TALK OF PARTVs FUTURE
Defeat of Democratic Candidates Was
Due to Democratic Lethargy and
Not to Agqressiveness of
Republicans.

La Fayette. Ind. January 1o.-several
national leaders of the democratic party
and many prominent state democrats
broke bread tonight at the eighth an
nual banquet of the Jackson Club held
in honor of the memory of Andrew Jack
son. Following the feast there were ad-
dresses in which William ]. Bryan re-
ceived the lions share of applause, but
National Chairman Thomas Taggart was
also accorded an ovation. 1t was expected
that Senator Ben Tillman of South Caro-
lima and Mayor Carter H. Harrison of
Chicago, would be present. but neither
put in an appearance. w. r. Hearst also
failed to attend There were many prom
inent Illinois, Chic and Michigan demo-
Gratis present.
National Chairman Thomas Taggart re-
ceived a warm welcome. Mr.. Taggart
said:
LAS you know I was elected chairman
o. the national committee by unanimous
vote of that body and was given author
ity to name subcommittee as was nee
essary to conduct the campaign. l ex-
ercised the authority after full consul
tation with our distinguished candidate
and the executive committee appointed
me with their full approval.
"Vice Chairman Mr.. Delaney Nicol, also
selected by me. and the officers of the
executive committee, especially Mr..
Sheehan, Mr.. Belmont and Mr.. Peabody,
sacrificed their personal interests in de-
voting their entire time to the work of
the campaign.
"It is but fair that 1 should say on
this occasion that l received from the
executive committee not only earnest
and loyal cooperation, but from every
member, at all times, courteous and con-
siderate treatment. There was never the
slightest friction, nor was their ever the
slightest attempt on the part of any
member to usurp any of the functions of
the national chairman. In view of many
publications on the subject ,by partisan
newspapers l deem it a duty to make
this statement. While our committee So
licited no money for corrupt purposes, 1t
had ample means for the legitimate pur-
poses of the campaign. There was no
lack of literature. The best democratic
orators of the country were everywhere
upon the stump and to them on this oc-
caslon | wish to extend my thanks and
appreciation for their valuable services.
Pays Tribute to Bryan.
"And in this connection | want to say
that no man in America rendered more
valuable service, more untiring, unselhsh
and effective service than did that as
tinguished gentleman, present here to-
night the Hon. William j. Bryan. And.
as the head of the national organization,
l want to make the proper acknowieog-
ment and to thank him.
But with all this-an apparently COM
pact organization-a candidate whose
personal character was irreproachable,
ample means for all legitimate purposes,
all the literature that could be used ana
with the country ablaze with unsurpassed
oratory. we encountered a political re-
verse almost unparalleled, disaster
caused by hundreds of thousands of dem-
ocrats falling to vote and by many 9TH
ers voting the opposition ticket
Mr. Taggert said in 1904 Judge Parker
was favored by many who thought that
the nomination of an eastern man OF
high character would not fail to gain the
support of the whole party, and would
win an old-time victory. Unfortunately.
or fortunately, as you may happen TO
look at 1t, Mr.. Parker's candidacy was
espoused by many prominent men. some
of whom had contributed to the election
of rIcKinley and Roosevelt. A platform
was adopted in convention, Mr.. Parker
nominated then came the celebrated gold
standard telegram and H. G. Davis was
nominated for Vice President.
aTn the campaign which followed the
results prove that very large proper
tt of the democratic voters were not
satisfied with the work Oh the nationai
convention and on election day they made
.neir protest Still I do not believe that
INV other candidate on any platform
could have been elected. There was no
ebiection to Mr. Parker's personality, but
these who were in the battle of 1896 felt
ii al they had been called upon to re-
treat rather than to advance, and declin-
ing to retreat. revolted."
As to Partys Future.
As TO the future Chairman Tagger.
said
.sro be successful. the people, the rank
ord file must interest themselves in the
situation and the affairs of the party or
ganization There should be such rules
formulated for the holding Of primaries
and convention as will assure every dem
ccrat that he can and will have voice
in guiding the destinies of the party In
IN, future. Then let every democrat turn
ont and express his will as TO candi-
oates and platforms. Let the people reg
ister their wills and let us all allow
their leadership"
Mr.. Bryan Speaks.
William Jennings Bryan was the last
sneaker of the evening. For some time
the applause that greeted him as he
arose continued. Mr.. Bryan spoke in
part as follows:
.sWhat the democratic party most needs
TODAY Is to be animated by the spirit of
Andrew Jackson as the solution of pend
ing problems. 1t suffered overwhelming
defeat last November, and the prime
cause of that defeat is to be found in
the fact that it lacked this spirit. 1t
cannot hope either to win or deserve
success until it becomes in reality a
Jackson party, and like Old Hickory. is
ready to take the peoples side of every
question without stopping to count the
cost or to measure the prospects of i'm
mediate success.
.The party's position upon the labor
question is the only one consistent with
the party's purpose. The government
cannot be made for admitted interests