New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-09-01
BRYAN'S CHANCES HURT.
Democrats from, Al Sections Bel'eve
He Has Gone Too Far.

Fsrx,an s6 s-r,o,isy injured his chances of being
considered the leader OF the Democratic party
by his advocacy IN his speech on THURSDAY night
OF government ownership Of railroads This
radical stand the chief topic OF conversation
yesterday among the Democratic leaders gath
erred sr this city and il was conceded that IL
had shaken the confidence of that element Of the
Democratic party who had come 20 believe that,
in spite of his former radical views, he was the
logical leader OF the party and tho logical can
sidete for President on the Democratic ticket
years hence.
This doctrine of government ownership or
railroads is particularly distasteful 10 the De-
rncc-acy OF the South. where Mr.. Bryans Lead
e-ship Of the party has hitherto been most
strong But prominent members of the party
from all over the country expressed the opinion
that h. had gon. too far in coming out for this
policy.
Members % sh. Democratic National Commit
tee end Democrat. Of like prominence were ex-
treu,eIy chsrv about talking for publication on
IN. subject. but 81 was on their minds and could
not b. suppressed.
There tairty-nv- Of the hfty-one mem
hers Of the committee IN town" on. ~ cts m.n-
h--s ssi6. II have most Of them to-day
end slso seen eenstors, er-Senstors and mem
hers Of the House Of Representatives from all
parts of the country. and they universally de-
plore that part Of Mr.. Brvans speech in which
he advocated the government ownership of the
railroads. The other doctrines he enunciated
met with general approval"
Another influential member 81 the committee
finally persuaded 10 talk on condition :x0t
his should not be used. He asked
whether Mr.. Bryan's speech had not caused
lot Of dissatisfaction.
DISSATISFACTION IN SOUTH.
Yer. q very great deal Of dissatisfaction he
replied. This Is particularly true among the
southerners. This dissatisfaction is caused
most largely on account OF what Mr.. Bryan had
20 sey in advocacy Of government ownership OF
railroads. In the FIRST place. &. is not Demo
cratic doctrine Then the Southerners oppose
~ because they naturally states rights peo-
pie"
Governor Blanchard of Louisiana, who Is also
q member of the national committee admitted
shat he hsd heard members OF the committee
strongly criticse certain parts of Mr.. BrHan's
speech particularly the governmental owner
ship feature. He skfully avoided making any
direct statement Of his own views OF the speech.
DO YOU think that Mr.. Bryan's discussion OF
the issues has strengthened injured hiVl as
the leader OF the Democratic party?" he was
asked
II have thi. TO say" he replied. that II was a
bold. courageous and able exposition OF the
opinions Of a who is recognized a leader
OF the Democracy. You must consider that Mr..
Bryan did rot profess 10 outline the next plat
form Of his party. Many things may happen
between now and the next Democratic conven-
ton"
Governor Blanchard asked 10 give his
private opinion OF the doctrine of government
ownership Of railroads.
MY opinions regarding that are merely tenta-
tive" he said. after a pause. and I should not
care express them at this time. i have not
had time 10 consider the question In all fits
phases" AS 10 how the speech would be gen.
orally received in the South. Governor Blanch-
srd said: 1T will undoubtedly please thousands
there, but, the other hand, there are many
vino will take exception 20 some parts OF IT."
Major z J. Hale, Of Fayetteville, N c.. who
Ga a member OF the Democratic State Central
Committee and was a member Of the committee
which drew the platform of the national
1896, is enthusiastic supporter Of the Ne
braska statesman. But he is not prepared TO
accept the doctrine OF governmental ownership
OF railroads without careful consideration.
BRYAN AS HEARST ANTIDoTE.
The only thing in Bryan's speech that stuck
me" he said was the advocacy OF govern
mental ownership OF railroads II may be
that we viii have conditions which may seem
20 make such a policy wise one. but il Is q
radical doctrine.
AS for the other parts OF the speech. they
were most satisfactory. In our stste have
passed resolutions favoring such constitutional
amendment would make IL possible 20 pass a
law for income tax end would provide for
che election OF United States Senators by q d.
rect vote of the people.
II think IL is settled that Bryan is 70 be the
leader OF the Democratic party and that he will
he the next Democratic candidate for President.
Two YEARS is a long time 20 wait but many
states have already Endorsed him 10 make his
candidacy almost assured fact. II
90 me that Brvan's strength comes from the fact
that the old conservatives feel that he, with his
broadened mind. is the real conservative force
and shat TO support him would he keep the
party and perhaps the country, from the domi-
nstion ~ more radical element.
There Was some Hearst sentiment in North
Carolina two years ago. although none of the
delegates 10 the national convention were in
.,ructed for him but I think what Hears. SEN
timent there rs in stale will ali
sorbed by the Bryan ides. 7 do not belev.
fhst Hearst will be sny menace 10 Mr. Bryan
- far the Presidential nomination 10 con
cer17ed
Several other southerners said they thought
question would check his popularity in that part
Of the country. snd that future state oonven-
lions in the South would be slow 70 pass reso-
iutions Endorsing him. IN addition 70 the re-
pusnance which such suggestion arouses in
the minds 81 those raised the .tates' rights
~soctrine the proposition that the government
MOULD own the railroads brings up the race
ouestton Under governmental ownership the
s,J.na Grow" cars, In which the Negroes are
Obliged 10 ride IN the South, would he abolished
The opposition 10 such change would be ~