New-York tribune., 1906-08-14
BRYAN AND SULLIVAN
Sharp Erchange of Radically Di-
Uergent Opinions.

Paris, Aug. 13.-William J. Bryan to-day gave
out a statement concerning the controversy re-
specting the Illinois Democratic national COM
mitteeman Roger Sullivan. The controversy
has grown out of Mr.. Bryan's letter demanding
the resignation of Mr. Sullivan To which Mr..
Sullivan returned a prompt refusal. and said
that Mr.. Bryan had been misinformed respecting
the situation by NJ. F. Dunlap.
Mr.. Bryan's rejoinder says that no one except
himself is responsible for the information con-
tanned in his letter and that he had intended to
ask Mr.. Sullivan to resign before he should see
Mr.. Dunlap Mr.. Bryan added:
entered into this contest because 1 believed
that Roger Sullivan and John Hopkins had de-
hberatey robbed the Democrats of Illinois of
their political right, and still believe so. To
secure political power by force or by fraud
ought to be disgraceful in the eyes Of the
public as to secure money by force or fraud. 1
cannot conceive of any plausible defence which
Mr.. Sullivan can make for remaining on the ma
tiona committee. If tn. body is unable to rid
itself of the leadership OF men like Sullivan. who
TO advance their corporate interests, il might as
we'll dissolve While l was anxious To give Sui
Van a chance TO retire without fight il is
probably Just as. well that he refused, for IL we
must fs,ilv-to puhify the party organization the
sooner it begins the better.
The statement adds an expression Of confidence
and approval of the work of the Majority Rule
League and of Messrs. Dunlap, Rainey Thomp-
son and Nelson.
Chicago, Aug. 13.-Roger Sullivan. national
committeeman, said to-day in regard to Mr..
Bryan's latest tGtterances that there was no truth
in them, adding:
Mr.. Bryan got all of his information from
Mr.. Dunlap. and is doing what Mr. Dunlap
wants him to do. All the information he has
about the Illinois situation he has received from
Dunlap and Thompson. He is fighting their
battles-battles that they cannot fight for them
selves. His statement is not true as to the
TO the national committee to the COM
mittee on credentials Mr. Bryan is not bigger
than the entire Democratic party.
Mr. Sullivan referred to a letter which he said
Mr.. Bryan had written to Congressman Cald-
WELL of the Springfield district in which he said
Mr.. Bryan admitted that he had received all of
his information from Dunlap. That letter. said
Mr.. Sullivan. proof of his assertions.
The letter from Mr. Bryan TO B. NJ. Caldwell
Democratic nominee for Congress in the 21st
District. is follows
North British Station Hotel. Glasgow July 49,
My dear Mr.. Caldwell: Mr.. Dunlap has
brought your message. and l hasten to say
that / shall be glad to come into your district IL
engag agements will permit, and l shall try to so
arrange them that they will permit. In prom
Using this l assume, of course, that the rank
and file will regain control of the organization,
as 1 have rot felt that could consistently speak
there under the auspices of state organization
that fOsted itself upon the party through force
and fraud. | confident however. that your
coming state convention will. in spite Of the
harmony cry. purify the organization and make
the party deserving Of public confidence. With
best wishes,
WILLIAM JENNINGS BRYAN
Owing to the absence of Mr. Hopkins in
Europe no statement could be obtained from
him.