The Washington times., 1906-07-13
BRYAN OPPOSED
TO LARGE ARMY
Talks With English War
Minister on Armament
Reduction Project.
LIKES HALDANE'S POLICY
Says Hopes Scheme Will Go Long Way
Toward Worlds
Peace.

LONDON, July 13.-Wilham J. Bryan
dined with War Minister Haldane today.
The TWO statesmen then discussed more
completely the project advanced by Mr.,
Haidane in the house of commons yes
terday for the reduction of armaments
in outlining the plans OF the British
government for army reorganization.
This is q subject in which Mr. Bryan
has long been interested, and as he
favors the reduction Of armies, he IS
pleased at the stand which the English
government has taken in the matter. In
an interview on this subject Mr. Bryan
said:
II listened with great interest to Mr.
HaIdane's speech yesterday. / believe
the scheme he advanced may mark a
new era in the general reduction OF
armies. I am much opposed 10 any in
crease in the fighting strength OF Amer
lea or other nations. What Is wanted
Is the application of an intelligent prin-
cipls in the organization of the forces
on a basis OF efficiency and economy.
u cannot say whether the United
States viii follow the example proposed
by Mr.. Haldane. but l hope that the
scheme will go a long way toward bring
ing about peace in the world"
Mr.. Bryan added that the stand taken
by the British government would prove
gratifying TO the next peace conference.
Radical But Conservative.
MIR. Bryan has talked concerning his
views on public questions and in regard
TO the popular opinion of him today.
he SAY 3 he has always been cOnserya-
tive, because the principles Of DemOcra-
cv are necessarily conservative but he
also declares that. speaking in the light
Of radical" as used by most people,
be is more radical today than he was
IN 1895 he reanirms his stanch belief
in the free silver doctrine, but says II
has been shelved. He recognizes that Il
ls not an issue. owing 10 the Increased
production OF gold all over the world.
In regard TO all the other questions
discussed in 1896, he declares, he has not
changed his position one iota.
Said Mr.. Bryan:
1T is 70 the interest of every honest
rlaa that dishonesty should be exposed
and punished; otherwise the deserving
are apt 10 suffer for the understanding
II. however. by the word conservative
they mean that / have changed my posi-
lion on any public question or mOdeT-
ated my opposition to corporate ag-
yrandizement they have a surprise wait
mg for them. I am more radical than
[ was in 1886, and have nothing 10 with
straw on economical questions which
nave been under discussion.
Money Question on Shelf.
while the money question has waned
"a Importance, other questions have been
forging 70 the front, and TO these ques-
tons we must apply the same principles
We applied 10 the money question, ana
seek 10 secure the greatest good 10 the
greatest number by legislation which
conforms 70 the doctrine of equal rights
ior ali and special privileges for none.
The newspapers have been trying TO
.reate friction between what they call
old friends and new friends I'm poll
tics. II the differences between the sin
lere and the pretended friends Of re
form cannot be discovered before. they
vii. become apparent when the platform
5 written; for, il present indications
count for anything, that platform is
ikely 70 be so plain that no one can
mistake il, and so strong that no enemy
II Democratic principles will be drawn
% the party"