The Washington herald., 1907-11-15

Lincoln, Neb., Nov. 1.-THE first posi-
tive declaration by Mr.. Bryan on the sub
ject Of his attitude toward the Democratic
Presidential nomination Of 1908 appears in
this weeks Commoner. to be issued to-
morrow
In prominent editorial position, under
the heading. Mr.. Bryan's Position" Mr.
Bryan makes the subjoined statement.
1t is a guarded announcement that he IS
a candidate, and while he makes 1t plain
that he would not accept the nomination
save on a platform to his liking, he is
not to be considered as personally seeking
the nomination, but is willing to take it
II the rank and file Of the party ask him
and desire him to make the race.
The statement in the Commoner is as
follows:
"A year ago last summer. while in
Europe, Mr.. Bryan In an interview stated
that it was too early to discuss the cam
paign Of 1908 from a personal standpoint.
although during that summer the Demo-
cratic conventions IN something like half
of the States of the Union had passed re-
solutions complimentary to him, and men
TONED his name in connection with the
Democratic nomination for President.
Must Fit Platform.
He has from time 10 time refused to
discuss the availability. that the party
should have all the light possible before
attempting a selection. A Presidential
candidate should fit the platform adopted
by his party and platforms are made to
I'll the conditions existing when the plat
form Is made.
NO one can see very far ahead and
speak with certainty as to the issues or
as to the relative Importance of issues
I'm the campaign. Sometimes a day will
change the situation and a few months
may bring forward new issues which will
have an important bearing upon the
availability OF a candidate. For this rea-
son Mr.. Bryan has refused TO make any
announcement as 10 his own position, al
though he has from time 10 time dis
cussed issues old and new.
Now that the election OF 1907 is past
and plans are being made for next years
campaign he feels that a statement is
due 10 the public. Those who prefer an
other candidate are entitled 10 know his
position, and those who favor his nomi-
nation have right 10 demand an answer
70 the question so often put, VIII you ac-
cept a nomination. His refusal TO answer
the question has led to the circulation Of
many false reports. and unfriendly news
papers have taken advantage of his ST.
lence to misrepresent his attitude.
Not Seeking Nomination
Mr.. Bryan viii not ask for nor seek
a nomination, and he will not assume
to decide the question of his availability
lie has been SO amply recompensed by
his party for what he has done and for
what he has endeavOred TO do that he
cannot claim a nomination as a reward;
neither should his ambition be consid-
cred, for he has had honOrs enough
from his party to satisfy any reasonable
ambition.
Tho only question that ought to weigh
with the party is whether the party can
be strengthened and aided more by his
nomination than by the nomination of
some one else. II he can serve the party
by being its candidate. he will accept
the commission and make the best fight
he can. II, however. the choice falls
upon another, he VIII not be disappointed
or disgruntled.
His availability is a question TO be
decided. not by him, not by a few lead
ers, not even by the leading newspa-
pers that call themselves Democratic, but
by the voters Of the party. and to them
no intTusts the decision OF the question;
they are the supreme court in all mat
ters concerning candidates, as they are
in all matters concerning the platform
Would Make Aggressive Fight.
He assumes that they Will not select
him unless they desire 10 make an ag-
gressiye fight for the application OF Dem
ocratlc principles to present canditions.
and he also takes It for granted that
the organization OF the party will be in
harmony with the platform and will be
composed Of men whose political rec
ords will invite confidence and give as
surance that a victory won viii not be
barren victory
1T has been asserted that Mr. Bryan
was waiting 70 see who the Republican
nominee would be. This is untrue
THE Republicans must nominate either
q refOrmer. a standpatter. or one whose
position on public questions Is unknown,
and the course Of the Democratic party
should be the same. no matter which eIe-
ment controls the Republican convention.
''The Democratic party must make its
fight for what IL believes. While II may
take advantage Of Republican mistakes. it |
must depend upon its merits for success
and not upon the errors OF it's opponents.
The action Of the Republican convention
may have its influence in the determining
OF the relative availability of Democratic
candidates, but it ought not TO have any
influence in determining the question
whether the one chosen by the Democrats
should accept the nomination. If the rank
and file OF the Democratic party desire !
Mr. Bryan 10 make the race. he will make
it. no matter who may be the Republican |
nominee"