The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1907-11-22
MR.. BRYAN'S POSITION.
From The Commoner.

Europe, Mr.. Bryan IN an inter
view stated that it was too early It
discuss the campaign of 1905 from
a personal standpoint, although
during that summer the Democratic
Conventions in something like halt
of the Union had passed resolutions
complimentary to lin aud men
toned his name III connection with
the Democratic nomination fol
President. He has from time to
time refused to discuss the availa-
ability either of himself or other
candidates, believing that the party
should have all the light pOsslb lie
before attempting selection. A
presidential candidate should fiji
the platform adopted 10y his party,
aud platforms ARE made to fit the
conditions existing when the plat.
form is made No one can see
very far ahead or speak with Ger
talnly as to the issues or ms to the
relative importance Of issues in tn,
campaign, Sometimes day will
change the situation, and u few
months may bring forward new
issue which will have an important
bearing upon the availability of Il
candidate. For this reason Mr..
Bryan has failed to make any an
nouucemrnt rs to his own position.
although he has from time 10 time
discussed issues old aud new. Now
that the election of 1907 is past
and plans arr being made for next
years campaign he feds that II
statement is due the public. Those
/ who prefer another candidate are
entitled to know his position, taud
those who favor his nomination
have n right to demand an answer
10 the question so often put-WIIl
you accept nomination. His re.
fusal to answer the question has
led to the circulation of many
false reports. aud unfrlendly news
papers have taken advantage of his
silence to mlSrepresent his atti-
tude.
Mr.. Bryan will not usk for or
seek n nomination; and he will NOT
assume to decide the question of
his availability. He has been so
amply recomprnsed by his party
for what he has done aud what he
has rUdeavored to do that he can
not claim the nomination ms n re-
ward; neither should his ambition
be considered, tor he has had
honors enough from his party To-
satisfy any reasonable ambition
The only question that ought to
weigh with the party is whether
the party can be strengthened and
aided more by his nomiuatiOn than
by the nomination of someone else
If he can serve his party by being
its candidate. he will accept the
nomination and make the best fight
he can. II however the choice falls
on another, he will not be disap
pointed or disgruntled, His avail
ability is question not to be de.
ended by him, not by few leaders,
not even by the leading newspapers
that call themselves Democratic,
but by the voters of the party, and
10 them he lntruSts the decision of
the Questlon-they are the supreme
court in all matters concerning
candidates, as they are in all mat
ters concerning the platform.
He assumes that they will not
select him unless they desire to
make an aggressive fight for the ap.
phi alton of Democratic principles to
present conditions, aud he also
takes it for granted that the organ.
IZatIon Of the party will be in har.
mony with the platform and will br
composed Of men whose polilicnI
records will invite confidence aud
give assurance that victory
II won, will not be II barren vie
'Ury.
II ms been asserted that Mr..
Bryan was waiting to see who the
Republican nominee wund he
TINS Is untrue He has never felt
hat his position should be depend
rnr upon the action taken by the
Republican party. The RepubIr.
rnus must nominate either re-
former, Il standpalter, or one whose
position on public questions is un
known, and the course Of the Dem.
ocrarc party should be the same
no matter which element controls
the Republican convention. The
Democratic party must make its
fight for what it believes. While
It may take advantage of Republi-
can mistakes, 1t must depend upon