The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-05
Fourth of July Celebration PaVes Way to the Big Den-
 ocratic Convention
JUDGE PARKER TALKS ON
 MEN AND MEASURES
Former Presidential Candidate Dis. cusses Bryan and Admits That He Is the Party Leader and May
 Surely Be Nominated.

Surely Be Nominated.
 Denver. July 4.-The American eagle and the democratic rooster have vied with each other today in giving Denver one of the most lurid Fourths of July tL.t ever marked it's brief but strenuous exist ence. Throughout the day the streets have been ablaze with color an incessant ain of cannon and cracker have mingled with the enthusiasm of the arriving polit- ical delegations and long trains have crept over the praries from every direction, adding their throngs to the multitude al- ready here. Tonight the state capitol ard other public buildings loom out of the darkness in living fire, with every outline marked by myriad lights; the streets pull sate with convention throngs and the chatter of fireworks; the hotel lobbies are filled with political leaders, delegates 1 and onlookers from every section of the ! country, and there is general culmina- ton of today's conjunction of patriotism and politics. Thus far, however there is | no storming of Denver's gates, and the | crowds are somewhat below the average | of national conventions, owing to the dis | tance of Denver from the populous cen ters, and also because the government and l state restrictions on railroad passes keep | back the hundreds who have heretofore made national conventions the occasions | for quadrennial free excursion How ever, the convention Is still three days off and there is ample time for an influx up to the precedent In number and noise. It is estimated that 2OOoo s, ,angers are already here and soooo more a expected in the next two days <
 New Arrivals.
 The arrivals today included the Mis- souri delegation, headed by the tall. eaunt form of Senator Stone part of the North Carolina delegation, headed by Governor Glenn, who promptly retired his candi- dacy for the vice presidency and stras- snng advance guards of many of the other delegations. These with Judge Parker, the democratic candidate of lopl Congressman Clayton of Alabama. the silver-tongued southerner who will be l made chairman of the convention: Chief l Murphy of Tammany Hall and Governo,, | fiasAeii or Oklahoma, likely candidate l Tor chairman of the platform commftter are the chief figures of national interest now on the ground But there is rather D noticeable absence of national leaders and the conspicuous figures of former con Nent1ons = Tillman. Bailey, Culberson 1 Champ Clark. John Sharp Williams-ana most of the men of action in ths gather ing are from the ranks of local leaders | One of the arrivals today was Charles w. Bryan brother of the candidate. who i came from Lincoln with number of Ne- 1 braska leaders to dispense hospitality | From the Nebraska and Bryan headoua,- ters This is the first appearance of 6rother Charles in national affairs, ul- | though he has been for II years the pri- 1 vate secretary to his brother and the bus l mess head of The Commoner to which ! William J. contributes the editorial in- | spration.
 Parker In Limelieht. Naturally the democratic standari- | bearer of 1904, Judge Alton B. Parker | of New York. is a center of attention | and interest. He is comparatively new | figure at conventions, and many of the delegates know him only by the cam paign portraits of four years ago But his urbanity and his friendly welcome have created a favorable impression on the throngs who come to greet him. At the outset he was a bit nettled over the publication of the Cleveland resolutions and the comment which ensued But all that IS past now; the resolutions are as gentle and soothing as the summer breeze and the judge himself is as good natured and sunny usual When seen today he did not wish to give a formal in- terVlew, but In an informal way he chat ted interestingly the existing situation and the outlook
 Do you consider the presidential nom- nation still an open question, or is Mr. Bryans nomination reasonably assured 2n Judge Parker asked.
 "Of course, I have no more exact infor- nation than you have on that subject,'' he replied.
 Bryan's Strong Lead.
 But the reports gathered by the press ana by those who are keeping pretty close track of the standing of delegations appear to indicate that Mir Bryan has very strong lead, and one which may be sufficient to give him the nomination At the same time we are in friendly rivalry both as to men and measures. It may be that some of us would have preferred another candidate. But we are here for an exchange of views and it is the very essence of democratic faith to accept tha will of the majority Of course, there is it. only one way for that will to have official expression, and that,is by a ballot in the convention. Meantime there is not man in the convention that will not say to- day that he Is ready to accept of the will of the convention and support the candi- date when that will Is definitely made known"
 'In the event of MT. Bryan's nomina- ton I judge from the foregoing that you would wish your stadnch friends of 1904 to give their liberal support to him was the query put to Judge Parker
 Most assuredly." he replied. and why not? MT. Bryan will then become the exponent of the democratic party. with its great principles and it's great mission still to perform.
 Ability Is Conceded.
 MT. Bryan's ability is everywhere con- ceded and by one more than myself He Is gentleman of splendid intellectual ability. of vast information on public af- fairs. an orator of magnetic qualities, with an engaging personality, which wins him hosts of devoted adherents. and natural leader of men. Make no mistake,
 
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