The Norfolk weekly news-journal., 1908-04-03
H)PUNSIS NOT FOR BRYAN
NEBRASKA MEN REeUFFED AT
ST. LOUIS CONVENTION.
MAY CAUSE SPLIT IN PARTY
Three State Delegations, Those of Ne.
braska, Minnesota and Michigan,
Threaten to Bolt Convention-coxey
Is Made Temporary Chairman.

st. Louis, AHril 2.-FriendS of Will
lam J. Bryan made earnest, but highly
unsuccessful, efforts to influence in
his favor the action of the Populist
national convention, which met here
today. The majority of the members
Of the Peoples party and the various
reform organizations which are partiC-
ipating in the convention rebuffed the
Bryan people at every turn. They
also refused to classify Bryan as any
thing but Democrat, who has no
right to participate in the councils OF
the Populist party or to receive CON
Sideration at its hands. Everywhere
repulsed, the Bryanites will carry the
light into the convention as last re-
sort
Their demand was for a postpone
ment of the convention. They de-
clared that, in their opinion, the nomi-
nation OF candidates at the present
time is premature, and that it would
be wisdom to await the action OF the
lions before placing a ticket in the
field, They admitted that they are in
minority as compared to the Watson
men, but claimed to have letters from
Thomas Z. Watson, himself, in which
he expressed the opinion that it was
anwise to hold the convention at SO
early a date.
The Watson men positively refused
to listen TO any proposal for an ad'
journment, although w. r. Jones OF
Omaha and A. M. Walling of David
City made urgent request OF the ma
tional committee that action be taken.
Later a conference was held between
James H. Ferris, chairman of the Pop
ulist national committee, and Jones,
Walling and E. A. Walrath, the secre-
tary of the Nebraska state committee.
the three last representing the Bryan
interests.
Ferris fatty refused to consider the
adjournment, declaring that the con-
vention must be held and nominations
made. The Bryan people then shifted
lheir point OF attack to the committee
on credentials, declaring that some
men had came to the convention with
out being regularly accredited by prop
erly held state conventions. They
made no progress in this direction,
and then went again before the ma
tional committee, but no comfort was
forthcoming They then declared that
they will carry the fight upon the
floor of the convention and seek to
bring about an adjournment. The
chances are heavily against them,
The convention was called to order
this morning, at 10 o'clock, in the
Olympic theater by James II. Ferris
OF Illinois, chairman OF the Peoples
party national committee. After an
address by Mr.. Ferris, he turned the
gavel over to General Jacob S. Coxey
Of Mt. Vernon, o., the temporary chair
man. John s. Allen of Norman, Okla,
was chosen secretary and w. w.
Wiley OF Topeka, sergeant-at-arms.
At a caucus held by the Nebraska
delegates it was decided that Nebras-
ka should ask for the adoption Of
platform, the selection OF a new ma
tiOnal committee and an adjournment
until after the Republican and Demo
cratic conventions are held. II these
things are denied and the convention
proceeds TO make nominations, Ne
which has the full support OF
NHpnaaota and Michigan will walk nnt