The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1908-05-06
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1908.
THE CONRAD BOOM.

One OF the most prominent objects
on the democratic political stage at
the present time, Is the boom Of Hon.
W. G. Conrad, Of Montana, for q
place on the democratic national
ticket. News of the birth Of the move
ment, and its rapid growth, Is con.
tanned in eastern newspapers that
have been received the past few weeks.
In interviews with the representa-
tives of several New York journals,
Mr.. Conrad announced his willing
ness to accept the democratic nomina-
toin for president in the event that
Bryan did not secure that honor; or
he would be pleased to become the
running mate of the Nebraska candi.
date, If his party so desired. His
availability is recognized by the
Tammsny Times, of New York, which
gives a biographical sketch OF the
we'll known banker and business man,
and boosts him for high political hon.
ors In these remarks:
"But Montana and the west, par.
ticularly, and the country. generally,
have had Mr.. Conrad in mind ever
since as q man OF large wealth he
missed q seal in the United States
senate simply because he would not
use his money. Mr.. Conrad has kept
In close touch with national affairs
for years and is almost a. we'll known
In Washington as in Montana.
"This Is the man whom his friends,
west, east, north and south, declare
1t will be we'll to keep eyes on At the
Denver convention. Although he
modestly disclaims any further politi.
cal ambition, it Is hard for any man
not to heed whenlhe hears the call Of
his country"
1t Is somewhat remarkable that the
Conrad boom is receiving more pub
licity and assistance from eastern
newspapers than from the Montana
democratic press. The latter appears
60 be apatheticSin its attitude toward
the political aspirations of q Montana
citizen who has been q resident OF the
state since early days and has been
prominent in its business and political
affairs during the past forty years.
The appearance of Mr.. Conrad as an
aspirant for q place on the democratic
national ticketIhas not awakened the
''favorite son" enthusiasm among the
Montana democracy that his candi.
dacy should suggest. The bouquets
that have been rendered the Conrad
boom by Montana democratic news.
papers are few in number, and are de.
ticient In both beauty and fragrance.
1t is quite possible that the position
of Montana democratic newspapers In
this matter is due to the sudden and
unexpected turn OF the political kali
eidoscope. It was assumed that Bry.
an had q cinch IN the democratic
presidential nomin alton, and Montana
democratic newspapers practically
bound themselves to the Nebraska
politician early in the campaign.
With q Montana i! aspirant now in the
field, they are placed in a most EN-.
barrassing position by their prema.
ture boosting for q candidate from an
outside state.
A way out of the dilemma may be
furnished at the state and county
democratic conventions which will
soon be held, and at which the Conrad
boom should receive careful and prop.
er consideration. AS q home product,
other things being equal, it should be
given the preference in the matter of
i%nstructing delegates to the democratic
national convention.
AS Cascade county is the home
county Of Mr.. Conrad, it is expected
to lead the procession in his behalf.
The leaders of the Cascade county
democracy, as q matter of local pride
and in recognition Of the claims of
their distinguished political comrade,
should insist that Mr.. Conrad receive
endorsement for any place on the ma
tional ticket that he may prefer. II
the Conrad boom is backed by a solid
Montana delegation at Denver, i,
may sweep the democratic national
convention.
1-@~