The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-25
OPINIONS FORMED FROM BRYAN'S VISIT Made No lntimation About His
 Candidacy TOLD WHAT HE STANDS FOR Judge Harmon Was Also Silent, But the Current Belief Is That the National Ticket Will Be
 Bryan and Harmon.
TOLD WHAT HE STANDS FOR

While in Birmingham, William Jen- nings Bryan said nothing and did noth- ing that would indicate that he is in active search for the nomination to the presl- dency.
 Neither did Judge Judson Harmon refer directly or indirectly to the current be- lief that there is a movement on foot to have him head the ticket with MT. Bryan. While voice in the audience at the Bijou theatre referred to him as "the next vice president and while at the banquet numerous similar references were made, no word or action of the distinguished Ohioan indicated that he had even given the matter considera- ton.
 During the entire visit of MT. Bryan and Mr.. Harmon neither referred to himself in the light of a probable candi- date. Mr. Bryan's address was taken up completely with his explanation and defense of democratic principals and his words had no presumable personal significance.
 In reference to national politics, the only news item that could have been gathered was MT. Bryan's statement of his belief that this year would restore democracy to power for two reasons because the republican party was di- vided by reformers and standpatters, and because the democratic party was more firmly united than ever before in recent years.
 Left Here For Washington. MT. Bryan and Judge Harmon left the city yesterday morning for Washing ton. From press reports it is learned that Mr. Bryan spoke to a gathering at the station in Anniston, and that on ac- count of delayed train, remained several house in Atlanta.
 In case of MT. Bryan's nomination, 1t is easy to gather. from what he spoke in public. what he will endeavor to have inserted in the platform.
 Of course he will want a revision in the tariff. He stated that he devoted the first 10 years of his 27 in politics to dis cussions of the tariff.
 He still believes in more money In case it ever becomes necessary again to issue emergency money he will want it secured by the bonds of the govern ment. He will advocate certain methods that will result in the absolute security of the peoples money when deposited in banks. He intimated in his speech that he hoped to see state bank as secure as a national, and a small bank as safe as large.
 Sands For Antitrust Laws.
 He left no doubt in the minds of Bir- mingham people that he will stand for antitrust laws, and the enforcement of antitrust laws. He derided Secretary Taft's statement that few trust mag mates should be sent to the penitentiary. Br. Bryan intimated that every trust mag nate. found guilty, should be sent to the penitentiary. He scored Roosevelt for not having punished the trusts more severely He stated his position on this question by very simple illustration. He stated that though the judges, as a rule, are good in America, no man would be willing for judge interested in the case. to try him. "The inquiry of private monopoly is a Bryan hobby, and his statements here indicated beyond shodow of doubt that he has not aban- doned that hobby.
 MT. Bryan stated his belief in a law that would prevent a state statute being sus- pended by federal courts. Let not a little federal judge he cried, believe him. self larger than the people" He made himself enthusiastically plain on this sub feet, and when he stated that he believed as Governor Comer,' etc., he went fur ther than the mere statement of his po- sition on the railroad question. He did not advance strongly government super vision or regulation of railroads, though he favors that policy.
 MT Bryan stated that as far as he per sonally was concerned, free silver would not figure during the ensuing campaign.
 Prohibition Local Issue.
 He stated very strongly. too, his opinion that prohibition was a local issue. When a prohibition zealot pressed the great leader, he plainly showed his impatience.
 q regard prohibition as purely local issue" he said
 "But suppose the democrats put such plank in the platform, would you su- port it?" was asked
 . Ou IluSl nOI dSk Illc d iiyPoeiCtiSdi question:" the Nebraskan replied, ''and l will decline to answer.'' MT. Bryan in- timated plainly his belief that the mur- mur of the rural burg was not the sound that went around the world. The insertion of prohibition plank in the platform is advocated by Lieutenant Governor Henry B. Gray in a recent interview. This ad- vocacy of the present popular political weapon prompted the questioner to ap- proach MT. Bryan on the subject. No Reference To Candidacy. MT. Bryan while here made no ref erence to his opinion as to who will be the republican nominee. In this connection he referred to but one man, Secretary Taft. The President has named MT. Taft to be- come one of the royal Roosevelts. mot be- cause he stands for anything, but because he comes nearer standing for something than any other An the Presidents cab met" This was the reference.
 Concerning the popular belief that MT. Bryan will be the nominee of the party he made no statement, as written, and only once did he refer to this matter.
 "I can't say what part I will take in the campaign" he replied to sally at tho banquet "The Washington Post states that someone else should be the presi-