New-York tribune., 1908-07-05
AWAIT MURPHY'S WORD.
Anti-Bryanites Undecided about
Continuing Fight.

Denver July 4.-Whether to continue the fight
against William ]. Bryan to abandon the
field to those who insist that the Nebraskan Will
be nominated the first ballot, has been the
subject of many conferences here to-day, IN
which the leaders of the anti-Bryan forces have
taken part. The decision hinges on the attitude
of the New York delegation, which will follow
the judgment of Charles F. Murphy. leader of
Tammany Hail. Mr.. Murphy is not ready to an
nounce his position, and said so to such men as
Colonel J. NJ Guffey, of Pennsylvania, and Will
lam F. Sheehan, of New. York City. These men
gained the impression that Mr.. Murphy is not
disposed to Join III a movement to defeat MIR.
Bryan if it is demonstrated within the next
forty-eight hours beyond shadow of doubt that
the task is hopeless Mr. Murphy does not in
tend to take up the cudgels in defence OF lost
cause He is not ready at this time to commit
New YOrk's seventy-eight votes to any candl-
date and is waiting for developments between
now and the time of the New York State caucus
on Monday, to determine his course.
With New York's position undetermined the
question of carrying on the fight against Mr.
Bryan is still open. The conferences to-day were
not directed by the representatives of Judge
George Cray and Governor Johnson. the only
candidates against Mr.. Bryan, who are now in
the field, but were entirely apart from any plan
to further the interests of either Of these men,
The move was solely one to develop the extent
of the opposition Mr.. Bryan and disclose
whether a chance prevent his nomination
exists.
The Bryan men are taking little notice Of the
work against their candidate, and continue to
announce with the utmost confidence that the
Nebraskan cannot be beaten Josiah Marvel,
speaking for the Gray men. and Frederick B.
Lynch the manager for Governor Johnson, are
/ o1,rjri ever wait until all the ueIe-
gates arrive before deciding that Mr.. Bryan s
nomination is settled.
Mr. Murphy and Mr.. Sheehan held confer
ence later at which the whole situation was
gone over The only result of the conference
that could be ascertained was the statement
that the position of New York will not be de-
termined until the caucus on Monday. AT the
end of the day. Mr.. Murphy said:
There has been change in my attitude
since arrived here yesterday. New 1orks po-
sition will not be outlined, and am not in a
position make it known IN advance OF 'he
caucus to be held on Monday.
Mr. Murphy began the day with a long auto
mobile ride accompanied by Lewis Nixon, Jo-
senh Cassidy 2. F. Donohue, d. F. Cohalan and
one other guest They inspected the Auditorium.
where the convention is to be held, and ex-
pressed satisfaction over the position given 10
New York, just III the rear of Nebraska "hlch
occupies a place of honor along the first two
rows They then called on Chairman Taggart to
nav their respects. Mr. Murphy discussed the
New York situation frankly with the national
chairman He reiterated the position he has
held from the first, that he could announce no
decision for the delegation until after the Mon
day caucus.
Mr. Taggart asked Mr.. Murphy if it was true
that William j Conners had been selected to
succeed Norman E. Mack on the national COM
mittee and was told that no selection had been
made and .lope would be made until the matter
was placed before The delegates in caucus
Asked as to the reported faVorlng OF justice
Gaynor for the Vice-Pre ldehcy. MI Murphy
told Mr. Taggart that New York had number
OF men who would honor the place. but did not
inow whether they would accept or not. and
above ALL that the delegation had come to no
decision as to the advisability of Offering
candidate to the party at this time.