The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-06-29

There were reports before Mr.. Bell
had been selected that a fight was to
be made on him by Thomas Taggart,
chairman of the national committee.
and Roger c. Sullivan, the national
committeeman from Illinois. but the
promised struggle did not materialize.
and the wishes of Mr.. Bryan regarding
Mr.. Bell were carried out without
sign or sound of dissent.
This fact was taken by the Bryan
men to mean that all opposition to the
wishes of their leader had disappeared
or at least will be only of comparative
~ slight influence throughout the con-
vention. They are now counting con-
fdently on the selection of Henry D.
Clayton of Alabama for permanent
chairman, claiming that it will be
more opposition. as that of Mr.. Bell at
the meeting of yesterday.
Looks Like Clayton.
No particular opposition has been
made to Mr.. Clayton, and there are no
present signs of any fight against him.
Other names have been mentioned, but
none from the south. save that of Sem
ator Joseph w. Bailey of Texas. and
1t seems to be practically certain that
he will not be able to attend the con-
vention, because of i'll health. 1t is
known that Mr.. Bryan desires a per-
manent chairman from the south, and
the Bryan men believe that with Sena
tor Bailey eliminated, no man other
than Clayton will be considered.
Very little talk has SO far been
heard concerning the platform. but it
is generally believed among the recog-
nized leaders now here that the fight
over the injunction" plank in the
Republican resolutions committee may
find parallel when the Democratic
platform builders are fairly at work.
1t is generally understood that in the
event of the Bryan people securing
control of the resolutions committee,
the declaration of principles will fol-
low closely the planks of the Lincoln
platform"
Arrivals of political Importance
have so far been few and no delega-
tions are expected for some days. Not
single headquarters has been opened
as yet. and it will probably be Thurs
day of this week before events are in
full swing.
The vice presidential situation.
from the present outlook. offers the
greatest encouragement to that class
of delegates which is looking always
for excitement at a political conven-
ton. Unless the nominee for the first
place on the ticket should demand of
his friends the selection of running
mate on whom he may have set his
heart, the indications would seem to
point to numerous ballots in the COM
pletion of ticket.
That frequent balloting and spirited
contests are wonderful factors in
creating enthusiasm is asserted by
Democratic leaders now here, and they
| are looking forward to a scramble
over the vice presidency particularly
| if a nomination for the presidency is
made on the first ballot.
A we'll fought contest to the finish
| over any question which interests the
| delegates. it is asserted, engenders
good feeling and harmony. The dis
position of the party leaders. there
| FORE is to invite, rather than discour-
age. prominent Democrats to enter the
race for second place on the national
! ticket
! The present prospects are that there
/ will not be a dearth of candidates for
/ the vice presidential nomination. Some
/ of the names now heard are those of
men who have said they do not desire,
or would not take. second place They
will have warm friends in the conven-
tion nevertheless, who are likely to
make campaigns for them If Mr..
Bryan should be nominated and fail to
voice his preference for a running
/ mate.
Among these are Governor johnson
| of Minnesota, and Judge George Gray
of Delaware, both of whom will figure
| in the ballot for the presidential
<Conffuued IN Paro EfcbtN