The Washington herald., 1908-07-03

Lincoln. July Mr.. Bryan makes plain
IN an editorial in this weeks Commoner.
TO be issued tomorrow, that he expects TO
obtain the Endorsement of Hearst's Inde-
pendence League.
In another editorial he gives some broad
hints upon platform planks. In the for
mer. Bryan defends the New York pub
Usher from the too quick assumption OF
Republicans" that he viii oppose the
Democratic ticket After detailing various
things for which he should be given
credit, he says
Mr.. Hearst could hardly be expected TO
announce in advance of the other conven-
tions what he thought ought to be done.
but IL will be remembered that in 1904 he
was candidate in the Democratic con-
vention after the adoption Of the platform
written that year He was willing to
make the fight for the reforms outlined
in that platform.
There is no danger Of the platform this
year containing less Of reform than the
platform Of 1904 There is every indica-
tion that it will go even further in rene
dial legislation. If the platform Of 1904
was good enough for Air. Hearst 70 run
upon. may not the Democratic platform
OF 1908 BE- found good euough for Mr..
Hearst 10 support?
Candidates Have Influence.
D.
influence in determining Mr. Hearsts
action. and the organization Of the ma
tional committee is factor 10 be con-
sidered; the general trend and spirit of
the convention also ought TO have a right
ia determining with what force the Demo-
cratic party Will be able to appeal to the
men who are connected with the Iude-
pendence party.
"Plutocracy supports the party which
leans most toward plutocracy. and the
radical element is likewise independent
Each supports the party that gives the
best assurance Of securing what that
element desires.
The advocacy of remedial measures is
not the only thing required of a reform
party; ability 20 secure remedial meas
ures is as important as the advocacy
Of them. and the radical who wants some
thing done is likely to ask himself two
questions:
First. What parties promise REFORM
Second, OF the parties promising re-
form. which party can offer the best
assurances Of fulfilling the promise?'
The radical element of the country
can well afford to wait until after the
Denver convention has adjourned before
it decides what TO do"
Arraigns Republicans.
on the first page Of the Commoner. Mr..
Bryan arraigns the Republicans on sew
eral counts. The first count is based on
the rejection of the physical valuation
of railroad plants; the second on the de-
feat Of the campaign publicity resolution.
ana the third on the rejection OF the
declaration favoring election of Senators
by direct vote. Mr.. Bryan declares that
There can be but one explanation Of the
action Of the Republican convention.
namely: That it Is the intention Of those
in charge of the Republican party to Sc
cure campaign funds from sources which
they dare not disclose"
lie breaches the new idea that 1T is
not necessary that small contributions
shall be made public and to make these
public might subject the giver to inquiry.
II, for instance, the giver was an en-
ploye and opposed to his employer. If a
man gives largely. the public has a right
10 know where the gift comes from; If it I
is part Of an implied contract whereby
return Is to be secured in legislation or
immunity, no corporation OF any kind
should be allowed 10 contribute 70 cam
paign funds. for corporations are not or |
ganized for political purposes"
should Value Railroads.
Physical valuation Of railroads. he de- |
clares. is necessary. He says that so long |
as the truth is concealed. there will be /
exaggeration on both sides. and the coun- /
try ought 10 know whether the rail
roads are overcapltalized.
Bryan insists there was but one reason
why the direct vote for Senators was
beaten. II is this:
so long as the exploiting interests can
control the Senate. they can hold the
people at bay and this is why the Re
publican convention insolentIy thwarted
the purpose Of those Republicans who
sympathize with the desire Of the people
I'm their demand for relief from present
conditions. Surely. the rank and file Of
The Republican party will express their
indignation at this open and obvious dis
trust Of the people. The Republican partv
has added TO It's many sins the unpardon-
able one"