The Washington herald., 1908-06-08
VIRGINIA FOR BRYAN
Rank and File Anxious for
Nomination of Nebraskan.
CONVENTION MEETS THURSDAY
Senator Daniel Leads Opposition TO
Westerner, but Indications Are
that He VIII he Sent to Denver,
Pledged by Inference, at Least,
20 Work for COmmoner.
Special to The Washington Herald.

special to The Washington Herald.
Richmond, Va, June THE Demo-
cratic State convention will meet in
Roanoke on Thursday for the purpose of
electing delegates to the national conven-
tion in Denver.
The paramount question to be consld-
cred will be that of instructing the Vir-
ginia delegation. Considerable opposition
TO instructions has already developed.
there being an unwritten law in this
State that the delegation shall not be
hampered in the work Of making a choice
after arriving upon the ground and being
given an opportunity 70 size up the sltua-
ton and study the conditions. The propo-
sition to instruct this time develops be-
cause of the sporadic opposition to the
nomination of William J. Bryan.
Bryan is unquestionably the choice of
the rank and file Of the party in Vir-
ginia. Probably the majority a the coun-
ty delegations which have already been
elected have been instructed TO vote for
his nomination and for instructing the
national delegates from Virginia. The
movement to defeat instructions will be
led probably by Senator John w. Daniel,
of Lynchburg. who, having been defeated
in the election as a delegate from his
home city. has been named as a delegate
at-large from the neighboring county OF
Pittsylvania. Senator Daniel has long
been opposed TO another nomination of
Bryan. He will use his best efforts 10
defeat instructions. in which effort he
will be backed by many of the official
politicians.
Makeup of Delegation.
1t looks at this time, almost on the
eve OF the convention, as If the delegates
at-large from Virginia VIII be composed
OF Senators Daniel and Thomas s. Martin.
Gov. Claude A Swanson. and former
Gov. j. Hoge Tyler. Of Radford. Gov.
Swanson has already come out for the
Nebraskan. 1t is not known how he will
stand on the question Of instructions. The
position of Senator Martin on this ques-
ton remains also an unknown quantity.
Tyler, who is a personal friend of the
Nebraskan, would probably be willing to
instruct The peculiar situation arises
that in the event the Denver delegation
is instructed. Senator Daniel will be In
the awkward position of being obligated
to work and vote for the nomination of
Bryan at Denver, in spite of his personal
opposition to the candidacy of the Ne
braskan.
The candidacy OF Gov. Johnson. of Min
nesota, does not seem to have attained
alarming proportions in Virginia, In spite
OF concerted attempt to boost him by
those who are opposed TO the third nomi-
nation Of Bryan. The appearance Of Gov.
johnson in Richmond on the occasion Of
the recent convention Of cotton manufac
turers. and his address before that repre-
sentative body of men, was a lamentable
failure from political point Of view.
mis- or course, is no personal reflection
upon the governor. who, invited here by
an organization of trades people. without
any knowledge that he would be called
upon to address a mixed audience, made
a trade speech.
Disappointed in johnson.
However, the doors had been thrown
open to the public for the occasion. and
thousands Of voters. who fiocked to the
auditorium for the purpose OF seeing and
appraising this new star in the armament
of candidates, were woefully disappointed
at his seeming failure to measure ND 10
the standards which had been set for
him by his friends. Bryan people have
accordingly been jubilant ever since. while
the coterie Of the faithful who have been
Following the governor have been busy
inventing excuses for him.
The people of Virginia want Bryan 10
run again. because they believe he is
the strongest man the Democrats can
nominate.
The chances are that an uninstructed
delegation will be sent TO Denver. but one
fayoring the nomination of the Com
moner.
Primary System in Favor.
partial canvass has been made of the
delegates to the Roanoke convention. with
view to determining the sentiment In
Virginia with reference to the retention.
abolition, or modification Of the party pri-
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