Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1908-04-23
DEMOCRATIC HARMONY.

NA HuNS WINE the democratic
newspapers have been saying a great
deal about the discords that exist in the
Republican party. They have sought
to create the impression that if Taft is
nominated for President he may be de-
feated by the ill-feeling which is being
engendered by the exciting campaign
now being made for the nomination.
In their eagerness to discover discord
and confusion in the Republican party.
the Democrats are either seeking to
hide the condition of turmoil and disin-
tegration that is so evident in their own
party or are blind as to their own con-
dition.
A few weeks ago it seemed that Mr..
Bryan was going to be given the nomi-
nation without any contest. He thought
he was sailing on smooth waters and
would succeed in harmonizing factions
in his party in 1908 as successfully as he
had fused the discordant elements who
followed him in 1906. But conditions
nave recently been rapidly changing.
Others are seeking the Democratic
nomination, bitter hostility to Mr..
Bryan is showing up in all sections and
not strife is seen in the ranks in MANY
quarters Governor johnson, of Min
nesota, has actually shown the temeritv
to become a candidate; and Mr.. Bry-
ans press bureau has sent forth a proc
lamation that Johnson's candidacy is an
'impertinence. Governor johnson
was at Omaha, Nebraska, a few days
ago, and, being provoked at the charge
OF impertinence made against him.
spoke some pretty plain things about
the Nebraskan. Here is a part of
what he said:
William j. Bryan is has-been. His
star reached its zenith some time ago
and when his name goes before the
Denver Convention he will be looking
for votes"
This was pretty sharp talk to use in
Mr.. Bryan's own State. But the latter
has been saying some very harsh things.
A few days ago he charged that the
State Democratic Committee of Michi-
gan had been influenced by money in its
refusal to pass a resolution endorsing
his nomination. This is very serious
charge for a Democratic candidate to
make against State Committee. and
shows how intense is Mr.. Bryan's dis
like to any opposition in his party.
Then, we recall the recent clash be-
tween Senator Daniel and Mr.. Bryan in
the Willard Hotel at Washington. The
Virginia Senator talked very plainly to
the Nebraskan, and its effects are
shown in the bitter opposition on the
part of the Virginia Bryanites to Sena-
tor Daniel as delegate to the National
Convention.
One of the most conspicuous Incl
dents demonstrating the confusion and
discord of the Democrats is what occur
red at the recent State convention held
IN New York. Senator McCarren. the
Brooklyn leader, and his entire delega-
ton were driven from that convention.
and Alton G. Parker was chosen one of
the delegates at large to the Denver
Convention. This is the most signifi-
cant hostility to Mr.. Bryan that has
been exhibited since his campaign for
the nomination began. Judge Parker
is whetting his knife and will drive it
into Mr.. Bryan at Denver.
And two very important forces, here
tofore supporters of Mr.. Bryan and al
lies of the Democracy, have withdrawn
their support from him and the Demo-
cratic party. We mean Hearst's indie
pendence League and the Populists.
So great are the disorganization and
ruptures in the party that it is doubtful
If Mr.. Bryan can secure the nomina-
ton; and they are certain to encompass
his defeat if he should win that honor.
Democratic newspapers are now
likely to be so occupied with the troubles
in their own party that they will cease
to talk about the discords of the Re-
publicans.
BRYAN BROADENS.