The San Francisco call., 1908-07-05
PARKER READY TO
SUPPORT BRYAN
Former Nominee of Democrats
Admits Some Opposition to
Bryan as Leader
az LEE AssocIATEp Press

DEN \ Elk, july 4.-Ine American
ca gle and the democratic rooster have
We'd with each other today in giving
Denver about the most lurid fourth of
July in its brief but strenuous exis-
tence. Throughout the day the streets
have been ablaze with color, an inces-
SAINT din Of cannon and crackers has
mingled with the enthusiasm of aTriv-
ing political delegations, and long
trains have crept over the prairie from
every direction. adding their throngs
to the multitude already here.
Tonight the state capitol and many
other public buildings loom out Of the
darkness in living fire with every out
line marked by myriad lights; the
streets pulsate with convention throngs
and the clatter of fireworks; the hotel
lobbies are filed with political leaders,
delegates and onlookers from every
section of the country, and there is
general elimination of todays conjunc-
tion of patriotism and politics.
Thus far. however. there is no storm
ing Of Denver's gates and the crowds
are somewhat below the average of ma
tional conventions, owing to the dis
tance Of Denver from the populOus CEN
ters and also because the government
and state restrictions on railroad passes
keep back the hundreds who hereto
fore have made national conventions
the occasion for quadrennial free ex-
cursion.
PERSONS ARRIVE
However, the convention is still days
off and there is ample time for an in
huX Up TO precedent in numbers and
noise. It is estimated that 10000 stran-
gers are already here and $4,000 more
are expected in the next two days.
Tho arrivals today included the Mis-
souri, delegation headed by the tall,
gaunt form Of Senator Stone; part of
the North Carolina delegation headed
by Governor Glenn, who permanently
retired his candidacy for the vice pres
idency. and struggling advance guards
of many of the other delegations.
Among these Judge Parker, the demo-
cratic candidate of 1904; Colonel Clay
ton of Alabama, the silver tongued
southerner who viii be permanent
chairman of the convention; Chief
Murphy OF Tammany hall and Governor
Haskell of Oklahoma, a likely candi-
date for chairman of the platform COM
mittee. are the chief figures Of ma
tional interest now on the ground.
But there is rather a noticeable alb
sence Of national leaders and the con-
spicuous figures Of former conventions
-TIllman. Bailey, Culberson, Champ
-
of the men OF action in this gathering
are from the ranks of local leaders.
RRYAN'S BROTHER on HAND
one of the, arrivals today was Charles
". Bryan, brother of the candidate,
who came from Lincoln with a number
of the Nebraska leaders to dispense
hospitality from the Nebraska and Bry-
an headquarters. This is the first ap-
pearance of brother Charles in national
affairs, although he has been for II
years the private secretary 10 ms
brother and the business head OF the
Commoner, to which William ]. con-
tributes the editorial inspiration.
Naturally the democratic standard
bearer CT 1904. Judge Alton b. Parker
Of New York, is a center OF attraction
and interest He is comparatively a
new figure at conventions. and many of
The delegates know him only by the
canpafgn portraits of four years ago.
Bat his urbanity and his friendly well
come have created favorable impress
sion on the thrOngs who come to greet
him. At the outset he was q bit net
tied over the publication of the Cleve-
land resolutions and the comment
which ensued. But all that is now
past: the resolutions are as gentle and
soothing as the summer breeze, and the
Judge himself is as good natured and
sunny as usual When seen today he
did not wish TO give q formal inter
view. but in an informal way he chat
ted increasingly on the situation and
the outlook.
PARkER'S FRIENDLY RIVALRY
DO you consider the presidential
nomination still an open question, or
is Nr Bryan's nomination reasonably
assured2" Judge Parker was asked.
formation than you have on that sub
ject." he replied But the reports
gathered by the press and by those who
are keeping pretty close track Of the
standing Of delegations appear TO indi-
cate that Mr.. Bryan has q very strong
lead and one which may be sufficient
to give him the nomination.
AT the same time we are here in
friendly rivalry, both as to man and
measures. It may be that some of US
would have favored another candidate.
But We are here for an exchange OF
views, and IL is the very essence of dem
Ocratic faith to accept the will of the
majority Of course there is only one
final way for that will to have official
expression, and that is by ballot in the
convention. Meantime there is not a
man in the convention who will not
say today that he is ready TO accept the
Will of the convention and support the
candidate when that viii is definitely
made known"
READY TO SUPPORT BRYAN
In the event of Mr.. Bryan's nomi-
nation l judge from the foregoing that
YOU would wish your stanch friends in
1904 TO give their loyal support to
him" was the query put to Judge
Parker.
Most assuredfy.7 he replied: "and
why not2 Mr.. Bryan will then become
the exponent of the democratic party,
with its great principles and its. great
mission still TO perform.
Mr. Bryan's ability is everywhere
conceded, and by no one more than my
self He is a gentleman OF splendid in
tellectual ability, of vast information
on public affairs. an orator of magnetic
qualities with an engaging personality
which wins him hosts of devoted ad-
herents and a natural leader of men,
l..