The Washington herald., 1908-05-01

For President William Jennings Bryan Nebraska.
For Vics Presideni-Richard Olney, Massachusetts,
For Governor Of Ohio-Iuison Harmon.
Here is a combination that, In the
opinion of the sober-minded Democrats
who are cooIly appraisug political con-
dltions. would be wellnigh inviucible
Give as such leaders. on r platform Of
progressive principles. with tariff re-
vision as the paramount issue. and there
viii be something doing. said an
Eastern Democrat yesterday. The Re
publicans. LED by Taft, with the backing
of Wall street and the reeord OF stand
pat. reluctant but extravagant aati-ad-
minisration Congress. would be on the
defensive from the opening Of the cam
paign Taft might win might possibly
carry his own state but the odds would
be overwhelmingly against him. and,
whatever the outcome of the Presidential
contest the Democrats would assuredly
control the next House Of Representa-
tives and gain several seats IN the United
States Senate"
Would Olney consent to run for Vice
President? That is the question. Certain
ly he would not be "a candidate for the
nomination. But the former Secretary Of
state and great Massachusetts lawyer IS
loyal party man, hopeful, il not
optimistic. of the future. and it is be-
ueved he would make any reasonable
sacrifice for the good of the Democracy.
A Washington man Who had long talk
with NIr Olney recently found him
keenly Interested in public affairs, alert
to the trend of things political and b.
no means unfriendly TO Bryan.
There is no real John johnson boom.
1t is just talk-r3ther loud. boastful tslk
at that. but harmless, except in the an
Royance it gives the Bryan folk. It IS
now with the magnificent young Mime
sofa governor q case OF Too late John
son"-not TOO much Johnson" His
Presidential opportunity passed months
ago. States popularity supposed to be "on
fire. for him have declared for Bryan.
The influences backing him represent in
terests he never stood for-the interests
that forced Alton 3. Parker to the front
in 1904 and led the party TO the most
humilIating defeat since Greeley That
is the fix John johnson IS in to-day. He
is in a role of hostility 10 Bryan.
Still, the Democrats think mighty well
of him. He is growing. He is young.
and can wait. II the Democratic ticket
should not be Bryan and Olney, why not
Bryan and Johnson? True. both hail from
the West, but geographical location does
not count largely, and such a ticket would
command respect and votes. No doubt cf
that.
Gov. Johnson is coming TO Washington
soon, with the executives of other States,
on invitation Of the President He will
further extend his acquaintance on that
occasion. Everybody recalls the favor
able impression he made here in Decem-
Der last. He scored heavily, and may be
expected TO score again. But William
Jennings Bryan viii be here Also
The navy is now in the limelight. It is
in politics, too. in a way, since Roose-
velts naval policy is to be made an is
sue before the people. What is Bryan's
position touching this ambitious pro-
gramme to build two mighty Dread
noughts a year? It is underlined as yet.
He is peace-loving statesman.
A possible key TO Bryan's position Is
offered, however, in the gossip now going
the rounds that, if elected. he proposes
TO make Rear Admiral Winfield Scott
Schley Secretary of the Navy, and that
he will announce this intention soon after
the Denver convention. A fine rounding
out of the career of the hero OF Santiago
that would be, indeed Maryland Demo-
Gratis are not fOndly attached to Bryan,
but they love Schley. He is one of them,
and they could forgive Bryan lot to see
tEe doughty sailor man so magnifcently
vindicated.
If schley is thus slated for the secre-
taryship of the Navy. why not slate
Lieut.. Gen. Nelson A. Miles, at the same
time for Secretary of War? He Is a
Democrat. too. or has Ieanings toward
that party, and his career is not yet
rounded out happily. A Bryan regime
here at the nations seat would be fun
Of interesting possibilities.
a revision OF the Chicago delegate
tables IS impending. Taft. Of course, is
away in the lead. The figures opposite