The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-31
Nominee Says That Platform Is Very Much Like That
 of the Democrats
BEST REFORMS OFFERED
 BY DEMOCRATIC PARTY
Bryan Will Not Attempt To Answer Letter of .oseWater-Speech of Ac- eel -lnce Is Begun Between
 Visits of Notables.

Fairview. Lincoln, Neb, July s0-The most interesting piece of news to emanate from Fairview today was a formal state ment by William J. Bryan, in which he discussed the platform of the independ- ence party adopted at the convention at Chicago, which adjourned yesterday. and pointed out that it contains a number of blanks identical with or substantially similar to the blanks of the democratic platform. He declared that the voter, preferring the democratic platform to the republican platform, and yet who joins with the independence party, merely as- sists the republican party, and thus de- feats the reforms in which he is inter- ested. MT. Bryan argues that the ques- tion is not whether one can get all the reform that he wants, but how he can get the most reform, and he asserts that the democratic party offers the best op- portunity to secure that which is obtain able at this time.
 Regarding the platform Mir. Bryan said:
 Tn contains a number of blanks which are identical with, or substantially sim liar to the blanks of the democratic plat form. For instance, 1t demands the cleo tion of senators by the direct vote of the people as the democratic platform does: its tariff plank is quite like our tariff plank; it's plank on the trusts, while op- posing private monopoly, Is not as specific as ours; it's railroad plank does not diff fer much from oars. ils. plank npssA siatic immigration is quite similar afid its labor plank. like ours, contains a declaration 4.t,f x- to the exemption of labor organizations from the operation of antitrust laws. Like our platform it condemns the extrav- agance of the republican party and de- mands greater economy. It does not ad- vocate, however, the esta blishment of a department of labor with a secretary in the cabinet it does not oppose imperial ism, which has been used to justify the increases in our standing army. In it's plank as to public contributions it is not nearly so strong as ours.
 Main Question.
 "The question that must confront the members of the independence party is this:
 will he assist in the defeat of the democratic party, which stands for so much he favors, merely because he can not get all that he would like? Either the 
 will win, and the voter who prefering the democratic platform to the republican platform joins with the independence party merely assists the republican party, and thus defeats several of the reforms in which he is interested. Take for in- stance, the plank in favor of the elec- ton of senators by the people; the demo- cratic party has indorsed that reform in three campaigns, the republican conven- ton defeated the proposition by an over wheming vote. If the democratic party succeeds, it's members pledged to this reform. The republican party is not pledged to it. and the republican candi- date has gone no farther than he is per sonally inclined toward it. This reform Is necessary before any other reform can be secured. Is not the independent voter justified in helping the democratic party to secure this reform?"
 80 In regard to the labor questions. The democratic party is in favor of rem edies demanded by wage-earners and a wage-earner who votes with the inde- pendence party simply defeats the re- forms in which he Is interested. And thu same argument might be made in regard to those who favor tariff reform, the ex- termination of the principle of private monopoly and the remedy of other evils which have grown up under republican administrations. The question Is not whether one can get all the reform he wants, but how he can get the most re- forms. The democratic party offers him the best opportunity to secure that which Is obtainabe at this time.'
 No Reply To Be Made.
 No attempt will be made by MT. Bryan to reply to the open letter of Victor Rosewater of Omaha, charging con- Bpiracy between MT. Bryan and his brother-in-law, State Chairman Allen, to n slx a addressed that ,o to attract atten- tion" said MT. Bryan He is hardly the man to go to the popuace as guard ian."
 The sweltering heat did not deter a number of persons from going to Fair view and paying their respect to the dem- ocratic candidate. All were cordially received and Mr. Bryan himself person ally conducted his visitors through his home and showed them his priceless col lection of art treasures, gathered during his trip around the world.
 The actual preparation of the speech of acceptance was begun by MT. Bryan to- day. Among the notable visitors who will be present on the day of notification will be John w. Kern of Indiana, the democratic vice presidential nominee. At the conclusion of the exercises MT. Bryan will receive the notification committee and several distinguished guests at Fair view where supper will be served on the lawn. Unlike his distinguished oppon- ents, who refused to accept an elephant as mascot, MT. Bryan today in re- sponse to a letter from the Agricultural society of Minnesota, telegraphed that he would be delighted to avail himself of their offer to send him an educated" mule as a mascot. He Is said to understand the habits of the elephant, declared MT. Bryan with . twinkle of the eye, "and for that req. >on- among others. shall accept him.