Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-06-27
"PEERLEss LEADER. SAID TO
HAVE INDICATED HIS VICE,
PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCES
TO NORMAN E. MACK.
EASTERN MAN MAY
REFUSE THE POST
GRAY's OWN STATE INSTRUCTED
FOR HIM FOR PRESIDENCY
AGAINST WISHES - BRYAN
Il WOULD FOLLOW SUIT.

Denver, June 26.-William Jennings
Bryan has made known his wishes re-
garding his running mate on the Dem
ocratic national ticket, and the man
of his choice is Judge George Gray
Of Delaware.
He has made this known to some
members Of the national committee
who have dropped off at Lincoln on
their way to Denver, the latest re-
cipent of the information being Nor
man E. Mack of New York, who
reached Denver yesterday.
Although the Democratic leaders
protest publicly that the Denver con-
vention is not to be operated from
Lincoln some of them have found it
convenient to drop off for chat with
the man they expect to nominate, and
Mr.. Bryans wishes and desires have
segbents, and from there transmitted
back to Chicago and New York.
Who Will Get Honor Posts7
For temporary chairman Of the con-
vention, Senator Joseph Bailey Of
Texas would have the best chances
If his throat were in condition. !"
Bai1ey's throat may keep him away
from the convention altogether, but
If his presence could be counted on, it
Is probable the national committee
would turn him loose to do the keynot-
ing for the party
Free P. Morris Of Watseka, Ill, gets
considerable backing for the cham
pionship from Roger C. Williams, who
as Illinois national committeeman is
growing into something which looks
alarmingly like the entire machinery
for the convention.
Mr.. Morris has been indorsed by
New York and some Of the other east
ern states on the general principle
that they are for anything that Roger
G. wants.
For permanent chairman Henry d.
Clayton of Alabama has the call, as
nearly as can be determined in ad-
vance of the gathering Of the delegates
on the convention field.
Most Of the details have been dis
cussed with Mr.. Bryan at Lincoln. He
is understood not to care particularly
for Mr.. Morris as emporary chairman
and to favor Senator Bailey. Morris
is ont in the same class with the
Texas senator SO far as public repu-
tation goes, and this is without refer
ence to the oil troubles of Mr.. Bailey
in Texas, but he can make speech
calculated to arouse folks to atten-
ton.
Mr.. Bailey of course could set the
mountain tops on fire and an illunina-
ton of such character is desired
but the senator's throat Is said to be
in extremely bad shape.
Judge Gray May Balk.
Why Mr.. Bryan counts upon his
ability to draft Judge Gray for the
vice presidency is not apparent, the
Judge having refused to permit his
name to be used in connection with
even the presidency. His own state
went ahead regardless and instructed
for him, but it was without his wishes
Now Mr.. Bryan would like to make
him the vice presidential candidate.
The reasons for wanting to do SC
are plain enough. Judge Gray on the
ticket might allure the detached
Democracy which Mr.. Bryan was never
able to capture and which he needs il
he is to rehabilitate the party and
make winning machine Of 1t.
He is adverse to his wishes gaining
general publicity, fearing that eastern
Democrats, who desire much that he
be not elected, will persuade the
judge not stand for it, even if he
were inclined personally to do so.
Where Are the Lights of Yore?
Thus far in advance of the gathering
it is. apparent that many of the brighi
and shining lights of other Demo
cratic conventions will not be amons
those present at Denver. There will
be a number Of large gaps where they
used to stand.
There is David B. Hill, for instance
David has sailed away over the seas
leaving his regards for his fellow
countrymen of the Democratic per
suasion.
Senator Tillman and Representative
John Sharp Williams, two of the big
+ figures at St. Louis four years ago
will not be in Denver.
Bailey may be kept at home by his
throat, and Senator Thomas S. Mar
tin of Virginia is not expected Hoke
Smith will remain in Georgia Jo'
Blackburn and ex-Gov. j. G. w. Beck
ham Of Kenucky will be among tn,
absent.