Omaha daily bee., 1908-07-06
ANTI.BRYAN LEADERS CONFER
Organization Of Opposition Depends
Upon New York Delegation.
GUFFEY SURPRISED BY ATTACK
Pennsylvania Boss Was Talking with
MIR. Murphy when Paper Was
anded Him Containing
Bryan's speech.

or to abandon the field to those who in
sist that the Nebraskan will be nominated
on the first ballot, has been the subject OF
many conferences here last night, in which
leaders of the anti-Bryan forces have been
participants. The decision hinges upon the
attitude Of the New York delegation, which
concededly will follow the judgment OF
Charles +. Murphy, leader of
Hall. Mr.. Murphy Is not ready to an
nounce his position and said as much 20
such men as Colonel ]. NJ. Guffey Of Penn
sylvania and William F.. Sheehan of New
York. These men gained the impression
that Mr.. Murphy is not disposed to join In
a movement to defeat Mr.. Bryan If It
shall be demonstrated within the next
forty-eight hours beyond a question OF
doubt that the task is hopeless. Mr.. Muir
ply does not intend to take ny the cudgel
in defense of a lost cause. He is not ready
at this time to commit New York's weight
Of seventy-eight votes to any candidate
whatsoever and is waiting for develop
ments between now and the time of the
New York state caucus on Monday to de-
termine his course.
New York's Position Undetermined.
with New York's position undermined
the question of carrying on the fight
against Mr.. Bryan is still open. The con-
ferences today were not directed by the
representatives of Judge George Gray and
Governor John A. johnson, the only can
didates against Mr.. Bryan, who are now
in the field, but were entirely apart from
any plan to further the interests of either
OF these men. The move was solely to
develop the extent of the opposition to
Mr.. Bryan and disclose whether there ex-
lists a chance to prevent his nomination.
The disclosure of more than one-third Of
the strength of the convention against Mr..
Bryan in all probability would bring other
candidates into the contest for the pur-
pose of the sooner disintegrating the Bryan
strength. The Bryan men are taking lit
tie notice OF the work that is being done
against their candidate, and with the ut
most confidence continue to announce on
all sides that the Nebraskan cannot be
beaten. Josiah Marvel, speaking for the
Gray boom, and Frederick B. Lynch. the
manager for Governor Johnson, are advls-
ing everybody to wait until the delegates
arrive before deciding that Mr.. Bryan's
nomination is settled.
Bryan's speech Surprises GuRey.
What effect the attack of Mr.. Bryan to-
day upon Colonel Guffey. the national COM
mitteeman from Pennsylvania. will have
upon the situation is being awaited with
great interest. Colonel Guffey has many
friends in the convention and is sufficiently
close to a large number of the delegates
from New York state. In connection with
the publication OF this attack, which was
made in Lincoln today by Mr.. Bryan. when
he addressed the delegation from the Key
stone state, an interesting Incident occurred
which may have some significance upon
deciding the question Of whether the fight
Of Mr.. Bryan would go on. Since the ar
rival Of Mr.. Murphy and his followers on
yesterday it has been charged that the
Tammany man has been dickering with
the Bryan forces in order to strengthen his
hand against State Senator Patrick II. Nc
Carren, for many years the Brooklyn demo-
cratic leader. 1t was said that in return
for pledges of support in his effort to keep
out the Brooklyn delegation, Mr.. Murphy
was willing to vote the Brooklyn delegation
for MI. Bryan. 1t was conceded that II
this is done the bottom will Immediately
fall out of the Bryan opposition.
Colonel Guffey called upon Mr.. Murphy
to learn whether the reports were true.
II New York joined the Bryan forces he
was ready to follow the lead Of that state
and to release the delegations from other
states who had pledged themselves to aid
in the anti-Bryan movement. While Colonel
Guffey was consulting with Mr.. Murphy,
an afternoon newspaper was brought into
the room by Daniel +. Cohalan, grand
sachem Ct Tammany hall, and Mr.. Muir
phys right hand man. The paper contained
an account OF Mr.. Bryan's speech at Lin
coin, and Mr.. Cohalan began to read the
I article aloud. Neither Mr.. Murphy nor Mr..
Guffey had seen It.. Before Mr.. Cohalan had
read half Of the story Mr.. Murphy took
1t out Of his hands and beginning at the
first read it to himself. He was amazed
at the character OF the attack upon Col
onel Guffey. He knew that Colonel Guffey
had aided the Bryan ticket in New York
eight years ago when tho party in New
York state was badly in need Of financial
assistance. He completed the reading and
handed the paper to Colonel Guffey, who
then read the article. The colonel was
apparently less surprised at tho tone of
the speech than had been either Mr.. Muir
ply or Mr.. Cohalan.
so that Is the man who wants TO be
elected president on a democratic harmony
program" said Mr.. Murphy, with some
emphasis.
GuRey Refuses to Talk.
The situation was discussed at some
length by the three men, but no decision
was reached. Colonel Guffey fclt enc0ur-
aged. however, and will continue 70 confer
with delegations as rapidly as they ar
rive.
Immediately after the conference Colonel
Guffey was asked to make a reply to the
Bryan speech, and he said:
mot now. fer I have not fully digested
H. I win not reply today, nor tonight. !
cannot say now what l shall have to give
out late" Perhaps nothing and perhaps
a E-cat fcal No, boys" he said, as he
waved away a number of newspaper men,
Il guess you will have to wait"
The conference between Mr.. sheehan and
Mr.. Murphy was Of even greater import
ance. Both are delegates-at-large, but as
the state recognizes the unit rule both
men will have to vote the same way re-
CARELESS Of their personal views. The same
is true OF Judge Alton b. Parker, who was
candidate for president on the democratic
ticket four years ago.
1t Is recognized that MI. Murphy wields
the greater Influence OF any Of these men
upon the New York delegation, and the ultl.
mate decision as 20 the course OF the
delegation, therefore, will depend on his
judgment.
SheehRn and Murphy Confer.
TIE whole situation was gone over be.
tween Mcssrs. Murphy and Sheehan. Al