East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1910-09-21

Lincoln, Neb., Sept. 21.-In a state
ment in which he declares that the
crusade which he feels impelled to
wage against the liquor interests Of
the state and nation overshadows a
personal and political friendship OF
20 years, William j. Bryan last even-
ing announced he had bolted the head
OF the democratic ticket in Nebraska
and would not support james G.
Dahlman for governor.
Mr.. Bryan says he regrets that he
In compelled to take the stand he does
his first departure from political
regularity-but says he feels 1t his
duty to do so because Of the position
taken by the democratic nominee on
the liquor question.
The statement which in a way Is
apologize in tone, does not indicate
that Mr.. Bryan will support the con-
didate of any other party, but an
nounces that he is pronounced ad-
vocate OF county option and the early
saloon closing law, both of which he
insists are menaced by Mr.. Dahl
mans candidacy. The statement fol-
lows:
"I am just leaving for Missouri and
shall be absent practically all of the
time for about a month campaign
ing in Missouri Kansas, Iowa, Indi,
ana and Illinois. After that ] shall
be at liberty to speak for Mr.. Hitch
cock, the democratic candidate for
congress, and for the state ticket In
Nebraska.
I'm speaking for the state ticket.
however, I shall not be able to pres
ent any argument in favor of the elec-
ton of Mr.. Dahlman. His position
on the liquor question makes that i'm
possible. / regret this exceedingly.
for he has been a political and per-
sonal friend for 20 years, and 1t would
give me great pleasure II I could en-
dorse the policy for which he stands,
but h has chosen to make the IL
quor question the paramount issue.
snd make his appeal on that Issue.
"In spite of the fact that the last
democratic state convention voted
down a declaration against county
option by a vote Of 63s to 2o2, he says
that he will veto a county option bill
II passed. and in spite of the fact that
the state convention endorsed the 8
O'Clock closing law by a vote of 10
to 1853, he announced that he will sign
a bill repeating II II such bill is
passed.
HE Is making his appeal on nom
partisan lines with the liquor ques-
ton as the sole issue. His courage is
to be commended. 1t is an honest
way Of making campaign. although
II compels him to separate himself
from friends who do not agree with
him and to rely for speechmaking on
those democrats and republicans who
take his view Of the subject.
POSSIBLY It is Just as well to have
the issue clearly presented 30 that 1t
may be settled this year instead Of
two years hence. Troublesome as the
question is now, It would even be more
embarrassing II presented in 1912
when we have a presidential election
on hand.
"If Mr.. Dahlman is elected, 1t will
be a declaration Of the voters OF the
state against county option and against
the o'clock closing law. II he IL
defeated It will be a declaration in ia
vor OF county option and in favor Of
the o'clock closing law. In other
words, the voters now have an op-
portunity- to decide whether the state
shall go backward or forward on the
liquor question.
"To present arguments in favor Of
going backward would only contra
dict what statements expect to make
hereafter to save our party from the
odium Of being the representative Of
NUuor infereataW