The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-07-25
DEMOCRATIC WAR
 ST|RS NEBRASKA
Rival Factions Are Any
 thing But United
HARMON IS DOOMED
Bryan Faction Seems to Be Causing TrOuble-Dahlman Wants to Know if Bryan Will
 Support Harmon

Fremont, Neb., July .24-After several conferences lasting until a late hour to- night, there was evidence that the rival factions of the democratic party in Ne brasSa were anything but united, sj far as concerned the platform to be adopted at tcmorrow's state convention.
 The point at issue was the demand os William J. Bryan's friends for represent tation on the resolutions committee and their desire that the platform contain comlnendation of their democratic pres!- dential candidate. While every leader was talking harmony 1t was apparent the matter was in no wise settled In fact several men who have been most per- sistent in their declarations for peace readily admitted that the prospect for ir was farther away at midngh. than at any time since the arrival of the van guard today.
 Those who have used their utmost ef- forts to eliminate trouble tonight predicted that unless Mr. Bryan's supporters rer- mitted the plans mapped out by the party leaders to go through split might occur tomorrow.
 With three distinct factions of Nebraska democrats represented in the gathering to- night of delegates for the democratic state convention tomorrow, 1t was not definite what might be expected as a re- suit of the meeting. The uppermost SUD- ject of converse ton of the leaders, how evey was peace No leader was willing; to admit there was a possibility of Il break in the ranks over the contents of the platform to be adopted despite previ- ous talk of dissension.
 Mayor Dahlman of Omaha had head. quarters near those of Charles W. Bryar, who came to the city in the interest of William J. Bryan, and representatives uf United States Senator Gilbert M. Hitch- cock were quartered at the same hostelry.
 Charles w. Bryan announced that the Bryan followers were for peace but de- clared any attempt of the Dahlmen mon to reflect on the former presidential can eidate would meet with vigorous offen- siye movement.
 Representatives of Senator Hitchcock, who has been allied with no faction, were for peace and one of his followers ue- clal ed that there was absolutely no chance for a division on the platform winch he expected to be concise, but ample and of a character which would give offense to nobody.
 Perhaps the most significant feature of the ante-conventlon conditions was the prominence given to the candidacy of Governor Judson Harmon of Ohio for the presidential nomination. Early in the day supporters of the governor placarded the town with his pictures
 Some recognized leaders declared there was no organization behind the Harmon boom and that it was the result of the | efforts of one individual who has re- gently been active in support of the Ohio executive.
 Mayor Dahlman and Charles W. Bryan met frequently without exchang' ng greetings. The mayor, however, declared the Omaha delegation had no wish to raise any point which might result in the destruction of party harmony
 Mayor Dahlman did not hesitate to make his position plain so far as con- cerned the candidacy of Governor Har- mon. His delegation, at it's convention week ago gave unqualified endorse ment to the Ohio governor and the mayor tonight gave an interview regarding that action.
 What we want to know" said the mayor, lis whether N1r. Bryan in the event of Nebraska democrats expressing themselves faVoraDly to MT. Harmon will support him. or whether he will take the position he did a year ago on the head of the state ticket.
 Under the Nebraska law the party will express it's preference at the April primaries for a presidential nominee and the delegate at large, who Is elected at the same time. must necessarily be in accord with the action of the party. Mr. Bryan thus far has declined to admit the responsibility of Governor Harmon If he is going to retain that position he should know of it at the time. The party in Nebraska does not propose to signify it's preference for a presidential candidate and have it's delegate at large enter the convention fin opposition to tha. candidate.
 'I believe the democrats of the state and of the nation are entitled to know | where Mr Bryan stands before he is considered as a candidate at large of I his party in Nebraska"