The Detroit times., 1912-04-02
Bryan Influence Is
An Imbor1anf Facfo,'

NEW YORK. April New York
politicians are giving more attention
to the national Democratic situation
now that Republican affairs have clar
fled measurabiy in the eastern sec
ton OF the country. Naturally the
Democratic leaders have experienced
great raising OF hope since the faction
al row In the other camp assumed It's
present proportions, says Sumner
Curtis, in a dispatch to the Chicago
Record Herald
William McCombs. general manager
OF the Wilson campaign, returned
from fence-examining tour that took
in Georgia, Florida, E0utstaua. Arkan-
sas, Missouri and Illinois.
incidentally he. gathered reports
from lieutenants in Wisconsin, the
DakOtas and other states. He express
ed himself as pleased with the situa-
ton In all the fighting territory. which.
OF course, Is what every political man.
ager does for publication with respect
TO the candidacy In which he Is par
II Is significant however. that prac-
ticaily all the politicians admit the
.coptinuance OF the lead Wilson has
had from the start, II looks as II Il
would be the Held against Wilson
right into convention week at Baltf
more. Mr. McCombs declares that
Wilson occupies about the same posi-.
ton against the Geld that he did two
months ago. This view, however, Is
disputed In other quarters.
d The problem personified In William
EJ. Bryan Is one or the things that
makes the situation from this point
81 View appear somewhat different TO
Impartial observers from what It did
a few months back. 1t THEM was indl
cateli that Bryan would throw the
weight OF his influence TO VIII
x0l az the one who had been
most available forls encompas
the defeat OF Iany conservative
that might develop serious strength
In the race FOR all the Demo
cratic nomination. II Is still conced-
ed. Of course. that Bryan would give
hearty support 20 Wilson If he Is nom
mated TO head the ticket.
But the belief 10 growing stronger
every day that Bryan's old-time am
hition to lead his party's fights has
been re.awakened under the speh OF
Republicaf ructions and the prospect
OF deadlock In the Democratic ma
tional convention. From many lip
these days comes the prediction that
Bryan will be. in the convention TO
seize an opportunity for a stampede,
the same as he did at Chicago in 1896.
That Bryan has seen the last of the
Times when he could sweep president
makers OF their feet with his elo-
Quence--a result OF the discredited
position he has come TO occupy with
50 many Democrats who once shouted
his praises--is assumed to be q fact
with many observers. The really In
teresting thing at present, however,
is not SO much what others think
about Mr.. Bryan as what he Is think
ing and dreaming about himself. He
certainly will have a considerable in
fluence In the convention, which viii
nominate under the two-thirds rule,
and he is expected to maintain more
or less enigmatical attitude during
the earlier stages OF the balloting
Not even the most enthusiastic or
the Wilson men are expecting a nom
nation. on the first ballot.
In Washington, where the atmos-
phere of congress Influences impress
sions strongly, Champ Clark has been
regarded as the candidate in the race
who would take the lead away from
Wilson and loom larger than any
other individual when the balloting
begins when one gets few hours
ride away from the Washington en-
yifonment. however. the Clark boom
is regarded less seriously.
~ One finds that those who think
deeply on the subject are convinced
that The leaders will appreciate the
weakness OF Clark as the nominee for
president and not permit the chances
for success in November 10 be sacri-
ficed by false move At the outset.
4. SPRINGFIELD, Ills. April In Nom
mating petitions of Theodore Roose-
welt, Champ Clark and Woodrow Wiz
son for the presidential preference
primary were filed with Secretary OF
State Rose today.
The petition OF Champ Clark was
the first to be received, II contained
signers from all parts of the state. II
was filed at SOS. ~
The petition Of Woodrow 2 Wilson
was fled at sos, by George b. ellis
pie. representing the Chicago Wilson
club and contained signatures OF yot-
erg residing IN Chicago and three
other cities. c.
w. - ~ Theodore Roosevelt
throiigh .kie mails. 4.
knatures or f7uca-