The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-01-08

Eouth and the latter from the west The
meeting between the three-time presl-
dental candidate of the Democratic
party and the progressive Repu bllcan
who is seeking to wrest the nomination
from President Taft. was said to be ac-
/, eidental
No sooner was it known that the two
leaders had come together than tongues
began to yag and third party talk flew
thick and fast about the hotel corrl-
doris 1t was not wholly confined TO
members of the De cratic national
committee who We're gathering for the
meeting today Republicans, too, show
ed a Iisely interest
All day the Democratic committee
men had been seeking methods Of deal
ing with the several perplexing ques-
tons scheduled to come up at the meet
ing but nearly every possible solution
advanced seemed to depend upon the
probable attitude Of the Nebraska lead
er. Progress was slow because of the
general desire to consult Mr.. Bryan
and his arrival was awaited with i'm
patience. Finally it was learned that
I his train had been bloekaded by a wreck
and was two hours late.
Shortly before o'clock the Nebras-
kan's train arrived Many prominent
Democratic leaders were at the station.
After handshaking all around, Mr..
Bryan sighted Senator LaFolIette, or, to
lie exact, they seemed to sight each
other about the same time. They rush
ed IOWaFQ GdG0 DINER anu SHOOK QdnQS,
and then lost no time in Withdrawing
a short distance from the crowd. They
sat down on a bench and conversed
with evident earnestness for several
minutes
Crowd Watched Them
Whats being pulled off" was the
question the waiting Democrats seem
ed TO be asking each other as they
watched the two men, The 1nterroga-
ton in the vernacular of the street was
not actually propounded, but that there
was some CONSERVATION il the party
was apparent
When Mr.. Bryan and the senator
parted there was another show of good
feeling. Mr.. Bryan then explained
that Senator LaFollette and he had
talked about the resolution pending in
congress providing for the election Of
senators by popular vote Senator La
Follette gave the same explanation
by telephone, but in the minds of some
there remained a little skepticism.
It was reported that Senator La
toilette had gone to the station to
meet Mr.. Bryan. When teleDhoned
about this report, the senator said the
meeting was purely accidental re-
suiting from the fact that their trains
happened to get in at the same hour.
We only talked about the direct
election resolution said the senator.
I'VE are both deeply interested in the
ubject and Colonel Bryan agrees with
me that the resolution should be
passed.
Colonel Bryan drove from the sta
ton to the home of Cotter T. Bride.
his closest friend in Washington. he
declined to talk about any of the prob !
blerns the national convention viii !
have to solve. Tt was evident that he |
wanted to get his bearings before /
plunging into what promises to be a I
stirring gathering.
Bryan Dimes With Mack.
After removing travel stains. Col |
Bryan drove to the hotel apartment of
Norman E Mack, chairman Of the ma 4
uonal committee. The colonel dfned +
with Chairman Mack
At the hotel Mr. Bryan was nnef Nv
q large number Of newspaper men #
He was asked questions in every con- i
ceivable form, but he would not dis
cuss candidates, contests. presiden+iel
primaries or any of the matters penf7-
ing before the committee. He wol1Gd
not talk of the letter said to have beay7
written by Woodrow Wilson 4 fexv
years ago urging the party to rid IL /
self Of the Nebraskan. but he vac
as a1fable as ever as, he edged away
from the persistent group and slinna5
into the elevator which carried him. -
Mr.. Macks apartment
~ = McCombs. manager Of the