New-York tribune., 1912-01-08
BRYAN IN FULL COMMAND
Dominates National Committee
Meeting, but Is Silent.
fFrom The Tribune Bureau. ]


Washington, Jan. dominating and
darkening the situation as thoroughly as 1t
ever did for the last sixteen years, the
cloud of Organism hangs tonight over the
National Democratic Committee. Bearing
a proxy as committeeman from Nebraska,
William Jennings Bryan reached Washing
ton to-day, and his potent personality
spread mingled feelings Of dread and ado
ration in Democratic ranks.
The peerless leader" had not been in
Washington an hour before it became ap-
parent that ne will dominate, if he chooses,
the deliberations OF the national committee
tomorrow outside his room at the hotel
politicians of all grades Of prominence
awaited an audience. His telephone bell
tangled constantly; members OF the ma
tiona committee came and went. and so
great was the pressure for share of the
Nebraskans time that he declared late to-
night that he probably would have no OPP
portunity TO prepare in advance his Jack
son Day dinner speech.
Mr.. Bryan saw the newspaper correspond
ents. but the interview was mainly an in
terchanee OF pleasantries. Mr. Bryan SAID
that he had seen the Sphinx in his travels
and that he had studied diligently its ways
ON only one question would the Nebraskan
commit himself He wants the committee
10 declare for the Presidential preference
primaries lie refused absolutely TO dis
cuss the Joline letter, Presidential candi-
dates or the probable action Of the COM
mittee with respect to any problem that
will confront 1t.
II have a proxy, but I'm not sure that
III use it," said Mr.. Bryan in answer to
6rct question
Are you going to be a candidate again."
ne was asked.
Il have put the question at rest to the
satisfaction Of all intelligent men; the
others do not matter" was the smiling re-
sponse.
Whom do you prefer as the Democratic
candidate, them
Il have expressed no preference"
DO you approve of the men who have
been mentioned in The Commoner'?
Il guess | do"
governor Wilson, FOR instance, was mem
TONED. DO you approve OF him.
I'VE will not begin TO call names in
terrupted Mr.. Bryan. Il presume that Wei
Informed people have read The Common
err"
some one wanted 70 know II the Peer
less one" thought well OF the field Of can
didates in general.
There is a good field of candidates, III
Guiding men who have been mentioned and
men who have net" was the enigmatic an
swer Of Mr. Bryan.
''WiH you have anything TO say of the
Soline letter."
Il will not. No. 1 rever heard of the
letter until yesterday. With regard TO that
letter / am like the juror who was asked
if he had formed or expressed any opinion
as to the case on trial lie replied in the
negative. He was asked if he would form
az opinion after hearing the evidence. and
the juror said NO, and that expresses my
Intentions regarding this letter"
"Are the Democratic chances good this
year,
Democratic chances are always good
this far ahead" said Mr. Bryan, perhaps
with a double meaning.
The Nebraska leader denied that ne In
tended TO fight for prohibition plank in
the Democratic platform.
win your name be on the ballot in the
Nebraska primaries?" was the next ques-
tlon asked Of the three times defeated
leader of the Democracy.
III will not" was the decisive answer.
But Colonel Roosevelt says he cannot
prevent MS ndHle Dtlhb pldStu OH the udi-
lot. How can you prevent yours
Men who have never been President can
sometimes do things that are denied 10
mon who have" responded the peerless
one" with faraway look.
The small army OF quesiioners reverted
10 the Joline letter.
II presume the letter will afford satis-
faction 10 those responsible for its publi-
cation IL was made public through that
paper 80 notoriousIy friendly TO me. The
New York Sum-" Tas the sarcastic reply
Of Mfr Bryan.
\ choice bit OF political gossip is that
Roger aullvan. implacahle enemy OF
Bryan and committeeman from Illinois.
Will attack Nj. Bryan's proxy II he pre-
sents II tomorrow. Some members OF the
committee. however. are unable TO zee how
Mr. Bryan can be unseated.