Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1912-06-25
There are Seven Democrats
Who Want toPreSide Over
the Convention
Bryan viii Make Speech Of
His Life Defending His
Attitude
BY Associated Press
Will Take the Test Today.

"ut dNC StlC lCSA OVOys
BALTIMORE, June 25.-William Jen-
nings Bryan of Nebraska, today will
be able to test the power Of the DEM
ocratic party, soon after the conven-
ton opens, when the opening fight
is expected to come in the selection
of Alton s. Parker for temporary
chairman. Parker IS the choice Of
the national committee, but is op-
posed by Bryan. who claims Parker
is not progressive, hence he is not
in accord with the party. On this
question SAT votes are necessary and
the Parker followers claim he has
from six to seven hundred
Seven of demOcracy's strong men
are candidates or the presidency,
with 72S votes necessary to elect.
Although Bryan has repeatedly said
he is not candidate, yet he goes In.
to the convention as delegate from
Nebraska, and is the second choice of
more states than any avowed candb
date.
Forty "houn dawgs" from Virginia
will be part of the parade which the
Clark supporters are planning to pre-
eede the convention, while the "bor-
ak bill' with twenty white mules will
also be there.
Progressives Want Kern.
Senator J. w. Kern, of Indiana, is
practically agreed upon as candi-
date of the progress1ves for tempor-
ary chairman of the national conven-
ton at conference held this morn
Ing participated in by Senator Lea Of
Tennessee. Kern, Senator Corr of Ok
lahoma, Senator NeWlands Of Neva-
da, and others this was practically
agreed upon.
Bryan says he feels keenly about
the situation and is prepared to make
the speech Of his life in defense OF
his attitude, and IS against the "big
interests" Parker said he had no
idea who would lead the fight for
him.
Bryan Talks.
Bryan spoke slowly, his words be-
ing punctured with cheers. "If any
of you ask for my credentials" he
said. 81 beg to tell you that in three
campaigns l have been the champion
G the democratic party's principles,
and in three campaigns have re-
ceived votes of the six and one half
million democrats"
Tumultuous cheering.
Bryan said he had urged the ma
tional committee to consult with the
candidates, particularly the two lead
ing candidates, but without avail.
Friends of Wilson had united with
those of Clark in favor or candidate
for temporary chairman, continued
Bryan, and have been turned down"
by the national committee.
The Convention Opens.
Slight disorder followed but quiet
was again restored, and the formal
call to order was read at 1892 by
the secretary, and the opening prayer
was pronounced by Cardinal Gibbons
while the assembly stood with bowed
heads.
Cardinal Gibbons Prayer.
1--WE pray Thee, 0 God of might,
wisdom and justice, through Whom
is rightly administered, laws
are enacted and Judgment dacreed,
assist with Thy Holy Spirit of coun.
sci and fortitude, the President OF
these United States. that his admin.
may be conducted in right
eousness, and be eminently useful to
Thy people over whom he presides,
by encouraging due respect for vir.
tue and religion, by a faithful execu.
ton OF the laws of justice and mercy
and by restraining vice and immoral
lty.
Let the light Of Thy divine Wis
dom direct the deliberations of this
Convention and shine forth in all its
and enactments, so that
they may tend to the preservation Of
peace and good will and the preserva-
ton OF concord and harmony.
MAY authority be exercised with.
out despotism, and liberty prevail
without license. May this Convention
demonstrate once more to the Amer
can people and to the world at large,
that the Citizens Of the United States
have solved the problem Of self-gov.
by exercising and tolerating
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