The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1912-07-07
CLARK'S MANAGERS
BLAMED FOR DEFEAT
E. A. Newman Criticises Methods
Used at the Baltimore.
Convention.

Mr. Edwin 4. Newman, in discussing
the results Of the work of the Baltimore
convention. says:
THE defeat OF the Speaker for the
nomination was. Of course, a matter OF
keen regret to his thousands of friends
and supporters throughout the country.
His long effective service In public life,
and his acknowledged leadership in the
National Legislature. seemed to entitie
him to the honor to which he worthily
aspired. But his candidacy was greatly
Handicapped by an unwise choice of man
ayers: men who had no political ideals or
standards, and when Mr.. Bryan called
upon the Speaker to espouse the cause Of
Progressive Democracy. he. In a moment
Of weakness. yielded to the advice of
these same managers. with whom poll
tical action is a matter only of deals,
trades, wirepulling. and manipulation.
and he therefore lost the great oppor-
tunity, which seemed so easily within
his grasp. Gumshoe methods character
lied the management of the Speakers
candidacy. This was illustrated in the
matter OF the District OF Columbia con-
test The Clark managers gave their
Endorsement to a delegation whose claim
to recognition had no basis. The Ma
uoHdi NoflIHlktet, WIFI one ulSSenIlnR
vote, placed upon the temporary roll OF
the convention the delegation OF which
I was a member. and thereupon peanut
politics began to be played.
On the question of the temporary
chairmanship. the members of the dele
cation with which l was connected con-
sidered that Mr.. Bryan's fight on Judge
Parker for temporary Craftsmanship was
precipitate. and We felt that Judge Park
er could be trusted. not to attempt TO
commit the convention to a course Of ac-
ton that would make for party dissen-
sion. and therefore our vote was cast in
favor Of Judge Parker. and his speech
justified our confidence In him. But It
may be that Mr.. Bryan was right after
all In the attack that he made, for by
the vote on the Craftsmanship he was
early able to discover his strength with
which to carry out the programme he
had evidently determined upon, and
which he did carry out in a manner that
stamps him as one of the most adroit
politicians and consummate statesmen the
country has ever produced
The attempt of one member Of the
Costello delegation to cast ridicule upon
Mr.. Bryan by nominating him for the |
Vice Presidency would have been out |
II 1t had not been itself so |
ridiculous OF course. 1t failed of its
intended effect, but II gave Mr. Bryan
an opportunity to practically close the |
with a speech that sank
deep into the hearts Of men. II was
like benediction.
The ticket that has been nominated
Is. in my opinion, Of very great strength.
and do not doubt that It will be vic
torious In the coming election by an
majority. I shall devote
all OF my time and strength to the cam
,aign, and will do all that lies within
ne to aid in the party's success, which
seems 80 surely ours. regret that the
ocal party machinery is not to be in
he hands OF representative men, But
or that the Democrats of the District
nave likewise to thank the Clark man.
agers. who made such a lamentable
allure Of Mr.. Clark's campaign for the
I shall from now on do
what I can to secure for the District
egalized primaries. for which I have
ong contended. I was opposed to the
3rtstow bill, which contained many un-
desirable provisions. not adapted to the
ocal situation and needs. We must
lever again permit in the National Capt.
al such shameful conduct as character
zed both the Democratic and Republican
'rimaries. and when We have estab-
ished law under which the primaries
nay be conducted In the future, there
VIII be little chance for the party ma
hinery' again passing into the hands Of
hose who In no sense are representa-
i've Of the electorate of the District"