Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-07-02
CLARK IN BALTIMORE
Spent Last Evening Near to
the Convention Hall.
SUMMONED BY HIS FRIENDS
Counselors Disagree as to Whether
He Should Go on the Floor and
Reply to Bryan.

BALTIMORE. July AIN response to
appeals from his managers Speaker Clark
came to Baltimore again last night in a
final effort to stem the tide against him.
At the Hoffman street headquarters Of
the mayor Mr.. Clark, free from prying
eyes and from the confusion and hustle
of the hotels, met those persons who are
managing his fight in the convention.
Speaker Clark had been losing votes
in the convention steadily during the
day
For several hours these conferences
continued, and the adv1sability Of going
to the hall was discussed In all it's
aspects. 1t was declared that a number
of advisers advised against hasty action
of the sort.
His friends had not abandoned hope
that he would ultimately be the nominee
They were only awaiting a break In the
Wilson ranks If any sign of wavering
upon the convention with the Speaker
and so endeavor to play trump card.
Ready for Quick Move.
Shortly before the evening session con-
vened Mr.. Clark left the mayors home
in an automobile and was driven to the
headquarters on Hoffman street, just OPP
posite the convention hall. where it was
decided that his appearance in the hall
would depend on developments during the
balloting. He held himself in readiness
to make a quick move whenever his pres
ence thought desirable
Former Gov. Francis, chairman OF the
Missouri delegation. is said to have ad-
vised strongly against the Speakers go
ing to the hall. His objections were back
ed by Senator's Stone and Reed.
Others took the ground that the one
effective way to overcome the influence OF
Mr.. Bryan was to appear and proclaim
his position boldly and openly. These
urged that unexpectedness of the move
might lift the convention of its feet and
surely bring back the lost Clark dele
gates, If it did not stampede the body In
his direction.
One of the questions to be considered
was that Of arranging for the candidate
to address the convention, and lack Of
agreement on the best method OF pro-
cedure, 1t Is understood. was one OF the
reasons why the Speaker was neld back
The rules make no provision for out
siders to appear and participate In the
conventions proceedings.
Could Appear With a Proxy.
It was declared. however. that the OBJ
lection could be quickly overcome. as
Missouri will be willing to give the
Speaker a proxy.
The attitude Of Mr.. Bryan and the
course he would take If the Speaker APP
peared as a participant in the proceed
ings were matters. of some concern also.
1t would give him an opportunity to
reply, and his assault might be so vim
dictive as to undo all the good that had
been expected from the Speakers pres
ence.
These asserted that although the chance
was desperate, it was worth the trial and
might turn the trick. The Speaker. they
said. had all to gain and little to lose by
the effort.
These conferences developed two fac
lions in the Clark camp. Although both
were earnest in working for the Speakers
success, each suggested different ways to
accomplish it.
One party thought if Wilson could be
put out of the running 1t would be easy
to bring the convention to the Clark
standard. They argued. therefore. that
if Clark appeared and failed to create
the enthusiasm and stampede expected.
the convention would turn to Wilson and
put him over without delay.
The other element, more enthusiastic,
saw no such thing as failure in the move
to bring Clark out openly to advocate
his own cause.