The Washington times., 1913-12-06
BRYAN RETREATS AS
SUFFRAG|STS HOWL
Secretary's Address to Popular
Government League Is Cut
Short BY MiIitants.

To pursue a relentless war against or
ganized selfishness, entrenched behind
the bulwarks of statute and constitu-
tional law, and to dislodge unjust privil-
ege by giving the people easy means I'm
which to make effective their will in
regaurd to every matter which effects
their vital interests, is the purpose fo-
which the National Popular Govern
ment League will be brought into ex-
istence before the close of the \con-
ference now In progress at Memorial
continental Hall. according to an elo-
quent speech delivered at the opening
session by Senator Robert l.. owen.
chairman of the committee of fifty
WHICH took the initiative in calling the
conference.
This conference Of the friends of
popular government" he explained. 'has
been called inorder to organize the Ma
tfonal Popular Government League. The
importance OF this organization is OBJ
Vous. Many statutes of the highest i'm
portance to lower the cost of living, and
TO equalize the opportunities of life. and
to conserve, protect, and develop human
HE and human energy are urgently
needed"
Newman Welcomes Delegates.
The delegates were welcomed to the
city by Oliver p. Newman, president of
the Board of Commissioners of the Dis
tr1ct OF Columbia, who took occasion to
speak Of ''The Present Crisis in the
Movement of Direct LEGISLATION
Inc sufraSette movement injected it.
self into the proceedings of the conven-
ton shortly after William Jennings
Bryan. Americas premier Secretary of
state, began an eloquent address ON
The Peoples Rule; How to Make II a
Fact Mr.. Bryan had declared for
more human justice. for less conservat-
ism. and for a more flexible constitu-
tienal amendment system, when Miss
Helen Todd. of California leader of a
group or militant suffragettets, de-
Bryan's Speech Cut Short.
How about Justice for women
You've talked about justice. but haven't
mentioned women at all. How about
it. Mr.. Bryan"
Taken aback for moment by this
attack, the Secretary of State hesitat-
co. Then he advanced slowly to the
'front.' OF the platform. and with a de-
termined set to his Jaw, answered:
have no doubt that you have followed
your judgment and your conscience as
Know 1 have done myself"
Ihis squelched Miss Todd, but other
sun took up the. cry, You've
peared not TO hear the further appeals. /
he retreated to the rear of the plat
form and talked with other conference |.
leaders.
As one sufragette near the platform
continued the attack. Senator Robert
- Owen, chairman, hastened to cali
another speakerand then militancy sub
'ided.
In the course Of his scheduled address
Sryan came out squarely for IAN
deaIy perfect plan for amendment of
he Federal Constitution.
Bryan Decries Conservatism.
H. declared that the icompromise
night come later, but that the league
should demand a big, broad system at
he start. He decried conservatism. al
hough he admitted that it was neces-
'ary as check on the ultra-radicaI.
Then he defended the right and capac-
ty Of the people to rule, saying: II
believe government is strong in II
as the people control itefor II
when they control, the government is
ust."
He added an approval of the initia-
i've ard referendum, and supported
resident Wilson's plan for presidential
rim aries.
Senator Moses E. Clapp of Minnesota
poke at length on the need of popular
government and concluded with the
statement that although the cause al
eady had many champions on the floor
II the Senate that body could never be
to lead in reforms but must be /
cad to them by the people. III
Two of the most prominent figures at
Memorial Continental Hall. where the II
essions are being held today. were ], III
Y. Sullivan, who is credited with being i
he father of direct legislation. which II
lie was the first to publicly espouse:
ND Herbert Quick. editor Of an agri-
ultural paper who in 1894 offered as a |
flank in the Iowa State platform the
roposition which has been elaborated /
lto the present Gateway amendment"
Piles Cured in S TO II Days Ill