Gilpin observer., 1913-10-09
WASHINGTON NEWS
By Edward Keating.

By Edward Keattng.
How long will the Wdlson-Bryan
combination last?" That Is the ques-
tion disturbing great many states
men ard near-statesman In Washing
ton these days.
When the Nebraskan accepted the
portfolio Of secretary OF state, the
political wise men shook their heads
and said, "a mistake. bryan will
never consent to play second fiddle
and Wilson is too stiff-neeked to be
a make-believe president. Lookout for
fireworks within six months"
The six months have come and
gone and the political wisemen con-
tinue to croak and the president and
his mighty premier continue to la
bcr In harmony.
How long will it last?
In my judgment, there is no occa-
sion for apprehension. Wilson and
Eryan fIow that every reactionary
in America is praying that they may
quarrel. They know that that hope
is back of all the rumors of disturb
ed relations which find their way
toto the newspapers from time to
time. They know that break be-
tween them would block the progress
sive program in congress, disrupt the
Democratic party and pave the way
for the return to power of the dis
credited "Standpat'' element.
Knowing this, they are on their
guard. Their ears are closed to
the tales of foolish friends and cum
ming enemies. Through prudent COM
promises, they adjust such differen-
ces as arise between strong men, and
every days work strengthens the
bonds of esteem and confidence
which hold them together.
Bryan has done many fine things
many big things-during his remark
able career, but he has done nothing
finer or bigger than his work in Will
sons cabinet. He has been more
than a mere secretary Of state, he
has been the alert and able aid and
advisor of his chief in everything.
His hand is seen in the tariff bill,
the currency bill, the Mexican situa-
ticn, the Japanese embroglios, in
fact, everywhere affecting the big
problems Of government. Through it
all, he has refused to monopolize the
hme-light as less tactful and mod
est man might have done, and has
head of the administration, was en-
titled to the lions share of the glory
Wilson, on the other hand, has
proven himself master of men. He
is president-no one questions that
any more-ard. as president, he in
sists upon being recognized as the
responsible leader of his party But
he has no need of big stick and
no reason to be jealous OF his asso-
ciates. Roosevelt beat down his op-
ponents. Wilson appeals to their in
tellects. Roosevelt was intolreant of
opposition, Wilson labors patiently to
tellects. Roosevelt was intolerant of
work with strong men, Wilson gladly
shares his burdens with them. Bry-
an could not have remained In Roose-
velt's cabinet six weeks, he will re-
main in Wilson's cabinet until the
president quits the white house.
Congressman Tom Heflin, or some
other well-meaning, although mis-guid
ed friend, has started boom down
in Alabama for Oscar Underwood for
United States senator. Underwood is
the biggest man in the house and,
aside from Wilson and Bryan, is with
out peer in the Democratic party
When the people OF the country be-
come better acquainted with him, he
will be recognized as presidential tin.
Der. and the fact that he was bern
on the other side OF the Mason and
Dixon line and still lives there will
not count against him. He deserves
a better fate than to be inferred in
the senate.
AS leader OF the Democratic major
ity in the ed and SD congresses, he
has rendered his party and his coun-
try signal service. Bryan criticised
him few years ago but am confid-
ent he would gladly acknowledge his
error now. The Nebraskan honestly
believed that Underwood was endeav-
oring to protect the steel interests
because CT the south. and 1t was re-
ported that his wife's fortune was
invested in steel securities. l do not
know how the story originated, but
Bryan accepted it and printed an ed
toral in the Commoner. calling on