The Washington times., 1915-06-09
BRYAN s EXIT.
|SEXPECTED TO.
SPLIT PARTY.
Some Predict Former Premier
viii. Run as Peace and Fro
hibition Candidate.

What OF the future OF william Jen-
nings Bryan?
This is the question all Washington
ia asking today In the intervals when
It is not discussing the German situa-
ton. the future of the Democratic
party. the Mexican situation. and other
subjects that compel reflection.
Will Mr.. Bryan once more seek the
Presidency within the, Democratic
party. or will he cast political ambitions
behind him and become the evangel OF
prohibition In the United States?
MANY believe Mr.. Bryan will abandon
marty politics, at least in considerable
measure. and go forth to preach prohibi-
tien and peace. along with other doc
trnes which he has long advocated.
Urged To Stay In Party.
It is quite true that by putting him
self at the head Of the prohibition move
ment in this country. Mr.. BRYAN might
become a formidable Presidential posi-
bility, but this would hardly be within
old party lines.
No surprise would be caused here II
Il soon develops that Mr.. Bryan has de-
cided to take himself to his favored
field, that of the platform. speaking out
regardless of party affiliations. That
he has for n long time been trending
toward national prohibition has been
apparent. But he has been held back
by party ties.
II NAV be he will conclude to work
for prohibition within the Democratic
fold. OF late, he has strongly insisted
the party must part company with the
liquor interests. Many of his old po-
litical associates will urge him what
ever he does to remain within his party
and continue a factor in 1t.
Talked of For 1916.
Already, admiring Democrats are
talking about him as the Democratic
nominee for 1915, and circumstances
may shape themselves SO that he will
be formidable figure In the next
Democratic convention.
Prediction 10 made that the break
between President Wilson and Secre-
tary Bryan will project itself far into
the politics of the future and result
in as wide breach in the Democratic
party as the circumstances that led to
the downfall of the Republican party
In 1872. That the consequences will
he as serious from party standpoint
is generally feared by Democratic
Mr.. Wilson and Mr.. Bryan. came to-
gether as a result of one OF those mys-
terious happenings in politics that
sometimes unite men mutually antag-
onietio in habit. thought. and principle.
The union OF their interests In the
Baltimore convention Of 1912 was die
teted by political expediency. Once
Bryan became convinced that the Pres
idential nomination was beyond his
was dramatic in the extreme.
"Cocked Hat" Note.
The same hand that few years ago
penned the famous political note which
suggested that for the good of the party
Mr.. Bryan should be knocked into a
cooked hat" signed the document that
probably makes certain a historic politi-
cal struggle
No one in Washington doubts that
from this time forth Mr.. Bryan will
speak his mind fairly on the Admins
tration. In fact the belief Is quite
general that Mr.. Bryan, who excels
In attack. is more contented than he
has been at any time since March 4,
1918. when he became Secretary of
State.
There is reason to believe that he felt
the beginning of the Administration. He
was compelled to play a subordinate
part In politics as we'll as statecraft,
and the role was a new one for the
Peerless Leader.
Fear Bryan Can Defeat Wilson.
He did not perform we'll. and those
who knew Mr.. Wilson and Mr.. Bryan.
their temperaments and their ideals,
were convinced from the beginning that
their political association would not en-
dure for the entire term of the Admins
tration.
Democratic leaders are fearful that
the dominance OF their party will
come to an end on March 4. 1917. as a
result Of the break between Mr. Will
son and Mr.. Bryan: They admit that
| lowing, large enough to encompass
| the defeat OF the ticket in 1915 should
Mr.. Wilson be a candidate for re-elec-
| ton, unless in the meantime there
should be political understanding e
between them.
They will not be surprised If Mr.
| Bryan Is a candidate for the Presi-
| Dental nomination with peace and
prohibition" as his issues. They think
| they foresee tight in the party con.
! 1912. playing a leading role. but per,
/ haps arrayed against the man whose
fortunes he made and whose Admin.
istration he served until today.
! There Is good reason~to believe that
Mr.. Bryan has been restless for more
| than a year over the failure OF Presi,
don't Wilson to say something In pub.
| lie on the one term declaration in tht
Baltimore PLATFORM. Mr.. Bryan wrote
| this declaration. which committed the
candidate to the one term principle.
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