Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1915-05-24
Bryan-An Intimate Sketch
oswald Garrison vniara In y. =. rost.


w Bryan" This question asked by prom
inent business man after he had reluctantly
confessed that tho presidents note and his entire
handling Of the German situation had redeemed such
"mistakes' the tariff bill and policy toward
Mexico and convinced him that the man in the White
House IL IN every way equal 70 the task before him
The question is suggestive what is there 90 about
William J. Bryan today-particularly now that his
sticking to his desk and abandonment At least for
the moment Of his Chsutauqua lectures has deprived
the humorous paragrnphers ana cartoonsts OF any
excuse for iampooning the secretary Of state2 Well
there are several answers to be made. The first
is that whatever may be the popular impression in
regard to Mr. Bryan and however numerous his
mistakes Of tact and policy the visitor 10 Washing
ton who has the means to acquire inside knowledge
soon finds out that Mr.. Bryan has the complete
spect OF hts cabinet associates They all smile at
some OF his vagaries and regret Of his non
official activities. but they like him and think we'll
OF him nonetheless. Primarily 1t is because of his
intense loyalty to the president
Now Il IL easy 10 say that a cabinet officer owes
loyalty TO the president first ALL but there all
kinds and degrees OF loyalty Mr. Bryan's variety
rs slngularly whole hearted devoted and faithful Be-
tween the two men, dssimiar in training. in ante
cedens. in mental processes, has sprung genuine
and affectionate friendship. on Mr.. Bryans part
there is the profoundest admiration for his chief
whose superiority in ability and in literary and po
ltical skill he most generously comedies. On Hr
Wilson's side there is genuine regard and sincere
gratitude for great aid freely given not only in the
Mr. Bryans personal contribution to- the fine record
for achievement OF the Wilson administration. but IN
other legislative matters. indeed in all matters.
1t IT, OF course. fact that all the most important
steps taken in exceedingly difficult foreign
tons during the last two years have been initiated
and outlined by the president future historian
OF this administration will he able to make start
ling showing to the number of notes signed by
Bryan which have been written by Woodrow Wilson
We are witnessing. in short, phenomenon
what similar TO that occasionally seen in the British
cabinet when the prime minister takes given
PORTFOLIO whether It be that of foreign affairs Of
the office, with this difference that the prime
minister usually takes a vacant office. Mr.
Bryan might be said 10 have voluntarily assumed
position somewhat approxmating that of the British
under-secretary for foreign affairs. So far from
having any feeling of the taking by the
president OF the composition OF the most important
notes which began early in the administration with
Mr. wilson's drafting the replies TO Japan he has
welcomed the presidents readiness TO take this
duty and frequently consuits him about minor docu
ments, and asks him for aid in licking them into
shape This the president frequently accomplshes
by stroke two of his PEN for which achieve
ment Mr.. BTyans admiration is not concealed But
the very fact that the president, captain OF the
ship of state IL In charge the foreign affairs OF
the United States makes it all the unjust when
men Of the standing OF George W. Wickershsm and
others of like calber unfairly attack Mr. Bryan for
the policy of the government In that field of
deavor II there Is any criticism TO be made of the
foreign policy they should at least make their charges
against the responsible. who happens to be the
president OF the United States