Evening star., 1916-02-16
Other Grounds Of Opposition.

Other Grounds Of Opposition.
But If there is to be a strong oppo-s
sition to Mr.. Wilson it will not be
based alone on so technical or SO
changeable thing as the hastily con-
structed Baltimore platform has proved
to be. 1t will come because of some
Inherent dissatisfaction with the Will
son administrations policies-on1 the
TO the traditions of democracy or the
destiny of the party. Preparedness.
for example. Mr.. Bryan regards as a
strictly republican propaganda. and
there are many other differences which
Mr.. Bryan has accumulated since his
resignation that afford better basis
for row with the Wilson faction of
democracy than a doubtfully phrased,
stood controversy about the binding
character of the one-term plank in the
Baltimore platform.
The fundamental thing to keep in
mind is Bryans personal opinion that
the President should not be renomi-
mated. A veteran of Mr. Bryan's po-
htteal wisdom and sagacity, with a
prejudice on that point. may be safely
expected as a consequence thereof to
say things pertinent thereto On such
occasions as are calculated to produce
the greatest effect
But since Mr.. Bryan himself con-
cedes the denomination of Wilson - the
question has been raised in many quar-
ters: VIII Bryan support the Presi-
dent II nominated. 1t can be set down
as positively as anything political ever
was set down, that he will support the
President il the latter is once more
the nominee of the democratic party.
but the character and extent Of the
support are things which compel one
TO revert to the Parker campaign of
1908 as an index of what may happen
again. But Mr.. Bryan wishes it to be
understood that he will not make the
democratic party the foot ball of his
differences with the President In spite
OF all temptation, he will remain a
democrat.
Cites Support Of Parker.
1T have not thought it wise Mr..
Bryan wrote recently. to say whether
] would support the President If NOM
inated-frst. because until the Presi-
dent announces his candidacy no one
has right to solicit support for him.
and 1t has seemed impertinent to me
TO have the question asked by soma
newspapers, as 1t has been. for I have
never done anything to justify the sus-
picion that 1 would not support the
ticket. Ny support of Parker at least
ought to raise a presumption in favor
OF nay regularity. As am asking
nothing and desire nothing except an
in which / am interested I feel that
J can take my own time. and In speak
ing on the subject be governed by my
own judgment
But if Mr. BRYAN plans to supnor,
The President anyway, why should he
oppose his renoinination? That raises
anew the whole question of Bryanism
in politics. His career has been and
viii be. he says. fight for what he
fhinks sis right. regardless Of whether
the things he advocates are popular or
"T have never had an organization
or corporation to help me in politics
argues Mr.. Bryan. I have simply ad-
vocated principles and policies without
waiting to see whether they were pop
ular.'
Many times IN the political life of
Mr. Bryan has he registered his oppo-
sition to candidates who subsequently
THE Lord does not require us to
win, he said recently apropos Of
losing fights: He simply requires us to
do our duty
"Duty" to Oppose Wilson.
And while 1t is perfectly clear in
my mind that Mr.. Bryan believes It
his duty to oppose the principles which
Woodrow Wilson has implanted in
democracy during the last year and a
half. circumstances may entirely alter
the aspect Of events at convention
time.
II want to be free he Informed me
In this connection. to do anything a,
any time which duty indicates should
be done. I have no enemies to punish
and no friends whom would be will.
ing to reward at the expense of the
country or party.
"A great deal. IL is my Impression, de.
psnds upon what the republicans do
Their convention at Chicago precedes
the democratic conclave bv a week
Bryan himself. It will be admitted. il
peculiarly privileged to prophesy In
things political, His intuition and OBJ.