The Sentinel=record., 1916-12-07

lNaShl1gtOn, Dec. 6-Reforms to which he proposes to commit the dem ocratic party and which he wishes to see accomplished within the next four years were outlined tonight by Will liam Jennings Bryan at a dinner given Tn his honor by admirers among the democratic officials and members of congress. The nation wide proL Di- ton he urged as a most important and election of the president by direct votes, and charges to make the consu- tuition more easily amendable.
 In addition to his program to be advocated Mir. Bryan gave a promi- nent place to two things he proposes to do.
 To oppose the effort to give the fed eral government exclusive control over railroad regulation and the menace of miiitarism, presented by proposals for universal military ser vice.
 Speeches lauding MT. Bryan and particularly his work for the party during the campaign just won were made by many of the diners and a letter was read from President Will son with whom the former secretary and Mrs. Bryan had lunched during the day. The president wrote:
 Will you be kind enough to convey my very cordial greetings to MT. Bryan 10 those who are assembled to do him honor at the dinner on We'd nesday evening? n the recent cam- paign no one rendered more unselfish service than MT Bryan and am happy to know that this dinner ex- presses the genuine admiration of al, democrats for him May l not by this means convey to him my warm est congratulations and best wishes for his continued health and happi- ness"
 In reviewing at length the accom- piishmeats of the democratic admin istration MT Bryan said the work had been done in one short term under the leadership of great democratic president loyally supported by con- gress equally democratic"
 I shall take advantage of the oq portunity which this dinner affords, he continued. ito point out d few of the issues which seem to me within the range of accomplishment during the next four years But before taking up the things which should be secua- ed it is worth while to consider for a prevented.
 An effort is now being made by the railroads to secure legislation, and if necessary a constitutional amend ment, depriving the states of all regu-
 ative power over them and giving to congress exclusive control over rail- road regulation. The consolidation of all railroad legislation at Washington would not only transfer to the nation al capital an amount of work which would overwhelm the national author ities and therefore decrease the eff ciency of federal supervision, but it would bring a railroad influence into the election of every congressman and every senator as well as intensity the railroads interest in political cam paigns.
 "It would do more than that. It would practically obliterate state lines and lead to centralization, which would threaten the very exis- tence of our dual form of government.
 We cannot afford to shut our eyes to the menace of militarsm as 1t 1. now presented in concrte form. A large increase in the army and navy, officers drawing salaries for fife and trained in profession which teaches reliance upon the steel blade rather than upon the sword of truth tends to substitute false standards Of honor for the more peaceful standards that prevail among the producers of wealth.
 "It is not unnatural that the magai- -. N s '''