Evening star., 1919-03-08
NOT SERIOUSLY I'LL,
MR.. BRYAN SAYS
Nebraskan in Bed and Not In
cIined to Discuss Politi.
cal Situation.
BUT MAY TALK LATER

Although his appearance indicated
that he had been through severe
physical struggle, William Jennings
Bryan, who was seized suddenly with
Illness two weeks ago, today denied
that his condition was ever at any
time serious. Mr.. Bryan said at the
request of his physician, DR.. ]. Thorn
as Kelley, he gave himself the benefit
OF the doubt and decided to stay in
bed.
The commoner is at the apartment
of Mr.. and Mrs. Daniel Bride. 1870
Columbia road Mrs. Bride didn't
agree with Mr.. Bryan's diagnosis of
his case. She said when he was hrst
brought 20 her apartment from his
room at the Y. NJ. C. A. he was really
! in serious condition.
But he is better now and I hope
to see him out of bed in d very few
days" said Mrs. Bride.
Nursed Him in Spanish War.
Dan nursed me during the Spanish
American war;" explained Mr.. Bryan.
referring to his host, Il took him into
the Army with me and when got
sick he took care OF me- That's why
| chose this retreat when ] was taken
down recently. Ny old nurse obtained
for me that duietness which could
hardly be obtained in any other way.
Mr.. Bryan said he was steadily gain
ing strength and would be out in
few days. Asked II he had any COM
ments to make on the present political
situation, especially the contest be-
tween the republican senator and
the President. Mr.. Bryan wearily
passed his right hand over his some
what emaciated face and replied:
May Discuss League Later.
Now. you would hardly expect
sick man to give his views ohhand
on matter so serious, a question SO
tremendous, would you2 No. have
nothing to say about that now, but
may talk when 1 get strong again.
Mr.. Bryan was robed in dressing
gown and was covered. in addition.
by a sheet and two comforts, The
room was warm, but the commoner
remarked that ii was necessary to be
careful
But the country is facing great
problems" he remarked, as he drew
the bedcoverings over him.
Reactionaries Busy, he Says.
government ownership of railroads.
prohibition, federal control or the
American merchant marine, the tao
tics of the republican members of the
Senate and other questions which are
today agitating the public, Mr.. Bryan
said he would like to can general at
tention tc a plan by certain reaction
aries to repeal the direct primary
laws of many states and eturn to the
old convention system.
ts,r. lEl - t<1 fa n
that Idaho had already repealed the
law and Minnesota might follow suit.
did Borah favor such action?" he
asked. Then Mr.. Bryan said:
Champions Direct Primary.
the direct primary. 1t rests upon the
same Idea that supports popular gov
ernment Ii government deriyes its
Just powers from the consent of the
governed, surely the party organiza-
ton can have no other source Of
power.
~The primary plan as adopted IN
many states may have its defects.
Perfection is hardly to be expected.
but these defects can be cured by the
people. The cure is not TO be found
in the abolishment of the system"
Mr.. Bryan was asked If he intend
ed to engage in campaign OF any
sort when he recovers.
Now you must excuse me-" he re-
piled. Il am too weak yet to 60 deep
ly into the great questions that are
agitating the people, and IL is not safe
to treat superhcially matters of such
Immense importance. 1 must have
time to think the matter over.