The intimate papers of Colonel House arranged as a narrative by Charles Seymour.

70 INTIMATE PAPERS OF COLONEL HOUSE

of you and Mrs. House several times while the fight was on.
I knew how anxiously you were awaiting bulletins on shipboard.
Just between us three, it was a remarkable fight. I was
never so proud of Mr. Bryan - he managed so well. He
threw the opponents into confusion; they could not keep
from blundering and he outgeneralled them at every point.
After all their careful planning, he wrested the power from
their hands. Under the circumstances I am sure the nomination went to the best place and am entirely satisfied with
the result. Will said all the time he did not think it was his
time, and when we found the way things were set up we were
sure of it.
The people through the country regard him as a hero - he
is filling Chautauqua dates in larger crowds than he has ever
had, and is perfectly well. The mail! The secretary told me
yesterday there are several thousand Baltimore letters still
unopened, and it is almost impossible to handle the daily
increase. I am not telling you these things to boast, but because I know you are interested to know how he is getting
on since he has been 'buried' again.
As to the possibilities in case of Democratic success: I am
not sure what he would do. I know he dislikes routine work
exceedingly, but believe he would do anything to help the
cause....
Did you read the platform? Will got in a provision on
national committeemen that will eliminate the whole ring
four years from now. - This letter seems full of politics, but
we are all interested. My best wishes for a safe return and
kindest regards to Janet, Mrs. H. and yourself.
Sincerely yours
MARY B. BRYAN
Reassured by the friendly attitude of Mr. Bryan, Colonel
House was none the less disturbed by the lack of organiza