Mexico weekly ledger., 1895-03-21
HON. w. j. BRYAN.

His years but young, but his experience old,
His head unmellowed but his judgement ripe
To patriotic, ir-minded folks, moth
ing can be more interesting than dis
cussion regarding the ali-absorbing
silver subject, since it concerns that
which to most people is so very dear,
though not conspicuously near to
many, and is burdensome to none of
us.
This theme was ably expounded at
the Opera House on Saturday evening
last, by W. J. Bryan, of Nebraska,
whose star seems now in the ascendant.
The curtain rose on one of those civ
ing pictures''-a very good represen-
tation of bimetallism. Col. w. H.
KEENAN, personating the gold stand
ard, performed the introduction with
his habitual courtliness and elegant
ease of manner, referring in fairest
phrase to the exalted position occu-
pied by this beloved and honored
statesman, who, at a single bound, has
reached the height attained by few
other men in many months and years.
Aftera cordial greeting on the part of
the assembly, and some slight pleas
antries from the handsome orator, the
lecture, which claimed enthusiastic at
tention for two hours and a half, be-
gun with a complete, clear aid exact
demonstration of what is meant by the
terms "bimetallism and free coinage"
Having given the subject most careful
consideration and Investigation, he
was prepared to discuss the question
from every standpoint, and, in reply
ing to the perplexing propositions
propounded by members of his audi
ence, he showed that sagacity, learn
ing and honesty which constitute such
important factors in the makeup OF a
great statesman. With remarkable
rapidity, GOODNESS and conciseness he
discussed the main features of his
theme, at times relapsing into flashes
of wit and well pictured illustrations,
and again rising to those flights of true
eloquence that distinguish Mr.. Bryan
not only as an orator who ~perceives
and responds with sincerity to the ma
tion's pulse, but as a Christian gentle
man. He is SO filling the present with
earnest endeavor aid enthusiastic
action that one can but believe that
the future will call him to yet higher
spheres.
From nature he draws his maxims,
and his arguments are based on the
written experience of the worlds past
ages. Mr.. Bryan spoke of the cring-
ing inclination on the part of ''free
Americans" to seek advices from 9th
er lands, and distinctly declines the
reception of any beams of light from
foggy England, as regards the money
question or any other.
The much talked of "honest dollar
furnished material for perhaps the
most engaging part of the discourse.
Abiding to Pope's definition of the
Creators noblest work, which unfor-
tunately for the existing state Of affairs.
is not altogether a thing of perfection,
the speaker logically proved the i'm
possibility of an honest dollar, which
would be the noblest work of mar
could the imperfect manage to fashion
what is perfect. To improve on ma
lures completed works would be Just
as easy to accomplish; as well try to
paint the lily to perfect purity,
throw sweeter scents to the violets, or
add lovelier hues to the triumphal arch
that floats aloft when storms prepare
to part.
A fine peroration concluded the
lecture. and the bimetallists with one
accord collected round the popular
speaker, while the converted listeners
dispersed, not yet ready to confess
their conversion, but realizing that
wise men do sometimes change, and
trusting in the hopeful language of the
Little Corporal: "An things come &c
he who knows how TO watt
! LEoSA BARKER.