The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-10-31
BRYAN IS NOT AN A. P. A.
The Boy Orators Statement Regarding
Society and Religious Affiliations.
Has No Objections to Free Schools.

Madison, Wis, Oct. S0.-Mr. Bryan
tonight made the following statement
to the representatives of the United
Associated Presses, accompanying
him:
l have not attempted to answer all of
the Misrepresentation which have been
circulated in this campaign, but IN THESE
closing days l feel that 1t Is necessary TO
call your attention to an attack which
that the Republicans are circulating
among Catholic citizens the charge that
l am or have been a member of the A. i.
A. | have also learned that have been
accused Of being a member OF a society
which think 10 known as the Junior Or
der of American Mechanics. At the same
time have been accused from other quar-.
ters Of being opposed to the public school
system and of having voted against the
teachings of the English language in the
public schools of New Mexico. While l
have attempted to confine my discussion
of public issues to the questions raised by
money question as paramount to all 9TH
ers, take this opportunity to explain my
position upon the religious controversy
which has been raised and ask the United
Associated Presses to give the matter
publicity.
l am not and never have been a men,
ber of the American Protective associa-
ton or OF the Junior Order of American
Mechanics or Of any other society hostile
to any church.. religion or race, nor have
I ever applied for membership in any
such organization. While l am a member
Of the Presbyterian church, l have al
ways believed that there should be no re-
ligious test applied In the holding Of pub
lie office and have not allowed religious
differences to affect my conduct in the
discharge Of the duties Of public office. l
am a believer in the public school system.
l attended public schools myself and my
children are now attending public school.
While l recognize the right of parents to
send their children to private schools and
colleges. If they so desire, believe that
the free public school must remain part
of our system Of government in order that
means of education shall be within the
reach of every child in the land. The
Democratic members of congress who
voted against u proposed amendment to
the constitution of New Mexico which
compelled the teaching Of English Ian
guage In the public schools, not because
Democrats were opposed to public schools
or to the teaching Of the English Ian
guage In such schools, but because they
did not deem II necessary or wise to re-
quire pledge from the people of New
Mexico which had not been required of
the people of the other territories seek
ing admission. i trust that what I now
say may reach all of the voters, because
1t Is the only opportunity / shall have of
meeting these misrepresentation.
trust that those who support the policies
set forth In the Democratic platform will
not allow themselves to be alienated from
my support by any affidavits which may
be circulated by political enemies. l have
tried so far as l could to conduct this
campaign In an open and honorable way
and have insisted that those who are
with US should refrain from personal crit
icism of my opponent and leave the peo-
pie to pass Judgment upon the principles
which we represent.