Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1896-07-30

I'VE have had many calls for Mr..
Bryan's great speech delivered be-
fore the Chicago convention. TO
meet this demand we publish the
speech in full feeling sure that every
sympathiZer with the great cause
Mr.. Bryan had so much at heart
will enjoy reading it. The speech is
eloquent even in print, but when de-
livefed by man of Bryan's fine
appearance, and splendid oratorical
powers and before great audience
In hearty sympathy with the speak
er who was standing there to vindi-
cate the majority and their cause
from the assaults of the opposition,
its effect was wonderful and no
doubt had much to do with securing
for the speaker the party's nomina-
tion for President. The speech is
remarkable not so much for the ora
torical beauty of its periods as for
the aptness with which Mr.. Bryan
replied to the arguments of his op-
ponents and for the faith and zeal it
exhibits in great cause.-EDIToR. |
Mr.. Chairman and Gentlemen of the
Convention
| would be presumptious indeed
to present myself against the distin-
guished gentleman to whom you
have listened if this were but a
measuring of ability, but this is not
a contest among persons. The hum
blest citizen in all the land when
clad in the armor of a righteous
cause is stronger than all the whole
hosts of error that they can bring.
l come to speak to you in defense of
cause as holy as the cause Of liberty
the cause of humanity.
When this debate is concluded, q
motion will be made to lay upon the
table the resolution offered in COM
mendation of the administration,
and also the resolution in condemna-
tion Of the administration. 1 shall
object to bringing this question down
toa level of persons. The individual
is an atom-he is born, he acts, he
dies-but principles are eternal, and
this has been contest of principle.
Never before in the history of
this country has there been wit
messed such contest as that through
which we have passed. Never be-
fore i'm the history Of American poll
ties has a great issue been fought out
rs this issue has been by the voters
themselves. On the 4th Of March,
1895, a few Democrats, most fthem
members OF congress, issued an ad-
dress to the Democrats ofthe nation,
asserting that the money question
was the paramount issue Ofthe hour,
asserting also the right of majority
Of the Democratic party to control
the position Of the party on this par
amount issue, concluding with the
quest that all believers In the free
coinage of silver in the Democratic
party should organize and take
charge of and control the policy of
the Democratic party.
Three months later, at Memphis.
an organization was perfected and
the silver Democrats went forth
openly and boldly and courageously
prOclaiming their belief and declar-
ing that if successful they would
crystaliZe in platform the declara-
tiOn which they had made, and then
began conflict with zeal ap-
preaching the zeal which inspired
the crusaders who followed Peter
the Hermit. Our silver Democrats
went forth from victory unto VIC
tory until they are assembled now,
not to discuss, not to debate, but to
enter the judgment rendered by the
plain people of this country.
In this contest brother has been
arrayed against brother and father
against son. The warmest ties OF
love and acquaintance and associa.
ton have been disregarded. Old
leaders have been cast aside wher
they refused to give expression tC
the sentiments of those whom they
would lead, and new leaders have
sprung up to give direction to tht
cause of truth.
Thus has the contest been waged
and we have assembled here under
as binding and solemn instruction
as were ever fastened upon the rep
resentatives of a people. We d.
not come as individuals. Why, 81
individuals we might have been glat
to compliment the gentleman from
New York (SenatOr HILL. But w,