The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1896-09-17
BRYAN'S LETTER.
He FORMALLY ACCEPTS.
The Principles Of Democracy.

The Principles Of Democracy.
ALINCoLN, Neb., September 9.-Mr.
Bryan to-day made public his letter ac-
cepting the Democratic nomination.
It's tull text follows:
"Hon. Stephen NJ. White. and the 9th
er Members OF the Notification Com
mittee of the Democratic Party:
"GentIemen-I accept the nomina-
| ton rendered by you on behalf OF the
Democratic party, and in so doing de-
sire to assure you that I fully appre-
ciate the high honor which such
nomination conters, ard the grave res
possibilities which accompany an cleo
ton to the presidency of the United
States. So deeply am impressed with
the magnitude of the power vested by
the Constitution in the Executive OF
the nation, and with the enormous In
| f1uence which he can WELD for the
benefit Or injury of the people, that I
wish to enter the Office, if elected, free
from any personal desire, except the de-
sire to prove worthy of the confidence of
my country.
NO SECOND TERM.
"Human Judgment is fallible enough
when unbiased by selfish considerations,
and, in order that l may not be tempt
ed to use the patronage of the office
to advance any personal ambition, |
hereby announce, with all the empha-
sis which words can express, my fixed
determination, not under any circum-
fstances to be a candidate for reelection
in case the campaign results in my
election.
/ "I have carefully considered the plat
form adopted by the Democratic Ma
tional Convention, and unqualifiedly
endorse every plank thereof. Our in
stitutions rest on the position that all
men being created equal are entitled to
equal consideration at the hands OF the
government. Because all men are Gre
ated equal, it follows that no citizen
has right to iniure another citizen.
PURPOSE OF GOVERNMENT.
: "The main purpose of government
being to protect all citizens IN the en-
joyment of life, liberty, and the pursuit
of happiness, this purpose must lead
the government, first, to avoid acts OF
, affirmative injustice, and, second, to re-
strain each citizen from trespasslng
upon the rights of any other citizen
A democratic form of government Is
conducive of the highest civilization
: because it opens before each individual
the greatest opportunities for develop
ment, and stimulates to the highest en-
! deavor by insuring to each the full en-
1oyment of all the rewards OF toll, ex
!. cept such contribution as is necessary
to SUPPORT the government which pro
tects him. Democracy is Indifferent t.
:, nedioree-it deals with the individual
rather than with his ancestors. Democ
b racy ignores differences In wealth.
Neither riches nor poverty can be IN
vo,xed IN behalf of or against any cltl
j. zen.
O RELIGIOUS LIBERTY.
r. "Democracv knows no greed. Rec
e ognizing the right of each indlvldua
Y, to worship God according to the dle
t.tes OF his own conscience, it welcome
all to a common Brotherhood, and gua1
antees equal treatment TO ali no matte
in what character or through VIVA
forms they commune with their Cre'
~ tor.
49, "Having discussed portions OF th
nlatform at the time of its adoption
=. and again when its letter OF notlficatlo
was formally delivered, it will not
- necessary at this time to touch upo
~ all the subjects embraced in its decl
~ ratiOns.
NECESSITY OF LAW.
elf "Honest differences Of opinion ha
m. ever existed, and ever will exist, as
ll- the most effective means OF securll
,g, domestic tranquility, but no cltlz'
er. fails to recognize at all times and u
nd der all circumstances the absolute I
ng cessity for the prompt and vigorous
Of forcement of law and the preservatl
ses of the public peace.
ore "In a government like ours law
lad but the crystalization of the will OF
er, people without it the citizen Is nell
ten or secure In the enjoyment OF lie
liberty, nor protected in the pursuit
happiness. Without obedience to IL
government is impossible. The Den
cratic party Is pledged to defend
ica- Constitution and enforce the laws
Dis tho limited States, and 1t is also pie
CHS ed to protect and defend the q
ing schemes of government Instituted
five fo,,dors Of the republic. Inc ma