Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1896-08-20

felt like it. Then Mr.. Bryan spoke in
as follows:
Mr.. Bryan's Speech.
Mr.. Chafrnao ~ GeHheaaea Of &c Committee and
Fellosr Citizens:
I shall at a future day, and in a formal let
ter, accept the nomination which is now ten
dered TO me by the notification committee.
and shall at that time touch upon the issues
presented by the platform It is fitting how
ever, that at this time, in the presence OF
those here assembled. speak at some length
in regard TO the campaign upon which we are
now entering. We do not underestimate the
forces eTrayed against US, we IN
mindful OF the Importance OF the strua-
gle in which we are engaged; but relying for
success upon the righteousness OF our cause. we
shall defend with all possible yigor the posi-
lions taken BY our party. We are not surprised
that some of our opponents IN the absence
Of better argument. resort TO abusive epitnets.
but they may rest assured that no Ian
guage. however violent. no inveetives. how
ever vehement will lead US 10 depart a single
hairs breadth from the course marked out by
the national convention The citizen. either
public or private. who assails the character
and questions the patriotism Of the delegates
assembled in the Chicago convention assaiis
the character and questions the patriotism Of
the millions who have arrayed themselves
under the banner there raised.
1t has been charged by men standing high in
business and political circles that our plat
form is a menace to private security and pub
lie safety; and IL has been asserted that those
whom have the honor. for the time being. to
represent. not only mediate an attack upon
the rights Of property. but are the foes both Of
social order and national honor.
Those who stand upon the Chicago platform
are prepared to make known and defend every
motive which influences them. every purpose
which animates them. and every hope which
inspires them. They understand the genius
Of our institutions: they are staunch support
ers Of the form of government under which we
live. AMI they build their faith upon founda-
lions laid BY the fathers Andrew Jackson
has stated. with admirable clearness, and
with an emphasis which cannot be surpassed,
both the duty and sphere Of government.
He said: ~Disttn ctions in society will al
ways exist under every just government
Equality Of talents, of education or Of
wealth cannot be produced by human institu-
tions- In the full enjoyment Of the gifts OF
heaven and the fruits of superior industry,
economy and virtue. every man is equally en-
titled to protection by law" We yield to none
in our devotion to the doctrine just enuneiated
Our campaign has not for its object the recon
struction OF society. We cannot insure 70 the
vicious the fruits of a vIrtuous life We would
not invade the home OF the provident in order
to supply the wants Of the sPendthrift: We do
not propose to transfer the rewards Of indus
try TO the lap OF Incidence. Property is and
will remain the stimulus to endeayor and the
compensation for toll We believe. as asserted
IN the DECLARATION OF independence. tnat all
men are created equal: but that does not mean
that all men are or can be equal in posses
sions, in ability or merit: it simply means that
all shall stand equal before the law. and that
government officials shall not. in making. con-
STRUNG or enforcing the law, discriminate be-
tween citizens
1 assert that property rights. as we'll as the
rights Of persons, are safe In the hands Of the
common people. Abraham Lincoln. in his
message sent 10 congress in December. 1861.
said: No men living are more to be trusted
than those who toll up from poverty; none less
inclined to take or touch aught which they
have not honestly earned" repeat his lam
guage with unqualified approval, and join
with him In the warning which he
added. namely: Let them beware of
surrenderinR q political power which they
already possess. and which power. IL surren-
dered. will surely be used 20 close the doors Of
advancement against such they. and TO fix
new disabilities and burdens upon them. till
all of liberty shall be lost" Those who daily
follow the injunction, In the sweat of thy
face shalt thou eat bread" are now. as they
have ever been. the bulwark OF law and order
the source OF our nations greatness in time
of peace, and its surest defenders In time Of