The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1896-08-14
Speech of the Democratic Pres
idential Nominee at the
Notification Meeting.
Discussion Mainly Devoted to
the Money Plank of tho
Chicago Platform.
Its Reference to Trusts and the
Income Tax Law Also
Briefly Reviewed.

New YORK, Aug. 13.-The following
is the speech of Hon. William J. Bryan,
delivered at Madison Square Garden on
the occasion of his notification Of the
Democratic nomination for president I:
Mr.. Chairman II Gentlemen Of the
Committee. and Fellow Citizens: / shall
at a future day and in u formal letter, &C
cept the nomination which is now tend
cred by the notification committee, and l
shall at that time touch upon the issues
presented by the platform. 1t is fitting,
however, that at this time. in the presence
of those here assembled, l speak at some
length in regard to the campaign upon
which we are now entering.
We do not underestimate the forces
arrayed against us, neither are we un-
mindful of the importance of the struggle
in which we are engaged; but relying for
success upon the righteousness of our
cause, we shall defend with all possible
vigor the positions taken by our party.
We are not surprised that some Of our
opponents, in the absence of better argu-
mcnt resort to abusive cpithets, cut they
may be assured that no language, how
ever violent, will lead us to depart a sim
gle hairs breath from the course marked
out by the national convention. The cit
izen, either public or private, who assaults
the character and questions the patriot
ism of the delegates assembled in the Chi
tago convention, assails the characterand
questions the patriotism of millions who
have arrayed themselves under the BAN
ner there raised.
1t has been charged by men standing
high in business and political circles that
our platform is a menace to private Sc
curity and public safety; and it has been
asserted that those whom l have the
honor. for the time being, to represent,
not only mediate m attack on the rights
of property, but are the foes of social order
and national honor. Those who stand
upon the Chicago platform are prepared to
make known and to defend every motion
which influences them, every purpose
which animates them, and every hope
which inspires them. They understand
the genius of our institutions, they are
staunch supporters of the form Of govern
ment under which we live, and they build
their faith upon foundations laid by the
fathers.
Would Not Reconstruct Society.
Our campaign has not for its object the
reconstruction of society. We ann in
sure to 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 industry to the
lap of Incidence. Property is and will re-
main the stimulus to endeavor and the
compensation for toll.
We believe, as asserted in the declara-
ton Of independence, that all men are
created equal; but that does not mean
that all men are or can be equal in posses
sions, in ability, or in merit; 1t simply
means hat all Shall stand equal before
the law and that government officials
shall not, in making, constructing or en-
forcing the law, discriminate between
citizens.
assert that property rights, as we'll as
the rights OF persons, are safe in the
hands of the common people.
Abraham Lincon, in his message sent
to congress in December, 1861, said: mo
men living are more worthy to be trusted
than those who toll up from poverty, none
less inclined to tax or touch ought which
they have not honestly earned"
repeat his language with unqualified
approval and join with him in the warn
ing which he added, namely: Let them
beware Of ~surrendering a political power
which they already possess, and which
power, if surrendered, will surely be used
to close the doors Of advancement against
such as they, and to fix new disabilities
and burdens upon them, till all of liberty
shall be lost" Those who daily follow
the injunction I'm the sweat of thy face
shall thou eat bread, y are now as they
ever have been, the bulwark of law and
order, the source Of our nations greatness
in time Of peace and its surest defenders
in time of war.