Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1896-11-19
VIM. J. Bryan to the People.
CLUBS MAINTAIN THEIR
ORGANIZATION.

following:
To the Bimetalists of the United
States:
Conscious that millions Of loyal
hearts are saddened by temporary
defeat, beg to offer word of hope
and encouragement. No cause ever
had supporters more brave, earnest
and devoted than those who have
espoused the cause of bimetalism.-
They have fought for conviction and
have fought it with all the zeal
which conviction inspires. Events
will prove whether they are right or
wrong. Having done their duty as
they saw it, they have nothing to re-
gret. The Republican candidate has
been heralded as the advance agent
OF prosperity. If his policies bring
real prosperity to the American peo.
pie, those who opposed him will
share in that prosperity. If, on the
other hand, his policies prove an in
jury to the people generally, those Of
his supporters who do not belong to
the ofice-holding class, or to the
privileged class, will suffer in COM
mon with those who opposed him
The friends of bimetalism have not
oeen vanquished they have simply
been overcome. They believe that
the gold standard is n conspiracy of
the money changers against the well
faro of the human race, and, until
convinced of their error, they will
continue their warfare against it.
The contest has been waged this
year under great embarrassments
and against great odds. For the
first time during this generation pub
lie attention has been centered upon
the money question as the paramount
issue, and this has been done in
spite of all attempts upon the part
of our opponents to prevent it. The
Republican convention held out the
delusive hope of international BIZ
metalism, while the Republican
leaders labored secretly for gold
m n m talism. Gold standard
Democrats have publicly advocated
the election of the indianapolis
ticket while they labored secretly
for the election of the Republican
ticket. The trusts and corporations
have tried to excite a fear of law
lessness while they have been defy
ing the law, and American financiers
have boasted that they were the GUS
todians of national honor while they
were secretly bartering away the ma
tion's financial Independence. But
In spite of the efforts of the admin
istration and it's supporters in spite
of the threats of money loaners at
II o ne and abroad; in spite of
the coercion practiced by corpora
tions and employers in spite of
trusts and syndicates in spite of an
enormous Re epubli lean campaign
fund; and, in spite of the influence
Of hostile daily press, bimetalism
has almost triumphed i'm the first
great fight. The loss of few States,
and that, too, by very small plu-
rality, has defeated bimetalism for
the present, but bimetalism emerges
from the contest stronger than it was
four months ago.
i desire to commend the work Of
the three national committees which
have Joined in the management Of
this campaign. Cooperation be-
tween the members of distinct polit-
ical organizations is always difficult,
but 1T has been less so this year than
usual. Interest in a common cause
of great importance has reduced
friction to minimum. / hereby
express my personal gratitude to the
individual members, as well as the
officers Of the nation committees of
of the Democratic, Populist and Sill.
yer parties, for their efficient, untir-
ing and unselfish labors. They have
laid the foundation for future sue
cess and will be remembered as pi-
oneers W hen victory is at last Sc.
cured.
No personal or political friend
need grieve because OF my defeat
My ambition has been to secure i'm
mediate legislation rather than en-
JOY the honors of Office. Therefore,
defeat brings me no feeling of per
sonal loss. Speaking for the wife
who has shared my labors, as well as
for myself, l desire to say that we
have been amply repaid for all that
we have done. In the love Of mil.
lions of our fellow citizens. so kindly
expressed, in knowledge gained by
personal contact with the people and
in broadened sympathies, we find
full compensation for whatever eff.
forts we have put forth.
Our hearts have been touched by the
devotion of friends, and our lives
shall prove our appreciation of the
affection which we prize as the rich
est reward which this campaign has
brought.
In the face of an enemy rejoicing
in its victory, let the roll be called
for the engagement and urge all
friends of bimetalism to renew their
allegiance to the cause. If we are
right, as / believe we are we shall
yet triumph. Until convinced of
his error, let eacn advocate of hi
metalism continue the work. Let
all silver clubs retain their organiza-
tion, hold regular meetings and cir
culate literature.
Our opponents have succeeded in
this campaign and must now put
their theories to the test. Instead
of talking ysterio usly about
"sound money" and "an honest
dollar" they must now elaborate and
defend the financial system. Every
step taken by them should be pub
licly considered by the silver clubs.
Our cause has prospered most where
the money question has been longest
discussed among the people. Dur
ing the next four years it will be
studied all over this nation even
more than it has been studied in the
past.
The year 1900 is not far aWay.-