The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1896-11-14
TO BIMETALLISTs.
Hon. VIM. j. Bryan to the Bimetai-
lists-He Encourages Them to
90 Forward for 1900.


LINCOLN, NEB., Nov. 6.-Hon. William }.
Bryan today issued the following address;
s.To the BimetaHists of the United STATES:
CONSCIOUS that millions of loyal hearts are
saddehed by temporary defeat, beg TO offer
word of hope and encouragement. NO
cause ever had supporters more brave, earn,
est and devoted than those who have espoused
the cause of bimetalism They have fought
from conviction and have fought with all the
zeal which conviction inspires Events VIII
prove whether theyare right or wrong. hav-
ing done their duty as they saw IT, they have
nothing to regret.
'sThe Republican candidate has been her
aided as the advance agent of prosperity II
his policies bring real prosperity TO the Amer
lean people, those who opposed him Will
share in that prosperity. If, on the other
hand, his policies prove an INJURY to the
people generally, those of his supporters who
do not belong to the oflice-holding class or to
the privileged classes will suffer IN common
with those who opposed him. The friends OF
bimetallism have not been vanquished; they
have simply been overcome. They believe
that the gold standard is a conspiracy OF the
ney-changers against the warfare OF the
human race, and until convinced OF their
error they will continue the welfare against 1t.
''The contest has been waged this year
under great embarfassments and against
great odds. For the first time during TINS
generation public attention has been centred
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 blmet-
allism, while Republican leaders labored Sc
cretly for gold monometallism. -
''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 fear
of awlessness, while they have been detyIng
the law. and American fnaneiers have boosted
that they we're the custodians of national
honor, while they were secretly bartering
away the nation 5 financial independence.
''But in spite of the efforts of the admins
tration and Its supporters, IN spite OF the
threats of money loaners at home and abroad,
in spite of the coercion practiced by corpora
tons and employers, in spite of trusts and
syndicates, in spite OF an enormous Repu6li-
can campaign fund and in spite OF the iniiu-
ence of the hostile daily press, bimetallsm has
almost triumphed in its first great fight
''The loss of few States-and that, too, by
very small plurality-has defeated blmetai-
lism for the present, but bimetallism emerges
from the contest stronger than it was four
months ago.
IL desire to commend the work of the
three national committees which have joined
in the management of this campaign. Co.
operation between the members OF distinct
political organizations is always difficult. but
il has heen less so this year than usual.
Interest in n common cause OF great I'M
portance has reduced friction To Il minimum
hereby express my personal gratitude to the
individual members AS well us the executive
officers of the national committees OF the
Democratic, Populist and Silver parties for
their efficient. untiring and unselhsh labors
They have laid the foundation for future sue
cess and will be remembered as pioneers when
victory is at last secured.
s.No personal or political friend need grieve
because ofmy defeat. My ambition has been
to secure immediate legislation rather than TO
enjoy the honors of Office. Therefore, defeat
brings to me no feeling of personal loss.
Speaking for the wife who has shared my
laborS as well AS for myself, | desire TO say
that we have been amply repaid tor all that
we have done.
SIN the love of millions of cur fellow -clti-
zens so kindly expressed. in the knowledge
gained by personal contact with the people
and in broadened sympathies we lind full
COMPENSATION for whatever efforts 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 richest reward this campaign
has brought.
..In the face of an enemy rejoicing IN its
victory let the roll be called for the engage
ment, and let us urge all friends OF blmetal-
lism TO renew their allegiance TO the cause.
yys :, So. rial,t | beliaVfa we are. shall
yet triumph.
'sUntil convinced of his error let each ad-
vocate OF bimetallism continue the work.
Let all silver clubs retain Their organization,
hold regular meetings and circulate litera-
ture.
"Our opponents have succeeded in this
campaign and must now put their theories to
the test Instead Of talking mysteriously OF
sound money and an honest dollar they must
now elaborate and defend financial system
Every step taken by them should be publicly
considered by the silver clubs. Our cause
has prospered most where the money question
has been longest discussed among the people;
During the next four years it will he studied
all over the nation, even more than 1t has
been studied in the past.
''I'he year of 1900 is not far away. Before
that year arrives international bimetaiilsm
will cease to deceive; before that year arrives
those who have called themselves gold stand
ard Democrats will become bimetallsts and
be with MS, or they will become Republicans
and thus open enemies.
Before that year arrives trusts will have
convinced still more people that a trust is a
menace to private welfare and to public
safety.
t'Before that year arrives the evils of a gold
standard will be even more evident than they
are now, and the people will then be ready to
demand an American financial policy for the
American people and will join with us in the
immediate restoration of the free and unlim-
tied coinage of gold and silver at the present
local ratio of 1G To without waiting for the