The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1896-12-24
ANCIENT LANDMARKS
The Lecture Of Hon. William ]. Bryan be.
llVered 10 a large Audience.
TOUCHES BUT LITTLE UPON POLITICS
a Mastery Dissertation Upon some
OF tho Evils in Our Governments
aud suggestions as to lilo Meth.
ods of Modifying Them-The Finan.
ciaI Question Touched but Lightly.

Atlanta, Dec, 23-IIon. William H.
Bryan opened his lecture tour here tosS
night at uhc Grand Opera house before
n large audience. All day long he had
been entertained by one organization
or another ana he held an almost con-
tinuous reception. Gov. Atkinson took
MIN to the Executive Mansion in the
morning as his guest. At noon the
Young Mems Democratic League teri-
dered him luncheon, and tonight the
rulton club entertained him. Among
the speakers at the luncheon was ex-S
Secretary Hoke Smith.
ar; Bryan was introduced tonight BY
Hal t. Lewis, the Georgian who NOM
mated him at Chicago.
THE ANCIENT LANDMARKS.
The late nominees reception was en-
thusiasiic, the audience cheering loud
ana long. His subject was "The
Ancient Landmarks" The subject
matter. was extremely conservative.
There was nothing in 1t to offend any
one. The address was q discussion or
governmental questions. Governments
said he, is what the people make VI
good or bad, as they choose. II has
been said that the man who neglects To
take part In controlling government ID
worse than the men who govern badly.
MONETARY SYSTEMS.
Mr. Bryan quoted literally from Jef-
ic'son and Jackson. He touched on
me leading issues of the recent cam
paign. but In n non-partlsan way. The
aim, said he, of advocates OF different
monetary systems Is to secure that one
which Is best for the greatest number
or citizens. Men differ as to which sys-e
tem VIII accomplish that, but all agree
that the system which will give a Unit
OF value of the least possible fluctuation
Is the best. In the end the people of
this country. and eventually the people
OF the world, will select that system
under which the unit of value is most
stable. In reaching decision, sel6sh-s
ness must be taken into account. Sell
wholly disadvantageous, for II Is the
manifestation of the instinct or SELF
preservation. II
Government should not wholly avoid
abuses. but should project the weaker
against THE strong. The goyernment
substitutes law for force and right for
might. Governments must restrain
Jefferson said that one Of the most i'm
portant duties OF n government was to
restrain one set of citizens from injur-
ing the others.
ATTACKS COMBINES.
Trusts were denounced as a means or
doing an injury 10 ones fellow citizens.
Mr.. Bryan remarked that he aid not
mink any party openly defended trusts.
They are permitted to exist because the
people are Indifferent. They could be
apoiShed by legislation or by public
opihion; ; Newspapers form public opin-
ioh' put they are not to be expected to
10 II all Every individual citizen
should exercise his Influence. take a
position and let 1t be known.
IuDlc opinion is SO potent that 1t can
crush out any abuse, even trusts or the
use or money in politics. The use OF
money by political parties is the most
pcrnicious influence In politics. And the
party Is young indeed, which does not
use money to advance its ends. But it
should be remembered that IL the use OF
money is permitted the citizens Will
themselves be plundered to recoup the
expenditures.
UNJUST TAXATION.
Unjust taxation was treated at some
length. The speaker declared unjust
taxation to be indirect larceny 1t Is
taking money from one mans pocket
and putting it in the pocket of another
man. The chief cause of the discomfort.
In this country is fayoritsm In one form
or another under the Government. This
favortism may be manifested by unjust
taxation in different forms.
Mr.. Bryan found good results In the
recent campaign. II set the people TO.
thinking, habit which they will keep
up. Jefferson said that public officials
who are not watched are wolves. Mr..
Bryan thinks that hereafter public offi-9
Gals will be more closely watched.
Good Government consists in jealously
and not confidence. Over-c HilA,ence en-
courages abuse of confidence.
a SIGNIFICANT REMARK.
In conclusion the lecturer remarked
significantly that the Latin poet said I'VE
plant trees. the fruit of which we do
not expect to pluck. We are laying thsf
foundations now for those who come
after us. \ part of the foundation worlsS
was gotten under way in the recent
campaign. The superstructure VIII be 4
built later.
Mr. Bryan will leave here tomorrow
and he will go to Chicago, whence ne
will so to his home in Lincoln. He has
Il series Of lectures booked for Texas,
should Have Drunk nc,