The San Francisco call., 1896-08-13


preciate the compliment conferred by this
designation, l cannot but deplore the enforced
absence OF the distinguished orator from Call
fornia, and am directed by him TO express his
sincere regret at his inability to be present
and participate in the interesting ceremonies
of this hour.
OF all questions in the current political
affairs of this day and generation the financial
question rises to such supreme lmporta15s
that all other subjects are practically eXcluC1u
from present consideration. The chicago con-
Fention declared in so many words that uhtll
his great paramount issue was dehnlteIy
settled, and settled right, the consideration OF
all other important questions upon when the
people are seriously divided should be post
poned, or at least not pressed upon pubnc or
legislative attention. Around this one su-
preme issue the great battle OF 1896 Is 10 pc
fought. For the first time it has been larry
presented without evasion or disguise. Both
parties have taken position boldly.
Both are confident aud defiant. Between
them tue American people are arblters ana as
such they are TO pass judgment upon the most
important question presented 10 then1 since
the storm of civil war wrecked happy homes
and left its bloody trail upon tne lano- Ihey
are to pass Judgment upon question which,
profoundly believe, affects as no other ques-
t1on can, not only the present happiness and
prosperity OF the people, but the teilclty OF
their children, the perpetulty OF American in
stitutions, the well-being of mankind.
The Chicago platform has been denounced
as un-Democratic and the delegates composing
the convention have been stigmatized as an
archists and socialists. We have heard much
OF this from certain class OF papers and indi-
viduals. On Saturday last in my own State an
ex-Democratic Supreme Court Judge charac-
terized the Chicago platform "bundle of
Populistic notions, saturated brimful with
socialism and anarchy" and at the same time
an ex-Democratie corporation attorney OF
Zenship meant government, mot by un think
ing, unheeding masses. but by the elements
which are guided by judgment and reason
"Unthinklng, unheeding masses" is good (;
1.-The elements which are guided by judgment
and reason" is extra good 1t Is at least a
slight modification of NanderbiIps arrogant
anathema, Damn the people," and for the
small concession we ought 10 be duly grateful,
Who composed the Chicago convention?
From the State in which reside the gentlemen
from whom have quoted the delegation sent
TO that convention was composed of farmers,
lawyers, doctors, editors, merchants, manu-
facturers and several OF the most conspicu-
ously successful business men in the Mlssis-
slppi NaIIey-among them also were the emil
nent judges OF high courts, senators Of the
United Sta tes, representatives. in Congress and
the Treasurer and Governor OF the State. That
delegation was chosen by one of the greatest
conventions ever assembled in that State, rep
resentinG all classes of the commonwealth.
What was true of Missouri was equally true of
all The States. If these men could not speak
for the Democratic par ty, who could? If these
men do not understand Democracy, who are
its eXponents?
Sir, the man who holds up to opprobium
such men as constituted the Chicago conYen-
tion and denounces them as cranks, anarchists
or socialists, or who in any respect impugrs
their intelligence or patriotism, does himself
most rank injustice, if he be not a EnaYe, q
slanderer or a fool. That convention did in
deed represent the masses" of the people
the great industrial and producing masses of
the people. 1t represented the men who plow
and plant; who fatten herds; who toll in
shops; who iell forests and delve in mines.
But are these to be regarded with contumely
and addressed in words OF contemptY Why,
sir, these are the men who feed and clothe
the Nation; whose products make up the sum
OF our exports; who produce the wealth of the
Republic; who bear the heaviest burdens in
time OF peacei who are ready always 10 give
their lille blood for their country's flag; in
short. these are the men whose sturdy arms
and faithful hands uphold the stupendous
fabric OF our civilization.
For a leader they chose one OF their own-a
plain man Of the people. His whole life ana
lifeworK identifies him, in sympathy and in
terest, with those who represent the great in
dustrlal forces OF the country. Among them
he was born and reared and has lived and
wrought all the days of his life TO their cause
he has devoted all the splendid powers with
which Gnd endowed him. He has been their
constant and fearless companion. They know
him and they trust him. Suaye, yet firm; gen.
tie, yet dauntless; warm-hearted, yet deiber-
ate; confident and selfpoised but without
without pedantry or pretense; a superb orator,
yet man OF the greatest caution and method;
equipped with experience with public affairs,
true 10 his convictions true TO himself and
false 10 no man, William J. Bryan is a model
American gentleman. This man is our leader.
Under his banner and guided by his wisdom
everywhere-on hilitops and in the valleys
and strike for home and loved ones and our
native land.
have no doubt of victory 1t is as sure to
come as the rising OF the sun and il will come
like a sunburst, scattering the mists and the
Nation, eXultant and happy, will leap forward
like a giant refreshed to that high destiny it
was des gned to accomplish. This man will be
President His administration viii be g
shining epoch in our history, for he will leave
behind him name made illustrious by great
achievements, by deeds that viii emhalm him
forever in the hearts and memory OF his coun-
trymen.
Mr.. Bryan, esteem it great honor, as it is
most certainly pleasure, TO be made the III
strument Of Informing you, as I now do, that
you were nominated for the office of Pre- sident
OF the United States by the Democratic Ma
tional Convention which assembled in Chicago
July last. l hand you this formal notice of
your nomination, accompanied by copy OF the
platform adopted by tnat convention, and
upon that platform I have the honor 10 request
your acceptance OF the nomination rendered.
You are the candidate of the Democratic
party, but you are more than that--you are
the candidate OF all the people, without re-
gard to party, who believe in the purpos es
your election is intended to aceomplish This
battle must be fought upon ground high above
the level of partisanship. l hope to see YOU
unturl the flag in the name OF America and
American manhood. In saying this but re-
peat the expressed wish OF the convention
which nominated you. Do this, and though
you will not have millions of money at your
command, you Will have millions of sturdy
Americans at your back. Lead on and we viii
follow. Who will not follow here is unworthy
TO lead in any cause. Lead on with unfalter-
ing step, and may Gods blessing attend you
and his omnlpotent hand crown you with sue
cess
When Governor Stone concluded a man
began to wave a big American flag over
Mr.. Bryan's head. The crowd went wild
with enthusiasm, and rose as unit when
Chairman Danforth stepped forward and
introduced Mr.. BRYAN. Then came a
demonstration that far exceeded those
that had followed the previous mention OF
Bryan's name during the evening. The
scene presented was strongly reminiscent
OF the tumuIt that ragged IN the Coliseum
at Chicago when Bryan finished the effort
preceding his nomination.
Men and women rose to their feet and
cheered. On the platform, in the boxes,
in the galleries people were shouting like
mad. Men waved their coats and their
hats: women fluttered fans and handker-
chiefs. The band struck up a lively air
and added to the din. Mr.. Bryan held up
his hand for silence. 1t was like an in.
cenlive to yell louder. The crowd would
not be thwarted. Finally, Mr. Bryan sat
down YEARLY, but in second jumped up
again, with hand appraised for silence.
The shouters were getting weary by this
time. but the restraining hand made them
IN ia OF iaaso IN afforfc