The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1896-10-09
THE TWO CANDIDATES.

speeches..
There is no more impressive feature
Of this campaign than the personal
contrast between the two opposing
presidential candidates, as shown in
their speeches, In their treatment Of
the great issues involved in the con-
test and in the respective attitudes of
their points of view.
From the sophomore rant and fus-
tian Of the boy orator, with his mere
tricious appeals to class prejudice and
passion; with his shallow sophistries.
his blind dogmatism of ignorant and
preposterous assertion, his plentitude
of words and his paucity of ideas-the
American people turn with mingled
contempt and indignation to mark the
quiet and simple dignity Of William
Mckinley; the elevated tone and COM
prehensive breadth of his plain and
short addresses to all classes Of his
fellow-citixens; their epigrammatic
conciseness Of phrase, compact Of we'll
ordered and well-considered thought
and instinct, with broad and gener-
GUS patriotism that springs from a gem
uine sympathy with the toiling masses
and a profound comprehension of the
interests. Bryan addresses himself to
the ignorance and hatreds of the
classes; Mckinley to the intelligence
and patriotism of the masses.
The American people have taken the
measure Of these two men. and have
accepted the revelation which each has
unconsciously made of his character.
In the one is recognized the reckless
a ND In In ha nfh
er the wise and patriotic American
statesman.
Bryan has sunk in public estimation
with every speech he has made. Nc
Kinley has risen in the respect and ad-
day since his nomination. Behind the
latter stretches a long record Of useful
and earnes, public service, as a soldier.
a legislator, statesman, the master
full executive Of a great state, and
which have trained him for the great
duties and responsibilities Of the au-
gust office to which the American peo-
pie have invited him. Behind the for
mer lies no career of civil activity which
affords any guarantee of his fitness for
that office. His little public life has
been confined to the platform. His
w
ted his brief hours Of sound and fury.
The one was selected for the chief
magistracy of the republic by the we'll
matured and deliberate voice Of the
great Republican party from among
the most honoRed statesmen of the re-
public. The other had not been
dreamed of as a possible candidate
when, by a theatrical burst Of oratory,
he tricked a nomination out Of the
transitory wave Of emotional applause
which followed from a tumultous as
semblage of fanatics. anarchists and
lunatics. ta.
Both men have stood for three months
in the full glare of public criticism. The
Ohio man has stood every test Of char
acter and fitness for the great trust to
which he has been summoned. Even
those of opposite political parties who
differ with him on minor matters of
legislation, know that he can be safe
ly entrusted with the stupendous pow
ers and responsibilities Of the presi-
Dental office; that he would maintain
the honor of the government and faith
fully guard all the constitutional safe
guards Of liberty and Justice.
But no or. after the exhibition which
Bryan has mad o. himself would trust
him for a day with the guidance OF
the destinies of this great rerublfc.
The remotest possibility of Lis cleo
ton fills the American people with
Just apprehension. For they see In II an
era Of distress and calamity and ma
tional dishonor such as the republic
never before confronted. even In the
darkest hours of the rebellion.
In the election Of Mckinley they feel
that they can confidently look forward
to the revival of all the conditions OF
industrial and commercial activity, and
to the Inauguration of new and gold
en- era OF prosperity.-Pioneer Press