Birmingham state herald., 1896-09-06
SPEECH OF HON. J. II. BANKHEAD

SP PEGCH OF HON. J. II. BANhhbAD Accepting denomination at the Hands of the
 Sixth Congressional Convention.
 The following is the full text of the speech delivered by Hon. John H. Bank head in accepting his nomination for con- gress:
 MT. Chairman and Gentlemen of the Con-
 vention:
 1t does not often fall to the lot of one man 10 receive at the hands of a constitu- cncy six consecutive nominations, and one thus honored would indeed be an in grate if he did not feel that he had been obligated even more than the most faith ful service could discharge. The most pleasing feature of the canvass through which we have passed Is found in the fact that no wounds have been made, and those who contended for the honor are the same good friends as of former days, and the friends of each are now of the same mind.
 The democratic party is passing through a crisis, and we will be fortunate indeed if we steer clear of all the dangers that threaten us.
 h would be remarkable indeed if any political party should make a platform every plank of which was acceptable to every member of the party. To nominate @ candidate pleasing to all would De equally surprising. The highest test or one IS His MlllIn SllGSS lO Sup- ordinate himself to the expressed will of the majority of his party.
 The democratic party stands for more than silver or gold, or both combined. Everything we hold sacred is bound up in and depends upon the ultimate triumph of the ever living principles of the party and while the money question is the real issue in this campaign it will be danger ous to lose sight of the fact that the very life and usefulness of the party is in- yoyed in the result.
 The party. state and national, has de- cided for the free coinage of silver at the present legal ratio of 16 parts of silver to l of gold, and along this line and on this field the battle will be fought to finish in November I do not desire to enter into discussion of the issues in- volved at this time, but will be prepared to defend the party and it's declared pol icy when the battle is called on.
 I regret more than I can express the division in the democratic party on this vital question. It pains me deeply to find myself separated from old and valu- ed friends, and l know that resolutions nor party platforms cannot change the convictions deliberately formed by earn est, honest men, but am glad to believe that nearly all those who hold different views are ready to subordinate them for the present and join with us in one grand effort to win in November.
 MT. Chairman, there Is no proper place LOT dDuSe III lnlS cDHleSL. II lHeIe dTo some who in the past have contributed their full share to the democratic success in Alabama and who cannot now, hold ing the views they do, camp with us and do battle with us, let them depart in peace for some of them bear many scars received while leading and others while fighting in the ranks of democracy. Some of them offered their lives for Ala bama in war and others helped to re- deem her in "A. May I not express the hope that no supporters of Bryan and Sewall will be heard to make disrespect- ful mention of the president of the Unit ed States during this campaign. l would not be candid if did not concede honesty to MT. Cleveland.
 While I have opposed for ten years the financial policy of President Cleveland With vote ard speech and opposed his nomination four years ago, have always held him in high esteem. I admire his rugged honesty and official integrity. No man has ever appeared on the stage of American politics who has stronger personality. His will power has no limit, and he has been able to force an uncon- ditional surrender of preconceived opin- ions by others and enlist their support beyond that of any other American citi- zen in private or public life. believe MT Cleveland has at all times done what he believed was best for the whole country for no honest man can say he has been sectional in any act of his administration. Q broadly from him on the money question and we are trying to establish our conten- fion with due respect to those who differ from us. AS the nominee of the demo. cratic party I shall insist that the plat form adopted at Chicago is the law of the party, and 1 shall give it a hearty sup port and in the discussion of the issues T hope that may be able to give satisfac- tory reasons for the faith that is in me.
 MT Chairman, the issue is joined. We n aaDin itr.s.v .1r flor verdict on the evidence of the past hwenty years. We call upon all who agree with us to lend their. aid in this contest. Our friends who, few years ago left dhe party mainly on this silver issue, as they tell us, are cordially invited to aid ns in winning a victory for free silver vhe republican party will not give it. the populist party cannot, and nothing re- mains for those who honestly desire a restoration of silver but to give Bryan do to say we must have Watson or re- fuse the blessing, if bl lassing it be. The democratic party is the only instrument tality that can secure the equal coinage of gold and silver at the present legal ratio of 16 to l. Will our populist friends accept it or will they defeat the whole plan of salvation by insisting on voting for. Watson? They used to say "princi- ples. not men" it's now or never. Where do they stand, for free silver or Watson? Here is the real test of sincerity If they are honest, and I believe they are, they will be found fighting and voting for Bryan and Sewall.
 The friends of silver expect every man to do his duty. This question must be settled and now is the time to do it. This agitation cannot go on indefinitely. Every interest demands 1t and common sense approves it.
 MT. Chairman, I shall carry the colors you have placed in my hands into the thickest of the fight and hope to return them to you at the end of my term with out spot or blemsh. And when the time comes, and come it must, for me to re- tire, if I can go with the confidence and esteem of my fellowmen l shall be happy indeed.
 SPEECH OF HON. J. J. ALTMAN Placing in Nomination for Congress Hon.