Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1896-11-12
BRYAN'S ADDRESS.
He Urges a Continuation of Freq
Silver Agitation.
MIR. Bryan Thinks That During the Mex.
Four Years the Subject Will BE Studied
More Than in the Past and Gain
Many More Adherents.

More Than in the Past and Gain
Many More Adherents.
LINCOLN, Neb.. Nov. 1.-Willam J.
Bryan yesterday gave out the fol-
lowing statement to the bime tal1iS;S
of the United States:
Conscious that thousands of loyal hearts are
saddened by temporary defeat. beg 10 offer
word OF hope and encouragement No cause
ever had supporters more brave, earnest and
devoted than those who have espoused the
cause OF bimetallism. They have fought
from conviction and have fought with all
the zeal which conviction inspires. Events
will prove whether they are right wroag.
Having done their duty they saw it, they
nave nothing to regret. The republican candi-
date has been heralded as the advance agent
OF prosperity. II his policies bring real pros
perity to the American people. those who OPP
posed him will share in that prosperity IT, on
the other hand. his policies prove an injury TO
the people generally. those of his support
who do not belong to the Off e.
holding class, to the privileged
classes. will suffer in common with those
who opposed him. The friends of bimetallism
have not been vanqufShed: they have simply
been overcome. They believe that the gold
standard is a conspiracy of the money changers
against the welfare of the human race and
til convinced of their error they will continue
the warfare against it. The contest has
been waged this year under great embar-I
easements and against great odds For the
first time during this generation public atten-
tion has been conferred upon the money question
as the paramount issue. and this has been done
in spite of all attempts on the part of our op-
ponents to prevent it.
The republican convention held out the de-
1usive hope of international binetailiSm while
republican leaders labored secretly for gold
recommendation. Gold standard democrats
have publicly advocated the election of the Iu-
dianapolis ticket while they labored secretly
for the election OF the republican ticket The
trusts and corporations have tried to excite a
fear OF lawleSsness while they themselves have
been defying the law, and American financiers
have boosted that they were the custodians Of
national honor while they were secretly bar
tering away the nations financial independ-
ence. But in spite of the efforts of the admin
istration and it's supporters: in spite of the
threats OF money 1oaners at home and abroad
in spite of the coercion practiced by corporate
employers: in spite of trusts and syndicates
in spite OF an enormous republican campaign
fund. and in spite of the influence OF q hostile
daily press. bimetalliSm has almost triumphed
in its fist great fight The loss of a few states
and that too by very small pluralities, has de-
feated bimetallism for the present but bimet-
allism energies from the contest stronger
than it was four months ago. desire
to commend the work of the three
national committees, which have joined
in the management of this campaign.
Cooperation by the members of distinct
political organizations is always difficult, but
it was less SO this year than usual Interest in
a common cause of great choice has reduced
friction to a minimum. I hereby express
personal gratitude to the individual members
as we'll as to the executive officers Of the
tional committee of the democratic, populiSt
and silver parties for their efficient, untiring
and uuselfiSh laborS They have laid the foun-
dation for future success and will be remem-
bered as pioneers when victory is at last Sc
cured.
No personal political friend need grieve
because of my defeat. My ambition has been
to secure immediate legislation rather than 90
,ix1r-% l,.a -
brings to me no feeling of personal loss.
Speaking for the wife who has shared my
labors we'll as for myself. desire say
that we have been amply repaid for all that we
have done. In the love of millions
of fellow-citizens. so kindly ex-
pressed. in knowledge gained by personal
contact with the people and in broadened SYM
pathies we find full compensation for what
ever efforts have put forth. Our hearts
have been touched by devotion of friends. and
our lives shall prove our appreciation of the
affection OF the plain people, affection which
prize the richest reward which this cam
paign has brought.
In the face of enemy rejoicing in its VIC
tory let the roll be called for the next engage
ment and urge all friends of bimetallism to
new their alleg lance to the cause. II we are
right, as believe are. shall triumph.
Until convinced of his error, let each adj
vocate OF bimetalliSm continue the work.
Let all silver clubs retain their org mi
cation. hold regular meetings and circulate
literature. Our opponents have succeeded
in this campaign and must put their
theories to the test Instead of talking mys-
teriously about 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 be studied all over this nation even
more than it has been studied in the past. The
year 1900 is not far away. Before that year
rives. international bimetallism will cease to
deceive. Before that year arrives, those who
have called themselves gold standard demo-
Gratis will become republicans and open enc
mics. Before that year arrives, trusts
will have convinced still people
that trust is menace to private
welfare and to public safety. Before that
year arrives the evil effects of gold standard
viii be even more evident than they are now,
and the people then ready to demand an Amer
lean financial policy, for the people will join
with in the immediate restoration of the
free and unlimited coiuage OF gold and silver
at the present legal ratio OF sixteen to one.
without waiting for the aid or consent of any
other nation. w. j. BRYAN.
LAW DOES NOT APPLY.
Kansas Alien Land Act Said to Be Inoper-