Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1896-11-03
SAYS IT'S FALSE.
Bryan Denies Charge That He Ia
Foe to Religious Liberty.
ATTITUDE ON THE SCHOOL QUESTION,
Tho Democratic Candidates Progress,
Through MISUNDERSTANDING from His
speeches-Slight Trouble Occurs
at Janesville.

Madison, Wis, Oct. 31.-Afr. Bryan
on Friday night made the following
statement to the representatives of the
press accompanying him:
II have not attempted to answer all OF
the Misrepresentation which have been
circulated in this campaign, but in these
closing days feel that 1t is necessary I'd
call your attention to an attack which has
recently been made by the enemy, find
that the republicans are circulating among
catholic citizens the charge that am OF
nave peen member Of the American Pro.
tective association. I have also learned
that have been accused Of being a mem.
Der OF a society which think is known as
the Junior Order of American Mechanics
AZ the same time I have been accused In
other quarters of being opposed to the
pupno scnool system and of having voted
against the teaching Of the English Ian
guage IN the public schools Of New Mexico,
While have attempted to confine my dis
cussion of public issues to the questions
raised by my platform and have con-
aoered the money question as paramount
20 an others. i take this opportunity to
explain my position upon the religious con-
troversy which has been raised, and ask
the press to give the matter publicity.
- am not and never have been member
OF the American Protective association or
Of the Junior Order of American Mechat,-
church, religion or race, nor have ever
applied for membership in any such or
eanization. While am a member Of the
Presbyterian church, have always be-
leved that there should be no religious test
applied In the holding Of public Office. and
nave not allowed religious differences to
Affect my conduct in the discharge of the
duties OF public office. I am believer In
me public school system. attended pub.
uc schools myself, and my children are
now attending the public schools While
! recognize the right of parents to send
tneir children to private schools and COL
!eges II they so desire, believe that the
tree public school must remain a part of
our system OF government, in order that
the means of education shall be within the
reach OF every child In the land.
me democratic members Of congress
voted against proposed amendment to
the constitution of New Mexico which COM
PEELED the teaching Of the English lam
guage In the public schools, not because
the democrats were opposed to public
schools or to the teaching of the English
language in such schools. but because they
Quire pledge from the people of New
Mexico which had not been required Of
the people OF the other territories seeking
admission.
II trust that what now say may reach
all OF the voters, because 1t is the only on.
portunity I shall have of meeting these
misrepresentation. l trust that those who
support the policies set forth in the dem.
ocratic platform will not allow themselves
70 be alienated from my support by any
amoavits which may be circulated by DO
itical enemies. 1 have tried SO far as I
could to conduct this campaign in an open
and honorable way, and have insisted that
those who are with us should refrain from
personal criticism of my opponent an
leave the people to pass judgment upon the
principles which we represent"