Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1896-10-31
MIR. BRYAN's STATEMENT.

Bryan made the following statement to
the representative of the United Asso-
ciated Presses, 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 thatit is neces-
sary to call your attention to an attack
which has recently been made by the
enemy.
II lind that the republicans are cir
culating among Catholic citizens the
charge that | am or have been mem
Der OF the American Protective Asso-
citation. l have also learned that ! have
been accused Of being a member Of a
society which | think is known as the
Junior Order of American Mechanics.
At the same time have been accused
in other quarters of being opposed to
the public school system and of having
voted against the teaching OF the Eng
lish language in the public schools OF
New Mexico.
"While l have attempted to coniue
my discussion of public issues TO the
questions raised by my platform and
have considered the money question as
paramount 10 all others, take this OPP
portunity to explain my position upon
the religious controversy which has
been raised and ask the United Asso-
ciated Presses to give the matter pub
licity.
II am not and never have been
member of the American Protective
Association, or of the Junior Order of
American Mechanics, or of any other
society hostile to any church, religion
or race, nor have l ever applied for
membership in any such organization.
While I am member Of the Presby
terian Church, have always believed
that there should be no religious test
applied in the holding of public office
and have not allowed religious differ
ences to affect my conduct in the dis
charge of the duties of public office.
am believer in the public school
system. attended public schools my
5 If and my chiidaen are now attending
public schools. While | recognize the
right of parents to send their children
to private schools and colleges, if they
so desire, | believe that the free school
must remain part of our system of
government in order that means of ed
ucation shall be within the reach OF
every child in the land.
The democratic members Of Congress
voted against proposed amendment
to the constitution of New Mexico
which compelled the teaching of the
English language in the public schools,
not because the democrats were op
posed to public schools or to the teach
ing of the English language in such
SCHOOLS, but because they did not deem
it necessary or wise to require a 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 it is the
only opportunity shall have of meet
ing these Misrepresentation. | trust
that those who support the policies set
forth in the democratic platform will
not allow themselves to be alenated
from my support by any atfidavits
which may be circulated by political
enemies.
Il have tried, so far as ] could, to
c,nduct 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
aud leave the people to pass judgment
upon the principles which we repre-
sent