Birmingham state herald., 1896-07-12
MT. Bryan said:

MT. Chairman and Gentlemen of the Conventions: I would be presumptuous indeed to present myself against the dis tinguished gentlemen to whom you have listened if this were but a measuring of ability, but, this is not a contest among persons. The humblest citizen in all the land when called to arms in righteous cause is stronger than all the whole hosts of error that they can bring. I come to speak to you in defense of a lcause as holy as the cause of liberty, the cause of humanity. Loud applause)
 When this debate is c0nciuded mo- ton will be made to lay upon the table the resolution offered Tn colnmendatlon of the administration and also the reso- luton condemning the administration. l shall object to bringing this question to a level of persons. The individual is but on atom; he is born, he acts, he dies, but principles are eternal, and this has been contest of principle Never be- fore in the history of this country has there been witnessed such-a contest as that through which we have just pass ed. Never before in the history of Amer jean politics has great issue been fought out as this issue has been by the voters themselves.
 On March 4, 1895, a few democrats, most of them members of congress, is- sued an address to the democrats of the nation, asserting that the money ques- tion was the paramount issue of the hour; asserting also the right of allowing the democratic party to control the po- sition of the party on this issue; conclud- ing with the request that all believers in free coinage of silver in the democratic party should take charge of and control the policy of the democratic party. Three months, later, at Memphis, an or ganization was perfected and the silver democrats went forth openly and boldly and courageously proclaiming their be- lief and declaring that if successful they would crystalline in a platform the acc laration which they had made; ana then began the conflictawith a zeal approach ing the zeal which inspired the crusaders who followed Peter the Hermit. our sll- yer democrats went forth rom victory unto victory, until they are assembled now, not to discuss, not to debate, put 10 enter up the Judgment rendered by them to the. people of this country. (Ap- pIause.) In this contest brother has been arrayeda against brother and father against son. The warmest ties of love and acquaintance and association have been dsregarded. Old leaders have been cast aside when they refused to give ex- pressin to the sentiments of those whom they would lead and new leaders have sprung up to give direction to this cause of truth. (Cheers.)
 Thus hase the contyst been waged,
 
 binding and solemn instructions as were ever fastened-upon the representatives
 We do not come as- Individuals. Why. as individuals, we might have been glad to compliment the gentleman from New York (IIilD, but we know that the peo- ple for whom we speak would never be willing to put him in a position where he could thwart the will of the democratic party. (Cheers)
 Question of Principles, Not Persons.
 I say it was .net.a question of persons. it was a question of principles and 1t is not with gladness, my friends, that we find ourselves brought into conflict with those who are now arrayed on the other side. The gentleman who just preceded me (Governor RusselD spoke of the old state of Massachusetts. Let me assure him that not one person in all this con- vention entertains the least hostility to the people, of the, state of Massachusetts. (Applause.) s,,fs
 But we; stand here representing people who are the equals before the law the largest citizens in the state of Massa- chusetts. (Applause.) When you come before us and tell us that we shall disturb your business interests we reply that you have disturbed our business interests by your course. Great applause and cheer ing) >>--.--.---,.-,>.s--.
 limited in it's application the definition of business men, The man who is employed for wages is as much a business man as his employer. (Continued cheers) The attorney in a country town is as much business man as the lawyer in the great metropolis. The merchant at cross roads is as much aebusiness man as the merchant or NeWs York The farmer who goes forth In fhe morning and tolls all day, begins in the spring and tolls all summer, and bxs bxstl3eapplicafion of brain and muscle to 4h4 natural resources of this country cre4tes <wea lfh Is as much a business manfqs ethe man who goes the price of grain. (Cheers.) The miners who go 1000 feet into the earth or climb 2000 feet upon the cliffs and bring forth from their hiding places the precious metals to be poured into the channels of trade are as much business men as the few financial magnates who, in back room, corner the money of the world
 We come to speak for this broader class