The Dalles times-mountaineer. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1882-1904, 1896-11-14
TO FRIENDS OF BLMETALLsM

Hon. William jennings Bryan, the
greatest living champion OF independ-
emit bimetalism, and defeated candidate
for president, has issued the following
letter to the bimetalists of the United
States.
"Conscious that millions OF loyal
hearts are saddened by temporary de-
feat, beg to offer word OF hope and
encouragement. No cause eyer had
supporters more brave, earnest and de-
voted than those who espoused the
cause of bimetalism. They have fought
from conviction and haye fought with
all the zeal which conviction inspires.
Events will prove whether they were
right or wrong. Having done their
duty as they saw it, they have nothing
to regret. The republican candidate
has been heralded as the advance
agent of prosperity to the American
people. If his policies bring real pros
perity to the American people, those
who opposed him will share that pros
perity. If on the other hand his poll
cies prove an injury to the people
generally, these supporters who do
not belong to the office holding class,
or to the privileged class, will suffer in
common with those who opposed him.
Friends of bimetalism have not been
vanquished; they have been simply
overcome. They believe the gold
standard is conspiracy of the money
changers against the welfare OF the
human race, and until convinced OF
their error they will continue the war
fare against it. The contest has been
waged this year under great embarass-
ments and against odds. But in spite
of the efforts of the administration and
its supporters, in spite of the threats
of the money lenders at home and
abroad, in spite of coercion practiced
by corporations on employees, and in
spite of trusts and syndicates, in spite
of the enormous republican campaign
fund, and in spite of the influences OF
hostile daily press, bimetalism has
almost triumphed in it's first great
fight. But bimetalism emerges from
the contest stronger than it was four
months ago, 1 desire to commend the
work of the three national committees
which have joined in the management
of this campaign. They have laid the
for future success and will
be remembered as pioneers when the
victory is at last secured. No personal
or political friend need grieve because
of my defeat.
!.'My ambition has been to secure
immediate legislation rather than to
enjoy the honors of office. Therefore
defeat brings to me no personal feeling |
of loss.
"Speaking for the wife who shared
my labors as well as for myself, de-
sire to say that we have been amply |
repaid for all that we have done. In
the love of millions of our fellow citiz- |
ems SO kindly expressed; in the knowl-
edge gained. by personal contact with
the people; and in broadened sym
pathies, we find full compensation for
what efforts we have put forth. In
the face of an enemy rejoicing
in victory let the roll be called
for the engagement and urge all |
friends of bimetalism to renew
their allegiance to the cause. If
we are right, as I believe we are,
we shall yet triumph. The year-of
1900 is not far away. Before that |
year arrives integaational bimetalism
will cease to deceive. Before that year
arrives those who have called them
selves gold standard democrats will
have become bimetalists and be with
our party, or have become republicans
and thus open enemies; before that
year arrives we will have convinced
still more people that the trusts are a
menace to private welfare and to pub
lie safety; before that year arrives the
evils of the gold standard will be even
more evident than they are now, and
the people will be ready to demand an
financial policy for an Amer
lean people and will join with US in the
Immediate restoration of the free and
unlimited coinage of gold and silver at
the present legal ratio of 16 to 1, with
put waiting for the aid or consent of
any other nation"