The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1896-10-01
Baskerville CitiZen.)

ne CnemlCal test OF common sense
If the expression may be allowed
when applied by means of apt and
homely phrase to every proposition,
is able to stand the ordeal, but it also
makes the experiment clear to the
dullest mind.
Why do the common people flock
to hear Mr.. Bryan? 1t may be ex-
planned by the great interest in the
money question, the reputation of the
speaker, and the curiosity to see a
presidential candidate But why do
his hearers give him such wonderfully
close attention, such enthusiastic ap-
plause, and most of all, why do they
talk of him tor days and weeks, quote
him clearly, and grow more and more
enthusiastic over the man and his ar
gumen,s as the days go by? Mere ora
tory, which we are assured by the
gold papers is only what Mr.. Bryan
possesses, does not wear. 1t takes
we'll with crowd, but when tested by
sober reflection, evaporates. 1t is be-
cause Mr.. Bryan applies in simplest
phrase, and therefore with terrible
force, that chemical test of common
sense to every proposition laid down
by his opponents; i, is because he fits
his language to the experience Of his
audience; it is because he unravels the
ntrlcacles OF profound proposition
aud mirrors the result 50 clearly that a
little child catches the meaning, that
he grows into tie hearts and mind, O!
his hearers.
But even with his marvellous glft u
simple languag" =. convey great truths
there would still! :,y lacking that inde-
finable somethl. which causes the
blood to stir when one is recalling his
sentences, if the man were not ter
ribly in earnest. A look into his face
shows how earnest he is. Fana,acism
is earnest, but the most blinded par
tisan who would call this man fanat-
ic, would write himself down an ass or
fool or both. If great brain power,
splendid charity for the opposition,
and language on fire with earnestness
yet absolutely free Of demagogic ap-
peals, is fanatiCism, then this man is a
fanatic, and only then.
The master of thousands by being
the master of hlmself Mr.. Bryan
knows when a remark OF his has got
ten into the understandings Of his
hearers. And when it has, he leaves
II. There is no repetition TO make
muddy what is already clear. Nor
does he extend the proposition once
stated unless he sees from the faces p.
his audience that il is necessary 10 do
SO. He plants the seed and plants II
in soil which he has either made ia
vorable tor It's growth or III wnlCh he
mas at least neutralzed the uniA. .orable
elements. Here is one secret uf hi,
staying power, here is one reason his
words ring in ones ears for days and
| weeks. The man knows human na :
ture like an open book. Yet with all
his terrible earnes,ness there are no ap-
peals to the passions of the listening
thousands. Certainly his speech a,
Ashevllle was absolutely devoid of any
such appeals. His appeal TO the mind
the reasoning, thinking mInd-and
to the heart, the clean, pure, unselflsh
heart that loves the right above all
else.
And the humor of the man, Like
some of Mark Twain's, it catches a,
once and then spreads itself in a smile
that deepens into roar Of good hu.
mored cheering and laughter. Mr.
Bryan's face is study in itself. Kind
illness in wonderful degree is pictured
there; and yet with it and emphasized
by the deep furrow in his forehead, i:
that hrmness that nothing on earth
but righ, can shake.
A great man and great subject are
met. With each the master of the
other is it any wonder that those who
feel what they cannot say, should flock
around him, and hear with gladnes:
this man who is touched with feeling
of their troubles, their cares, and then
wrongs, who says with clearness ,hs
thoughts which stir their hearts.