The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1896-10-31
BIGOTRY DENIED BY BRYAN.
THE STORY THAT HE BELONGS TO
THE A. r. A. FALSE.

Neither Does He belong 10 the Ju-
niOr Order of American Mechan-
leslie Emphasizes His Statement
by Adding That He Never Even
Applied For Membership in Either
of the Organizations.
Madison, Wis, Oct. 30--Mr. Bryan to-
night made the following statement to
the representative of the Southern Asso-
ciated Press accompanying him: "I have
not attempted to answer all of the mis-
representations which have been circu-
lated in this campaign, but In these closing
days l feel that it Is necessary to 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
l am or have been member of the Amer
lean Protective Association. have also
learned that I have been accused Of being
a member Of a society which 1 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
OF New Mexico. While have attempted
TO contine my discussion of public issues
to the questions raised by my platform,
and have considered the money question
as paramount to all others, ] take this
opportunity TO explain my position upon
the religious controt ersy, which has been
raised, and ask the Southern Associated
Press to give the matter publicity. am
not and never have been a meDber 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 or
ganlzation While am mem-
Der OF the Presbyterian church,
l have always believed that there should
be no religious test applied in the holding
OF public office. and have not allowed re-
ligious differences to affect my conduct in
the discharge Of the duties OF public Of
fee. l am a believer In the public school
system. / attended public schools myself
and my children are now attending a pub
lie school. While / recognize the right OF
parents to send their children to private
schools and colleges, II they so desire,
believe that the free public school must
remain part of our system Of government
In order that means of education should
be within the reach OF every child In the
land. The democratic members OF con-
gress voted against the proposed amend
ment to the constitution of New Mexico,
whieh compelled the teaching of the Eng
lish language 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 did not deem 1t neces-
sary or wise to require pledge from the
people Of New Mexico which had not been
required of the people of the other terri
tories seeking admission. / trust that
what now say may reach ell of the yot-
ers, because 1t is the only opportunity
shall have Of meeting these misrepresen-
tations. l trust that those who support
the policies set forth In the democratic
platform will not allow themselves to be
alienated from my support by any affida-
Wits which may be circulated by political
enemies. / have tried SO far as / could
to conduct this campaign in an open and
honorable way, and have insisted that
those who are with us should refrain from
personal criticisms Of my opponent and
leave the people to pass Judgment upon
the principles which we represent"