The San Francisco call., 1896-10-31
Neither a Member of the A. P. A.
?, Nor the Junior Order of
Mechanics. :.
JUST. a PLAIN PRESBYTERIAN.
Did Not Vote Against Public Schools
Because He Opposes Such In
StitutionS.

MADISON, WIS, Oct. 30.-Mr. Bryan
tonight made the following statement to
a represe ntatiye of the United Associa-
ted Presses accompanying him:
1 have not attempted to answer all oE the
instrumentation which have been circu-
lated in this, campaign, but in these closing
days feel that it is necessary TO, call your at
tention to an attack which has recently been
made by the enemy. find that the Republi-
cans are circulating among Catholic citizens
.othe charge that l am or have been a member
of the American Protective Association. l
have also learned that have been accused OF
being q member of society which l think is
known as the Junior Order of American Me-
chanics.
At the same time have been accused in
other quarters of being opposed TO the public
school and having ve5ed against the teaching
of the English language in the public schools
of New Mexico. While l have attempted to
confne 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 ex-
plain my position upon the religious contro-
versy which hes been raised, and ask the
United Associated Presses to give the matter
publicity.
'I am not and never have been member of
% L
Junior Order of American Mechanics, or of
any other society hostile to any church, re-
ligion or race, nor have I ever applied for
membership in any such organization Whl1e
j am member OF the Presbyterian 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 discharge OF
the duties ofpublie office. am believeriu the
public school system. Iattended public schools
myself, and my children are now attending
public schools. While recognize the right OF
parents 10 send their children TO private
schools and colleges, if they so desire, believe
that the free public school must remain pert
OF our system of government, in order that the
means of education shall be within the reach
of every child in the land
O The Democratic members Of Congress voted
against 8 proposed amendment TO the consti-
tuition 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 teaching OF
the English language in such schools, but be-
cause they did not deem il necessary or wise
to require a pledge from the people
of New Mexico which had not been re-
Quired of the people of other Ter
ritories seeking admission. l trust that
what now say may reach all of the voters,
because it is the only opportunity shall have
of meeting these misrepresentation. trust
that those who support the policies set forth
in the Democratic platform viii not allow
themselves to be alienated from my support
by any sffidavits which may be circulated by
political enemies. 1 have tried so far as |
could to conduct this campaign in an open
those who are with US should refrain from
personal criticism of my opponent and leave
the people 10 pass judgment Supon the prln-
ciples which we represent.