The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1896-11-01
NO RELIGIOUS TEST.
An Interesting Statement From the Dem
ocratic Nominee.

ocratic Nominee
Madison, Wis, Oct. 3l.-Mr. Bryan
last night made the following statement
10 the reporter of the Southern Asso-
ciated Press accompanying him:
IL have not attempted to answer all the
misrepresentation which have been cir
cuiated IN this campaign, but in these
closing days feel that it is necessary to
call your attention to an attack that has
recently been made by the enemy. l find
that the Republicans are circulating
among Catholic citizens the charge that
n or have been member of the Ameri.
can Protective Association. | also learn
ed that have heen accused of being a
member of Il society which think is
known as the Junior Order OF Anne rican
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
the English language in the public
schools of New Mexico.
"While have attempted to confine nv
discussion of public issues to the ques-
tions raised by my platform, and have
considered the money question as para
mount to all others, | take this oppor-
tunity to explain my position upon the
religious questiO" which hns been raised,
and ask the Southern Associated Press to
give the matter publicity. am not and
never have been Il member of the A. p
A., or of the Junior Order of American
Mechanics, or of any other society hos
tile to any church, religion or race. nor
have ever applied for membership in any
such organization.
"While | am II member of the Presby.
terrain Church, l have always believed
that there should be no religious test ap-
Piled to the holding of public office, and
have not allowed religious differences
to affect my conduct in the discharge of
the duties of public office. am believer
in the public school system. attended
public school myself, and my children
are now attending public school. While
recognize the rights CT parents to send
their children to private schools and col
lcges, if they so desire, | believe that the
free public school must remain q part of
our system of government in order that
the means of education shall he within
the reach of every child in the land The
Democratic members of Congress voted
against the proposed amendment OF the
constitution of New Mexico, which COM
PEELED the teaching of the English Ian
guage i'll public schools, not because the
Democrats were opposed to public schools
or to the teaching of the ENGLISH Ian
guage i'll public schools, but they did not
deem 1t necessary or wise to-requir ca
pledge from the people of New Mexico
which had not been required of the peo-
pie of other territories seeking admission
THRUST ythat what I now say will reach
all the voters because it is the only OPP
portunity shall have of meeting these
misrepresentation. / trust. that those
who support the policies set forth in the
Democratic platform will not allow
themselves to be al;enatcd from my sup
port by an affidavit which may he circu-
lated by political enemies. | have tried,
so far rs | could, to conduct this cam
paign..in an open and honorable way, and
have insisted that those who are with us
should refrain from personal criticism of
my opponent and leave the people to pass
Judgment upon the principles which we
reDreScnt.N