The record-union., 1896-08-13
WILLIAM JENNINGS BRYAN
AND ARTHUR SEWALL

way under a call issued in due FORM
by the National Democratic Commit
tee. There has been nothing out of
the ordinary in the matter of its as
sembling. and nothing in the action of
the committee under whose authority
it was convoked to distinguish it from
its predecessors. 1t V las in all respects
a regular National Convention of the
Democratic party. Every State and
Territory of the Union. from Maine to
Alaska, was represented by full
quota of delegates, and I may add with
perfect truth that a more intelligent
and thoroughly representative body of
,, American Democrats was never assem-
Eled on the American continent
THE convention was called for two
purposes: First, to formulate a plat
form declaratory Of party principles
and, secondly, to nominate candidates
fol President and Vice-President of the
United States. Both these purposes
were fully accomplished according to
the usages that have been recognized
and the methods of procedure which
have obtained in Democratic conven-
tons for fifty years. The acts of the
convention there were the acts of the
under the sovereign authority of the
national organization, and the work
was the direct outgrowth of calm, We'll
matured judgment of the people them
selves, deliberately expressed through
their representatives, chosen from
among the wisest, most trusted and
patriotic of their citizens in all the
states.
Certainly there are many things of
moment in which the people feel pro-
found concern, but of all questions in
the current political affairs of this day
and generation the financial question
rises to such supreme Importance that
all other subjects are practically ex-
clEded from present consideration. The
Chicago Convention declared, in so
many words, that until this great, par
amount issue was definitely settled,
| and settled right, the considera ton of
| all other important questions, upon
which the people are seriously divided,
should be postponed, or at least rot
pressed upon public or legislative at
tention. Around this one supreme is
sue the great battle Of 1896 is to be
fought. For the first time it has been
fairly presented without evasion or dis
guise. Both parties have taken posi-
ton boldly. Both are confident and de-
! fant. Between them the American
people are arbiters, and as such they
are to pass judgment upon the most
! important question presented to them
since the storm of civil war wrecked
happy homes and left its bloody trail
upon the land. They are to pass judg-
ment upon a question which I pro-
foundly believe affects, as no other
question can. not only the present hap-
piness and prosperity CT the people, but
the felicity of their children, the per-
petuity of American institutions the
we'll being of mankind.
"Mr. Chairman, in all the real move
ments, in all concerted efforts, when
we'll directed, there must be leadership
a leader should be representative of the
cause he champions. He should be more
than that-he should be in all essential
qualities and in the highest degree typ
ical of those who invest him with the
dignity and responsibility of leader
ship. For leader the Democratic
Convention chose one of their own-a
plain man of the people, His whole
life and lifework identifies him, in SYM
pathy and interest with those who rep
resent the great industrial forces of
the country. Among them he was born
and reared, and has lived and wrought
all the days of his life. To their cause
! he has devoted all the splendid powers
with which God endowed him. He has
been their constant and fearless cham
pion. They know him and they trust
him. Sauve, yet firm; gentle, yet
dauntless; warm hearted. yet deliber-
ate: confident and self-poised, but with
ont vanity; learned in books and state
craft, but without pedantry or pre-
tense; superb orator. yet a man of the
greatest caution and method; equipped
With experience with public affairs true
to his convictions. true to himself and
false to no man, William J. Bryan is a
model American gentleman and peer
less of the people.
This man is our leader Under his
banner and guided by his wisdom, we
viii go forth to conquer. Let us rally
everywhere, on hilltops and in the val
leys and strike for homes and loved
ones and our native land I have no
doubt of victory 1t is as sure to come
as the rising of the sun, and it will
come like "a sunburst. scattering the
mists. and the nation exultant and
happy will leap forward like a giant
refreshed to that high destiny it was
designed to accomplish. This man will
be President His administration will
be a shining epoch in our history, for
he will leave behind him q name made
illustrious by great achievements, by
deeds that win embalm him forever in
the hearts and memory of his country
men.
Mr.. Bryan, esteem it a great honor
as it is most certainly a pleasure, to be
made the instrument of informing you,
as / now do, that you We're nominated
for the office of President of the United
States by the Democratic National Con-
vention which assembled in Chicago in
July last l hand you this formal no.
/ tice of your nomination. accompanied
by a copy of the platform adopted by
the convention. and upon that plat
form / have the honor to request your
acceptance of the nomination rendered.
You are the candidate of the Demo-
cratic party, but you are more than
/ that-you are the candidate of all the
people, without regard to party, who
| believe in the purposes your election
I is intended to accomplish. This battle
must be fought upon ground high above
the level of partsanship. i hope to see
/ ycu unfurl the flag in the name OF
| America and American manhood. In
saving this | but repeat the expressed
wish of the convention which nominated
/ you. De this. and though you will not
/ have millions of money at your COM
mand. you viii have millions of sturdy
Americans at your back. Lead on, and
We viii follow. Who will not follow