Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1896-11-12
SPEAKS FOR BIMETALIIsM.
william !. Bryan Issues an Address t.
the Country.

day gave out the following:
ITO the Bimetalists of the United
States: Conscious that millions of loyal
hearts are saddened by this temporary
defeat, beg to offer Il word OF hope and
encouragement. No cause ever had sup
porters more braye, earnest and devoted
than those who have espoused tho cause
OF bimetallism. They have fought from
conviction and have fought with all the
zeal which conviction inspires. Events
will prove whether they are right or
wrong. Having done their duty. rs they
saw it, they have nothing to regret. The
Republican candidate has been heralded
as the advance agent of prosperity. II
his policies bring prosperity to the Amer
lean people those who opposed him will
share in that prosperity. If, on the other
hand, his policies prove an injury to the
people generally, those supporters who
do not belong to the Office holding class or
to the privileged class will suffer in COM
mon with those who opposed him. The
friends of bimetallism believe that the
gold standard is conspiracy of the
money changers against the welfare OF
the human race, and until convinced OF
their error they will continue their war
fare against it. The contest has been
waged this year under great embarrass-
ments and against odds.
"For the first time during the genera
ton public attention has been conferred
upon the money question as the para
mount issue, and this has been done in
spite Of all the attempts UPON the part of
our opponents to prevent it. The Re-
publican convention held out 4 delusive
hope Of international bimetallism, while
for gold mono metallism. The gold stand
ard Democrats have publicly advocated
the election Of the indianapolis ticket,
while they labored secretly for the cleo
ton of the Republican ticket. Trusts
and corporations have tried to excite
fears Of lawlessness, while they them
selves have been defying the law, and
American financicrs have boosted that
they were the custodians of the national
honor while they were secretly bartering
away the nations financial independ-
ence. But in spite of the efforts Of the
administration and ITS supporters, in
spite OF threats Of money lenders at home
and abroad, in spite of coercion practiced
by corporations and employers, in spite
Of trusts and syndicates, in spite of sn
enormous Republican campaign fund and
in spite OF the influence of hostile daily
press, bimetalism has almost triumphed
in it's first great fight. The loss OF few
states, and that, too, by very small
pluralities, has defeated bimetallism for
the present, but bimetallism emerges
from the contest stronger than it was four
months ago. l desire to commend the
work OF three national committees which
have joined in the management OF this
campaign. Cooperation between mem
bers of distinct political organizations is
always difficult, but it has been less SO
this year than usual. Interest in Il
common cause OF great importance has
reduced friction to a minimum.
81 hereby express my personal graft
tude to the individual members, as we'll
as to the executive officers OF the national
committee of the Democratic. Populist
and Silver parties for efficient, untiring
and unselfish labors. We have laid the
foundation for future success and will be
remembered as pioneers when victory is
at last secured. No personal Or political
friends need greve because OF my defeat.
My ambition has been to secure imme-
date legislation rather than to enjoy
honors OF office. Therefore defeat brings
to me no personal feeling Of loss. Speak.
ing for the wife who shared my labors, as
we'll as for myself, desire to say that
We have been amply repaid for all that
we have done. In the love OF millions OF
our fellow citizens SO kindly expressed,
in the knowledge gained by personal
contact with people and in broadened
sympathies we find full compensation for
whatever efforts we have put forth. Our
hearts have been touched by the deyo-
ton Of friends, and our lives shall prove
our appreciation Of affection, which We
| prize as the richest reward which this
campaign has brought. In the face Of
an enemy rejoicing in its victory, let the
roll be called for an engagement and
urge all friends of bimetallism to renew
their allegiance to the cause.
"If we are right, as l believe we are.
we Stall yet triumph. Until convinced
of his error let each advocate OF bimctal-
lism continue to work. Let all silver
clubs retain their organization, hold
regular meetings and circulate literature
Our opponents have succeeded III this
campaign and must now put their theories
to the test. Instead of talking mysteri.
ously about Sound money and an hon
est dollar they must now elaborate and
defend a financial system.
Every step taken by them should be
publicly considered by silver clubs. Oul
cause has prospered most where the
money question has been longest dis
cussed among the people. During tho
next four years it will be studied all ovel
this nation even more than it has beer
studied in the past The year 1900 is moi
far away.
"Before that year arrives international