The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-09-28
BRYAN,s CONFIDENCE.
Filled with the Idea that He Is a
Child of Destiny.

Special in Pittshurg Chronicle-Telegraph
/ have just returned from a trip in the
South with William Jennings Bryan. the
Democratic candidate for the presidency.
in which / have had opportunity TO See
much of this unique nominee; l have
talked with him, listened to his speeches
and gagged the sentiment of the people to-
ward him. Mr.. Bryan is one of the most
interesting men in public life. just as his
campaign is one of the most peculiar tflS
country has ever witnessed.
The most salient fact that strikes the
person who studies Mr.. Bryan at this time
IS that he regards himself the child of
destiny. He believes that an Irresistible
power, not in the control of men, is i'm
polling him in this campaign and that he
Is but the helpless tool of fate. He Is as
confident that he will win as he is that
the sun Will rise tomorrow. He believes
that he is the chosen instrument of a high
er power that is shaping the ends of hu-
manity in this country. He looks upon
himself much in the light of the Messiah
of a new political creed. the creed of hu-
mainly. He regards himself as being the
chief factor in movement for the better
ment of mankind. Therefore he thinks MOTH
ing which is of this earth can stop his ca
reer.
However. Notwithstanding this belief in
a divinity hedging in his personality be-
ing merely the representative of greater
things, Notwithstanding his confidence of
victory for his cause, he does not hesitate
TO utter platitudes to win votes to make
distorted statements and draw perverted
conclusions therefrom. in order to raise a
cheer among his auditors. Such tricks are
as old as politics. Every demagogue since
expect something different from the man
who believes that he is sailing 20 victory on
a wind blowing directly over the battle
ments of heaven, and blowing for his sake.
One would think that under these circum-
stances he would regard it useless to re-
sort to methods that We're necessary when
he was asking the support of the farmers
OF Nebraska in the ordinary campaign of
a few years ago.
l think it can be safely said that Mr.
Bryan is disappointing TO the majority of
MS hearers. There is 10 doubt that to
Mr. tsrxts1 1nE I.A..r H..
since the day of his crown and cross
speech In many cases he has been looked
upon IN the same light in which he
CARDS himself; that is, as the personfica-
ton OF great movement in behalf of
doWntrodden people. Such being the case
the people who hold this belief are ready to
all but worship him when he is coming to
a town to speak. Moreover, they have a
general idea that he is a master of ora
tory. a man to set audience on fire with
the thrill of his eioquence to produce that
sometimes sways an audience as wind does
the grass.
When the people see him and hear him
these preconceived ideas are not realized
1t is true that the first great burst of
enthusiasm which greets his appearance
the affection and regards which the people
entertain for him. result of their pre-
conceived ideaS-it is true that this is not
repeated during the evening. 1t registers
the high-water mark of applause In the
majority of cases
Mr. Bryan's speeches are not argumen-
tatfve. as rule, they are merely assert
i've. This may arise from a belief upon
his part that nine-tenths of his auditors
understand the silver question, are in sym
pathy with him and that it is useless 10
argue. The only trouble is he is thus al
lowed more time in which to make spe-
cious statements. Mr. Bryan makes as
sertions upon the rostrum which he would
not dare to make on the floor of Con-
gress for in the latter place he would be
called to account quick a fash
| believe that Mr. Bryan loses friends
and votes by his tours and speechmaking.
He would do better to let the people cher
sh their ideal of the cross crown
is doing now.