The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1896-08-13

i
| lieved that the financial issue was para
mount His characterization of the ac-
| ton of the administration was very
| severe.
! "We rcjoced in Mr.. Cleveland's cleo
| ton, he said, land confidently expected,
as we had II right to, that he could bring
the tariff question to Il speedy settlement
| and strip monopoly of its opportunity to
! plumber the people. But in Just expecta-
ton we were doomed to disappointment
! Instead of devoting himself to a prompt
and wise solution of the important issue
upon which he was elected, he inconti-
nently thrust it aside and began, almost
at the threshold of his administration.
I to exercise the great powers of his office
| to commit the country to II financial sys-
tenn inaugurated by the Republican
party, and which the Democratic party
had time and again condemned in both
State and national conventions In the
| beginning of this attempt the masses of
| the people, disappointed and distressed,
| looked on in amazement. With absorb
ing interest and constantly increasing
| resentment they watched the rapid devel-
opment of events.
AS these event passed before them
one by one in quick succession, and when
| they came to understand their full mean
ing and effect, resentment turned to
wrath and protest rose into revolt. Then
began within the Democratic party one
,, OF the most remarkable struggles that
has ever occurred in the political his tory
of this country. 1t was struggle for
mastery between the national admnistra-
ton and the great masses of plain people
VINO constitute the party which
created that administration. The prize
,, they fought for was the national con-
hot
mine whether the Democratic party
should abide by the traditions of the faith
ers and adhere to its ancient faith, or
whether it should obsequiously abandon
the principles of true Democracy and be-
come plant agent to ad vance the merce.
nary ends of an insolent plutocracy The
people won. They won a glorious vic
tory. The full significance of their
triumph cannot be estimated at glance
Suppose they had lost then? Suppose the
Chicago convention had followed the ser
vile example of the Republican conven
tion, what then? If that had happened
what hue would the skies now reveal TO
the upiifted eyes of anxuos millions?
Would the star of hope then have risen
luminous to the meridian or have fallen
with waning light upon 1t clouded hor-
lion? Upon what staff would the toiling
millions in field and shop then have rested
their tired hands? What bulwark of de
Tense would have then stood between the
great industrial and producing classes,
who constitute the solid strength and
safety OF the State, against the combined
aggressions of foreign money changers
and AngliciZed American millionaires:
Upon what rock would the defenders of
the constitution, the champions of Amer
lean ideas and the friends of American
institutions have then anchored their
hopes for the future? The paramount
question before the country was and is
shall this great public confess financial
servltude TO England or act independently
for itself?
''The voice of the Chicago convention
Mr.. Stone continued, twas the voice of
true Democracy. For leader they chose
one of their own, Il plain man of the peo-
pie. His whole life and life-work identify
him in sympathy and interest with those
who represent 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
lie. was their constant and fearless cham
plon. They know him, they trust him.
Suave, yet firm, gentle yet dauntless;
warm hearted yet deliberate; confident
and self poised, but without vanity:
learned IN books and statecraft, but
Without pedantry or pretence; Il superb
orator, yet a man of the greatest caution
and method; equipped with large exper-
renee IN public affairs; true to his con
vlctlons, true to himself and false to no
man, William j. Bryan is model Amer
lean gentleman and peerless leader of
the people. This man is our leader.
Under his banner and guided by his wis
dom we will go forth to conquer have
no doubt of victory. 1t is as sure to come
as the rising of the sum- and it will come
ike sunburst, scattering the mists, and
the natlon, eNultant and happy, will leap
forward like a giant refreshed to that high
destiny 1T was designed to accomplish.
This man will be President His admin
lstration will be shining epoch in our
history, for he will leave behind him
name made illustrious by great achieve
ments and by deeds that will embalm
him forever in the hearts and memory of
his countrymen."
Addressing Mr.. Bryan, Mr. Stone said:
Mr.. Bryan, | esteem it great honor.
as 1T is most certainly pleasure, to be
made the instrument of informing YOU.
as now do, that you were nominated
for the office of President of the United
states by the Democratic national con
vention, which assembled at Chicago in
July last. hand you this formal notice
OF your nomination, accompanied by a
copy of the platform adopted by the con
vention, and upon that platform have
the honor TO request your acceptance of
the nomination rendered. You are the
candidate of the Democratic party. but