Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-04-17
BRYAN ON JEFFERSON.

BRYAN ON JEFFERSON.
Eloquent Democratic Speech Made In
Washington Last Tuesday.
The 154 anniversary of the birth Of
Thomas Jefferson was celebrated in
Washington last Tuesday, and the
principal speaker of the occasion was
Hon. VIM. J. Bryan. He spoke in
part as follows:
"The Democratic party is strong
Just in proportion as it proves true to
the teachings of its great founder. 1t
is the mission of the Democratic party
to crystalline into legislation the prin-
ciples which he taught. The party
applies Democratic principles to the
issues which arise from time to time.
"For many years the tariff question
was the paramount issue, and the par
ty took more advanced position each
year until 1899, when it declared itself
in favor of policy which meant sub
stantially tariff for revenue only,
but the president elected at that time,
instead of proceeding to carry out that
portion of the platform, forced upon
public attention an issue which had up
to that time been considered secondary.
"Mr. Cleveland, more than any
other one person in this nation, is re-
sponsible for the prominent position
which the money question now occu-
pies. 1t was his determination to
complete the demonetization of silver
and make the gold standard perpetual
that aroused the masses of the United
States to active resistance.
"The struggle for supremacy be-
tween the gold standard and bimet-
allism was recognized as contest
between the money power and the
common people. The explicit declara-
ton in favor of free and unlimited
coinage at 16 to 1, without waiting for
the aid or consent of any other na-
ton, was made necessary by the at
tempt of certain public men to evade
preceding platforms.
"The party struggle which culmi-
mated in. the Chicago convention of
necessity alienated a portion of the
party. The party was placed in the
position where it was compelled to en-
dorse the financial policy of the presi-
dent or adhere to the doctrines and
traditions of the party.
1.-THE position taken by the Demo-
cratic party in 1896 will not be sur
rendered. If you doubt the perma-
nency of the Chicago platform as a
party creed, 60 among the rank and
file of the party and measure the zeal
and enthusiasm which that platform
has aroused, and you will realize the
impossibility of taking a backward
step.
"True, the present administration is
attempting to turn public attention to
the tariff question, but if our reasoning
is we'll founded an increase of taxes
cannot restore prosperity to the pro-
ducers of wealth.
eff the Dingley bill brings general
and permanent prosperity the Demo-
cratic party will not be in a position
to win a contest by opposing it. If,
on the other hand, the Dingley bill
proves disappointment to those who
advocate it, our position of 1896 will
be strengthened, and public attention
will be riveted upon the fact that the
cause of financial depression is to be
found in our monetary system.
"There is much in recent events to
encourage the followers of Thomas
Jefferson. The spring elections indi
cate a growing sentiment along the
lines of the Chicago platform. In
fact, the elections which have taken
place show so great gain that the
Republican party may now be consid-
cred a minority party.
"It has but one hope of escape from
the wrath to come, and that is to
secure bimetallism by international
agreement before the people of the
nation have another opportunity to
speak at the polls.
"While we who believe in independ
ent bimetallism generally regard an
international agreement as neither
necessary nor possible, we may well
hope for success to any who may make
the attempt to secure foreign assist
ance.
eff our opponents succeed in open
ing the mints of other nations as well
as their own mints, we shall rejoice,
because the condition of the people
will be improved and they will be
able to proceed with other remedial
Legislation.
"If, however, the Republican party,
after pledging itself to secure interna-
tional bimetallism, finds it impossible
to fulfil that pledge, its expressed
preference for a double standard will
rise up to condemn it if it attempts to
continue longer the evils of the gold
standard"
Was Prominent Republican.