Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1897-04-15
DEMOCRATS MEET.
They Celebrate the Birthday Of
Their Party's Founder.
WILLIAM J. BRYAN MAKES A SPEECH.
The Late Candidate for the Presidency
Makes the Principal Oration-Rich-
ard p. Bland, Of Missouri, Re-
spends 10 . Toast.

WASHINGTON, April 1.-THE l54th an.
niversary Of Jefferson's birthday was
celebrated last night at the Metropoli-
tan hotel by subscription dinner,
given under the auspices Of the Nation
al Association Of Democratic clubs.
William j. Bryan, OF Nebraska, the
late democratic candidate for president,
was the guest Of honor Senators, rep
resentatives and others conspicuous in
the councils OF the democratic party
were present, many Of them were from
a distance. Covers were laid for 200,
and many were denied seats for want
Of space at the tables. The decors-
tons Of the room were simple. The
columns were twined with southern
smilax and full length portrait Of
Jefferson draped with American flags
was hung behind the seat Of Gov.
Chauncey F. Black, Of Pennsylvania,
the president Of the association. The
toasts were proposed and briefly re-
sponded to except in the case of Mr..
Bryan, who spoke at length to the
toast, Thomas Jefferson" After the
toasts had been responded to there
were many impromptu speeches and it
was hours after midnight before the
dinner broke up. Mr. Bryan said in
part:
The democratic party is strong Just in pro-
portion as II proves true to the teachings Of its
great founder. 1t Is the mission OF the DEM
ocratic party to crystalline into legislation the
principles 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
party took more advanced position each year,
until 1892, when 1t declared Itself In favor OF
policy which meant substantially tariff for
revenue only. But the president elected at
that time, instead of proceeding to carry out
that portion Of the platform, forced upon pub
lie attention an issue which had up to that
time been considered secondary. Mr.. Cleve-
land, more than any other one person in this
nation is responsible for the prominent posi-
ton which the money question now occupies 1t
was his determination to complete the demone-
tizatiOn OF silver and make the gold standard
perpetual that aroused the masses Of the
United States to active resistance. The strug-
gle for supremacy between the gold standard
and bimetallism was recognized as contest
between the money power and The common
people.
The explicit declaration in favor Of free and
unlimited coinage at the rate of sixteen to one,
without waiting for the aid or consent Of any
other nation, was made necessary by the at
tempt Of certain public men to evade the pre-
ceding platforms, The party struggle which
eliminated in the Chicago convention Of neces-
sty alienated u portion Of the party. The
party was placed in position where 1t was
compelled to ndorse the financial policy Of the
president or adhere to the doctrines and tradi-
tions Of the party. The position taken by the
democratic party In 1895 will not be surren-
dered II you doubt the permanency Of the
Chicago platform as q party creed, go 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 backward step
True the present administration Is seeking
to turn public attention to the tariff question,
but II our reasoning is well founded On increase
Of taxes cannot restore prosperity to the pro-
ducers Of wealth. II the Dingley bill brings
general and permanent prosperity the demo-
cratic party will not be in position to win q
contest by opposing it II, on the other hand
the Dingley bill proves disappointment to
those who advocate it, our position Of 1893 will
be strengthened and public attention will be
rveted upon the fact that the caus, Of financial
depression Is to be found in our monetary sys-
TEN.
There Is much in recent events to encourage
the followers Of Thomas Jefferson. The spring
elections indicate growing sentiment along
the lines Of the Chicago platform In fact, the
elections which have taken place show so great
a gain that the republican party may now be
considered the minority party. 1t 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 ut the polls
While we, who believe in independent
bimetallsm, generally regard an inter-
national agreement Us neither neces-
sary nor possible, we may well hope |
lOr SucctsS, W any WIN may uakt uut ulucupI,
to secure foreign assistance. II our opponents |
succeed In opening the minis Of other nations, |
as well as their own mines, we shall rejoice be-
cause the condition Of the people will be i'm
proved and they will be able to proceed with |
other remedial legislation. II, however, the |
republican party, after pledging itself to secure
international bimetallism, finds it impossible |
to fulfill that pledge. It's expressed preference |
for double standard will rise up to condemn |
It, II 1t attempts to continue longer the evils Of
the gold standard.
Richard p Bland, of Missouri, re-
sponded to the toast of Equal and Ex-
act Justice to All Men of Whatever
State or Persuasion, Religion or Poll