The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1898-06-05
bryan AS A SOLDIER.


Hon. ". J. D,yan possesses a, least one
good qualifications for commanding a yegi-
mcnt-1 commanding yoicc." There Is no
kuosn reason. however. why Mr. Dryaa
SHOULD not make sapablo md dashinz leader
Of iegii9ent. though there is cno threaten
ins trawtack, and that Us the danger Of his
stepping his regimen, In the midst Of a charge
! OH the enemy 10 make them a free silver
epeech r San Antonio Exprcsc.
1t seems strange that sengible men should
permit the contentious OF a political cam
| paisn so far TO peryert their judgment
with the anlmus OF partisan prejudice as
TO deny all integrity Of purpose to the sub
seduent conduct Of their recent opponents.
In the memorable campaign OF 1896. when
Mr Bryan arose as the champion OF a great
Issue and the nominee OF powerful party.
1t was only natural that those who CON
tended against him should sometimes
have been swayed by the passions that arc
born OF conflict, and In an effort to defeat
him resoriod to almost anything that prom
ised to be effective Of their wishes. There
Is much to be pardonod In the conduct OF
men during the excitement OF a campaign
spirit OF factlonal bitterness to an extraor-
binary degree. but the continued pursuit of
a former Political candidate into the walks
Of private life BY the malice and prejudice
| OF his recent opponents is wholly unpar-
| donable.
Like the San Antonio Express, the Syria
cuse IN. W Post seems not TO have for
given Mr.. Bryan for the campaign he made
in 1896 1t says:
When the VAR tioke on, no ono realized
more than william j. BRYAN the fact that ma
Of. Tic could not very well keep on making
stump speeches dcnouucirg the crime Of 49,
railing at capitalists and preaching free silver
when the whole Nation vas stirred up with
'hr wGr spirit William j. Bryan In rcposo IA
1ely harmless institution. Clearly the only
way 10 Keep In the swim was Tor MIR Bryan TO
get Tito the army or Ia some way identity
himscli with the patriotic movement OF tho
tiu,cr
The above Is an exhibition OF gratuitous
meanness regardless OF the motives of Mr.
Bryan, Admitting that he wishes TO keep
himself before the American people as a
presidential possibility in 1900, ii is GER
tainly his privilege to avail himself OF any
honorable means 10 that cul. 1t has not
yet become disgraeeful or criminal for a
man TO aspire to the presidency.
1t is indeed true that Bryan In repoae
Is a very harmless institution, and the
same may be correctly italicized concerning
tho republican party. The chief difference
between the activity OF Mr.. bryan and
the most Of his opponents is that he has
always and consistently devoted his talent
and ability TO the service OF his country.
from the standpoint OF bread and con-
servatlye Patriotism He has ever stood
for the best interests OF the American peo-
pie as against the special privileges and
class legislation Of the dominant party. He
| is thorough American truly representa-
| tive OF the people. aud his efforts in what
ever h1ld his inclination may lead him.
whether in the halls Of congress or The
Acids OF Cuba. will be those Of the tearless
lover and defender OF the llbertles of his
| fellowmen.