Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-12
PREFERRED CASH TO HONOR.
Sentiment Expressed by w. j. Bryan
REGARDING Political Office.

A dispatch from Lincoln, Neb., last night
says: J. Sterling Morton made the asser-
ton in local paper several weeks ago
that w ]. Bryan had said he wanted Office
for money and not for honor. An Omaha
paper in its issue Of September p, con-
tanned an interview with Bryan, in which
he positively denied that he had ever made
such an assertion.
Undeniable proof is now presented that
Mr.. Bryan did say that he wanted office
for money and not for honor Because
of this unequivocal and sweeping denial
of Mr.. Bryan, and because, with the de-
NAL, he named the editor of the local
paper in an offensive and accusing man
ner, ]. Sterling Morton produces for vim
dication and veritication and as rebuff
tai Of the unequivocal denial letter writ
ten by Mr.. Bryan on January II, 1890, in
which he says:
Il assure you that it is the money that
is in the office and not the honor that at
tracts me-.
The publication of this letter recalls Mr.
Bryan's early political history. The man
who sprang so quickly into world-famed
notoriety located at Lincoln in 1888, and
a short time later formed a partnership
with A. K. Talbot, under the firm name of
Talbot g. Bryan.
In December, 1889, or the month follow
Ing Mr. Bryan became an applicant for
the position of secretary of state of the
board of transportation. He had taken an
active part In political affairs, and friends
We're willing to assist him in getting the
position. He had supported j. Sterling
Morton for congressman from the first
district during the campaign of 1888 and
Morton for representative from the first
the secretaryship. The monetary question
was not an important issue at that time,
and Mr.. Morton and Bryan were warm po-
ltical friends.
Considerable correspondence passed be-
| tween the two, and the following is copy
n a o. tayc Hryrif TOW xr Rryrn nv,
LINCOLN, Neb., January II, 1890.
Hon. j. Sterling Morton:
Dear Friend: Your kind letter to Mr..
Lease was received and delivered. 1 think
1t was well received. The p. 8. was jul
dicious, 1 think. 1 am grateful to you for
your Endorsement. Had hesitated to write
you because l dislike soliciting aid. 1 as
sure you that 1t Is the money that is in
If successful in getting 1t. 1t will tide me
| over my begging here. With regards to
| the ladies. l am,
'w. ]. BRYAN"
| Failing to secure the appointment to
the railway commission, Mr. Bryan con-
| tinued the practice OF law, but in 1890 he
announced his candidacy for Congress-, and,
| in fact, has been a candidate for office ever
since.
Bryans repeated utterances concerning
| the Nervousness Of the money power and
greed for wealth recalled to J. Sterling
Morton mind the assertion made in 1880.
| and a search was instituted among the files
| of papers at ArbOr Lodge for the letter.
1t was found among number Of other let
| tiers written by Mr.. Bryan, all somewhat
similar, The charge made by Morton was
| copied by number Of newspapers, and
| on Tuesday, September %. Mr.. Bryan was
| interviewed by correspondent for the
| Omaha paper as to whether or not he had
| made the assertion referred to by Mr.. Nor
| ton.
! II am willing to stand on my record"
| said Mr.. Bryan, land let the people judge
| whether l ever made such q statement,
| positively deny the assertion, but I do
| l took occasion to deny AL the false state
| ments made about me I would be kept
| busy all the time 1 do not propose to
| travel around the country denying all of
| ]. Sterling Morton's assertions"