The Forrest City times. [volume] (Forrest City, Ark.) 1871-1919, 1899-09-08

is that Mr.. Bryan is to-day the great
barrier against state socialism in
America. Were it not for his unceas-
ing labors, his open and real sympathy
for the millions who suffer in the
shadow of remorseless corporate
greed. and his power of convincing the
desperate and despairing that their
cause can be won without overturn.
ing the present order of government
state socialism would be kindled into
life.
Hundreds of thousands of men who
look with kindly eyes upon govern
ment confiscation of trusts as a relief
for the present topheavy. unequal con-
dition of the nation have been drawn
into support of the democratic party
through their belief in Mr.. Bryan's
sencerity. He bridges a great gulf.
So long as the original conditions, ten
dencies and opportunities of the re-
public existed, there were no signs Of
socialism to be seen. Mr.. Bryan's rise
into national power is the last protest
of old-fashioned continental Ameri-
canism against the new order of
things represented by McKinleyism,
trusts and Imperialism.
Much as personally dislike and dis
trust the free-silver idea, l am COM
PEELED by force of facts to recognize in
Mr.. Bryan really great man, stub
born and uncompromising champion
of mistaken financial policy. but a
stateman and patriot who loves and
believes in the plain people. Much has
been written and said about Mr.. Bry-
| ans failure to make national name
and great fortune as a lawyer, but il
must be remembered that he was only
23 years old when he was admitted to
the bar in a small Illinois town, and
that he gave up the practice of law
| seven years later and entered upon n
political career. Yet twice during that
| period he made himself self-support-
| ing-once in Jacksonville and again
after his removal to Lincoln.
Declined u Trusts Offer.
Besides that, he declined to accept
salary of $4,000 year from the
Standard Oil Co., preferring to live
more economically and fight against
the abuses of such overgrown corpora
| tions.
| He has much more solid record az
lawyer and business man than Pres.
! ident Mckinley. For one thing, ne
man has ever been called upon to pay
his debts, and | personally know that
he has helped many an unfortunate
friend out of his troubles.
Another fact about Mr. BRYAN has
become known since 1896: He can not
be used by other men; he is not weak
| or inyertebrate. He is the master
rather than the servant of those who
surround him. 1t was said in the las.
campaign that ifthis uninformed, ,inex-
perienced youth from the prairies o:
| Nebraska should be seated in the
White House, his every act would be
dictated by cranks and fanatics. But
to-day the whole nation can witness
in every part of the country the evi-
dences of this mans indomitable will
and unconquerable courage.
! am quite sure that if the mex.
democratic national platform should
fail to meet his convictions he would
decline to be the democratic candi
date, although he would vote the dem
ocratic ticket.
My own judgment is that he will
have no rival in the national conyen-
tion and win be nominated by accla-
nation. 1t is too soon to express q
positive opinion regarding his chances
of election, but i should say that he is
much more popular than when he was
last candidate, and that il the con
test is to be drawn between Mr.. Nc
Kinley and Mr.. Bryan, the present
prospect favors Mr.. Bryan's election.
1t is a long look ahead, but at the
same stage of events preceding ths
last national conventions ! succeeded
in demonstrating to my own satisfac
ton at least Mr.. Mckinley's nomina
ton and election, and | do not fear t.
make a prediction now, with all tn,
reserve arising from the fact that ;
prophet can never hope to be as ac
curate as historian.