Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1899-09-21

socialism in America. We're it not for
his unceaslng labors, his open and real
sympathy for the millions who suffer in
the shadow of remorseess corporate
greed, and his power OF convincing the
desperate and dcspairiny hat their cause
can be won without oveiturliing the pres
ent rider OF government, state socialism
wonl': be kindled into life
Hundreds Of thousands OF men who
look with kindly eyes upon government
cOnfisCation of trusts as Il relief for the
present top heavy, unequal condition OF
the nation have been drawn into support
Of the democratic party through their be-
l,ei in Mr.. Bryan's sincerity. He bridges
great gnlf. So long AS the original con
iitlons. tendencies, and opportunities Of
the republic existed there were no signs
of socialism to he seen. MIR. Bryan's rise
into national power is the last protest Of
old-fashioned continental Amercanism
against the new order OF things repre-
scented by McKinleyism, trusts and inn
periaism.
Much as personally dislike and dis
trust the free silver idea, am compelled
by force OF facts 10 recognize in Mr.. Bryan
really great man, Il stubborn and UNI
compromising champion Of mistaken
financial policy, but a statesman and
patriot who loves and believes in the plain
people. Much has been written and said
about Mr.. Bryan's failure to make
national name and great fortune rs a
lawyer, but it must be remembered that
! he was only twenty-three years old when
he was admitted to the bar in small
Illinois town. and that he gave up the
practice Of law seven years later and en-
tered upon a political career-yet twice
during that period he made himself self
supporting. once in Jackson and again
after his removal to Lincoln. Besides
that he declined to accept Il salary Of ten
thousand dollars year from the Standard
Oil Company, preferring to live more
economically and fight against the abuses
Of such overgrown corporations.
He has much more solid record as a
lawyer and business man than President
Mckinley. For one thing, no man has
ever been called upon to pay his debts,
and personally know that lie has helped
many an unfortunate friend out OF his
troubles.
Another fact about Mr.. Bryan has be.
come known since lS96-he cannot be
used by other men-he is not weak or in
vertebrate. lie is the master rather than
the servant OF those who surround him.
1t WAS said in the last campaign that il
this uniformed. inexperienced youth from
the prairles Of Nebraska should be seated
in the white house his every act would
be dictated by cranks and fanatics. But
today the whole nation can witness in
eve.y part Of the country the evidence Of
this mans indomitable will and uncon-
querable courage.
l am quite sure that il the next demo-
cratic national platform should fail to
meet his convictions he would decline to
be The democratic candidate, although he
would vote the democratic ticket.
My own judgment is that he will have
no rival in the national convention, and
will be nominated by reclamation. 1t is
too soon to express positive opinion re-
garding his chances OF election. But l
should say that he is much more popular
than when he was last a candidate, and
that if the contest is to be between Mr..
Mckinley and Mr.. Bryan the present
prospect favors Mr.. Bryan's election.
1t is along look ahead, but ut the same
stage of events preceding the last national
conventions succeed in demonstrating.
to my own satisfaction at least, MIR. Nc
Kinley's nomination and election, and
do not fear to make prediction now,
with all the reserve arising from the Tact
that Il prophet can never hope to be as
accurate rs IL historian.