Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-03-20
BRYAN'S PLATFORM
Given to the World Through
Nebraskan Democrats.
Declares for "l6 to |" and Opposes
Everything Favored by Republicans.
Adopted by Democratic Convention and Ap-
proved BY the Pcpul:sts.

Lincoln Neb. March 19-In effect
William J. Bryan announced. to-
night, to the Democratic party and to
the nation at large the platform which
he considers best for the Democratic
party and practically upon which he
desires to stand if nominated at the
Kansas City convention.
The platform which was adopted by
the Nebraska Democracy with the
greatest enthusiasm. reaffirms the Chi
cago platform; declares for "16 to |: ="
opposes a large standing army; de-
nounces the action of the Republican
party on the Puerto Rcan tariff bill;
declares against trusts and imperial
ism: and favors the income tax and
the choice of United States senator by
popular vote. The platform is practi-
caly the creation of Mr. Bryan. He
did not write it personally, but he was
consulted concerning it ana before il
was read to the convention it had been
approved of throughout.
The platform adopted by the Popu-
list convention was substantially the
same as that adopted by the Demo-
Gratis. 1t differs somewhat in form.
but conflicts in no essential point.
Both conventions today. We're en-
thusiastic for Mr.. Bryan to the last
degrees and every mention of his nama
was greeted with cheers Of delight and
approval. Instructions We're given to
both delegations to stand for Mr.
Bryan in the Kansas City and Sioux
Falls convention.
Both Democrats and Populists de-
voted today to the holding of eau
cuses preparatory to the conventions
tonight.
The Democratic state convention was
called to order, tonight, by James
Dahlman. chairman Of the state Demo
cratic committee. He announced that
Thomas ]. Nolan had been selected as
temporary chairman. Mr.. Nolan, af-
ter being presented to the convention
made an address.
The temporary organization was
made permanent. The chairman then
appointed committee on resolutions
which presented the report which was
adopted amid great enthusiasm re-
affirming and endorsing in whole and
in part in letter and in spirit the plat
form adopted by the Democratic ma
tional convention held in Chicago. in
1896
The report closes as follows: We be
lieve that private monopnlieS are indefen-
Sible and intoerablc and We condemn the
national administration for its failure to
enforce tne present law against the
trusts or to recommend Il more effective
law
I'VE condemn the Puerto Rico tariff bill
recently passed by the Republican House
Of Representatives as a bold and open
violation Of the nations organic law and
a tiagrant breach Of good faith
We favor the expansion of trade by
every legitimate and peaceful means. bur
we are opposed to purchasing trade at
the cannon's mouth with human blood:
neither do we believe that trade secured
and held by force is worth the price that
must be paid for it. We are in favor of
extending the nations influence. but we
believe that the influence should be eX-
tended. not by force and violence. but
through the persuasive power of A high
and honorable example.
I'VE oppose militarism. It imposes
upon the people an unnecessary burden
and IL a constant menace. a small stand
ing army and a well-equipped state mill
tia are sufficient in time Of peace; in war
the citizen soldier should be republics
defence.
Not because of hostility to England.
but because We believe in the principles
of a republic and reject, as did our fore
fathers. the theory OF monarchy we sym
pathize with the Beers in their heroic
efforts to preserve their national intcg
rity."
While the committee on resolutions was
out, Richard l.. Mctcdlf u Omaha. W. ID.
Oldham OF Kearncy, w. IA. Thompson Of
Grand Island. and A. q. Tibbctts Of Lin
coin. were chosen as delegates-at-larGe to
the national convention at Kansas City.
While the convention was in the midst
of a hot row over the choice Of alterndtes
to the delegates-at- Large, Mr.. Bryan APP
pearcd in the hall. The sight of Col
Bryan put a stop to all business and the
delegates went wild as he mounted the
MIA form.