The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1900-02-15
BRYAN's SPEECH IN RICHMOND.
A Short Talk to the Legislature, etc, etc.

VI MuhlCs hlCumOnu, mOhunJ o'VHiHb
was called to order by Senator Banks
dale. and Speaker Saunders presented
Mr.. Bryan to the audience. paying the
distinguished visitor high compli-
ment as an orator and for the ability
with which he conducted his campaign
In 1896 He also strongly denounced
trusts and imperialism.
At the conclusion of Mr.. Saunders
speech Mr.. Bryan advanced to the front
OF the platform and was greeted with q
great outburst Of applause. The men
cheeredland the ladies waved their hand
kerchiefs. The demonstration evident
ly pleased the orator.
After thanking the Legislature OF
Virginia for the invitation TO make
this address Mr. Bryan paid a high
tribute to Senator Daniel. In speak
ing Of him he referred to "Our great
Daniel. our leader in the Chicago Con
vention " Virginia, he said,
whether we commence at the begin.
ming or view the present time. Is al
ways at the 'front.'" Continuing in
this line Mr.. Bryan said: when
necessary to resort to war to settle
question which seems to defy peace
able end, when the North and the
South was arrayed against each other
and the people Of the two sections were
seeking men who could represent the
idea for which the sections stood and
TO lead those who were willing TO fight
for the idea, the people Of one section
Of the country found in Virginia that
great soldier Of the OWL War. Robert
+. Lee. prolonged applause
1--WE have had just one war since and
in the early stages Of the negotiations
which finally terminated in war this
nation was represented in Cuba by an
other son Of Virginia. and the conduct
Of General Fitzhugh Lee in Cuba was
such as TO protect the honor Of this ma
tion (Applause), and 1t was worthy OF
q high place in the annals Of our coun-
try because no matter what may have
been said in the North by men who &C.
oasionally tried to revive the animosi-
ties aroused by the OWL War. Fitz-
hugh Lee represented the American
people in Cuba and there defended our
rights and represented our ideas The
people who had been finding fault with
the people Of the South had to admit
that they had no one in the North
who could have done better in that
trying position than Fitzhugh Lee
(Applause) Ii was my good fortune
to serve in his Army Corps during the
short period was connected with army
life, and while am not battle.scarred
nor battle-scared veteran, am glad
that during that brief career l was
ought into contact with one Of the
great citizens Of this State. -
This reference probably provoked
more applause than anything Mr.
Bryan said during his address
He said he did not know enough
about localities to say whether there
were any there today who left the
Democrats in 1896 Need | say"
added the speaker, that want also to
tell you that | do not believe God made
the farmer to do the thinking for the
rest Of the people, nor did he make the
laborer to do the thinking for the rest
Of the people. l do not believe He
made any class to do the thinking for
all the rest
while have faith in the patriotism
Of the farmer,I would not turn over all
legislation to him. While have faith
in THE patriotism Of the lsborer, i
would not turn over all legislation TO
him.
The same thing he said Of the mer-
chant and the professions
Mr. Bryan then proceeded to discuss
the income tax. the currency and trust
questions and the Philippine problem
along the lines Of previous speeches.
His expression Of the hope that the
British may never get to Ladysmitn
and his discussion Of trusts evoked
much applause His denunciation Of
the Administration policy respecting
the Filipinos was also greatly applaud.
ed
There was q rush for the stage when
the meeting adjourned, shortly before
6 clock, so anxious were the people to
shake hands with Mr.. Bryan. 1t was
at least half an hour before he could be
rescued from the crush.
CALLS ON THE LEGISLATURE.
At o'clock Mr.. Bryan visited the
two houses of the General Assembly.
In each Of the bodies q 10 minutes re-
cess was taken. aud Mr.. Bryan was in
troduced to the members by Senator
To each he had a pleasant
and appropriate word to say. There
were great crowds in the Hobbies Of
each house to see and hear the Nebras-
kan.
It reply to repeated cries to speak,
Mr.. Bryan finally said: THE program
does not provide for a speech at this
time, will speak at length this after
noon. l only wanted to become person
ally acquainted with the gentlemen
and to pay my respects to the Cover
nor. 1 always love to come to Virgin
la. l came within one Of being a Vir.
yinian myself My grandfather was q
being born in Oulpeper |
and when come to Virginia
| am reminded Of the great men the
State has given to the country. We can
turn back for inspiration to Patrick