The weekly intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1891-1901, 1900-08-18
mr.. Bryan's Candidacy,

will be made from Lexington TO Sedaiia.
Mr.. Bryan's Candidacy.
Springfield MaSsJ Republican
In the four years that have interviewed
since William Jennings Bryan was put
forward at Chicago the American Peo-
pie have come 10 know the young man
who secured his nomination to the
presidency by a speech. The outcome
Of the democratic national convention
Of 1896 was dramatic and a surprise to
the country. The RELOCATION OF the
eastern men TO the rear and the tri-
umph Of western financial theories
caused g shock TO the conservative
element Of this section that was the
parent Of much bitter and r~esentful
comment and attack. II is not TO be
wondered al that there was unfairness
IN the general onslaught which follow
cd. Honest fear and interested par
tisanship mAgniied the raw radicalism
into anarchism. the most was made Of
the possible menacs to our financial
stability, and 1t was ever asserted and
believed that the supreme court would
be in danger IN the event Of democratic
success. 1t was against such great
odds that the comparatively young man
at the head Of the democratic ticket
made his fight 10 1896. He was ridi-
culed, misunderstood and misrepre-
sented. That he bore himself well and
strongly is now admitted by the candid
historians Of that campaign.
1t should be possible for even the
most intolerant partisan to estimate Mr..
Bryan with greater justice and truth in
1900. He has covered the country In
his speech making tours until the peo-
pie know him BY personal contact.
He has boon sharPIy ensieised for his
much speaking, bat only so was IL
possible to reach the voters. Surely il
is a remarkable personal triumph that
Mr.. Bryan has talked so much and
damaged himself so little. He has
won and will hold q very high place in
the story of American politics as al
orator, able to meet and TO interest
the mass Of voters. There is no one
his superior in this. Back Of this art
and power is the personality Of the
speaker. This helps to account for bis
strength. He is thoroughly sincere.
None can doubt this who sec and
know and study the man. He has
come out Of the loins Of a ~God-fearlng,
upright and intellectual ancestry. His
father was an Illinois judge, the mag
nate Of his religion, a stannch Presby-
terrain, whose house was the stopping
place Of men Of prominence who came
that way as well as the center Of the
best there was N the local life. The
boy hes never departed from the high
standing that enVIronvd his youth. He
Is a deeply religious man. Into his
college course and beyond to bis ser
vices in congress was carried the fear
Of God. a spotless life and absolute
personal integrity.
Much has been said 10 praise Of
President McKinley's home life, aud
IN this respect Mr.. Bryan also offers a
shining example Of American man
hood. lie is filled with patriotism and
love Of all that is most worthy in the
nations past. The conviction that be
had a part to play in serving bis conn
try has possessed Mr. Bryan for many
years, and led him early 10 the thought
OF q public career. In this behalf he
has never wayered. He Is in close
touch with the plain people. The OPP
pOrtunity to u for congress In a
contest Of doubtful issue came to him
before be considered himself ready
for the work, but be accepted it as q
call. In due time be To- brought 10
the front rs the leader Of the new
democracy. This seemed to deepen
bis own certainty Of the call TO lead.
ership ond to assure his msstership Of
the party. Here, then, is the mau-
serious minded, believing himself to
have the cause Of the masses in biz
keeping, holding manhood TO be great
or than dollars, Q fanatic along these
lines, honest, resolute and wholly
faithful TO bis lights. This q per-
s%onality to be reckOnsd with.
But always at the front 10 the con
sidsration Of Mr.. Bryan must be
placed the money question. There Is
no doubt or double dealing IN the po-
sitIon which be takes As 3 practical
matier Of public policy, the theory Of
l6 to / belongs to the past. Not SO
does Mr.. Bryan see 1t. He holds this
economic theory rs truth and the first
Weapon he would use against those
plutocratic influences which today
menace the republic o openly and
seriously than ever before. Thost