The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1900-07-21
The Leader of the Democracy is
the Mighty Hercules
WHO IS TO STRANGLE IMPERIALISM
And Save the Western Republic
by Lofty Patriotism.

In nominating William ]. Bryan for
president at Kansas City on July S,
w. D. Oldham, OF Nebraska, said:
Mr.. Chairman: More than hundred
years ago the continental congress Of
America adopted a declaration which
had been drafted by the founder OF the
Democratic party, and the joyous tone
of the old Liberty bell which greeted
the act announced to waiting world
that nation had been born.
With hearts uncllillcd in the selfish
sentiments of cold commercialism, you
have responded to each sentiment COIL
taincd in Democracy's first platform as
it was read to you at the opening Of
this convention, and in view OF this
convention, and in view OF the radical
departure which the party in power has
made from the principles set forth in
that historic document, it is meet that
we-true believers in the republic OF old
should when choosing a field and
forming our lines for the bloodlcss bat
tie OF ballots now impending, say in the
language OF one of the loved patriots OF
long ago: Read this declaration at the
head OF the army, and every sword shall
be drawn from it's scabbard, and a SOL
cnn VOW taken to maintain it or perish
on the bed of honor"
Much Of the history OF this republic
shall be made or marrcd by the action
OF this convention You, as rcprcscn-
tativcs Of the only party which is CO.
existent with the nation itself, the only
party which ever had within its own
ranks sufficient constructive statesman
ship to create nation in which each
citizen became sovereign, have, true
to the traditions you bear, in your plat
form set out in simple language, with a
decided American accent, plan for the
peoples redemption from each sacrilcgc
and schism taught by the Republican
party. The plan contains nothing but
the approved prccepts OF the elders and
doctors OF your faith. If, on platform,
you place candidate whose devoted
and unblemisl,ed life shall stand as a
pledge to the plain people that he, in
good faith, will carry out the solemn
covenants made therein, then the hour
Of Our ultimate triumph is at hand.
This high distinction must not be un-
worthily bestowed. 1t must follow as a
reward for noble actions bravcly done,
for unrequited, tirelcss toll, for sacri
fees made and strength displayed, for
trusts discharged and pledges kept. We
must seek leader whose public and
private life most nearly cxcmplifes his
party's highest ideals, who stands un-
quali6cdly pledged to every issue we
declare; who will carry the standard we
place in his hands, even as the Black
Douglas carried the sacred caskct that
enclosed the heart OF Bruce.
He must not declare for free trade
with Porto Rico, and then at the per-
suasivc suggestion OF the sugar and to-
bacco trusts sign a bill for tariff on
the products OF that island.
He must not denounce policy as
one OF criminal aggression, and then at
the demand of power behind the
throne pursue the policy he has so de-
nounccd
He must not, while protesting oppo-
sition to combines and conspiracics
against trade, send his cmissarics to the
trust baron's castles to beg, like Laza-
rus, at Dives gates, for subscriptions
to his campaign. He must not lend the
moral support OF his administration to
monarchy in its efforts to destroy
republic. But he must ever sympathizc
with people struggling for the right OF
sclf-governmcnt.
Instead OF the Republican policy of
monometallism, he must offer the free
and unlimited coinage OF the money
metals OF the constitution, the gold, that
polished the winged sandals OF Hcrmcs,
and the silver that glitters in the bow
OF Diana.
Instead of breeding credit cur
rcncy, controlled by the bank trust, lie
must offer government paper controlled
by the people.