Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1900-11-02

take up the planks in detail I inclose the
following documents. and make them
part of this letter: fa
81. My speech at Indianapolis, In reply to
the democratic notification committee.
dealing with Imperialism, militarism and
the resolution expressing sympathy for
the Beers.
.2. My letter formally accepting the DEM
ocratic nomination. covering other planks
of the platform.
t'3. My speech accepting the populist
nomination. dealing with those issues upon
which the democrats and populists occupy
common ground.
81. My speech delivered in ST. Louis the
18th of September on the trust question.
! These documents have already been
widely published in the press of the conn-
try, and the members of your party are
fully informed in regard to my views upon
the questions covered.
I'm 1886 the money question was the ques-
ton of paramount Importance, but the re-
publican party, by its disregard of the
principles of our republic, and by its adj
vocacy Of policies repugnant to the doc
trine of self-government. has left us no
choice but to summon all lovers of the
declaration of independence to the defense
of that sacred document and the constitu-
ton framed in accordance with 1t.
I'm your letter you quote several appro-
pirate extracts from Lincoln's speeches.
find in speech by Lincoln in 1858 defense
of the dec1ara ton of independence, accom-
panied by fervent and patriotic appeal to
pies therein enunciated. 1t is so applicable
to the present time and so in harmony with
the references you have made to Lincoln's
words that quote the following extract:
Z" Now, my cOuntrymen, if you have been
taught doctrines conflicting with the great
landmarks of the declaration of independ-
ence; if you have listened to suggestions
which would take away from its grandeur
and mutilate the fair symmetry of its pro-
portions; if you have been inclined to be-
lieve that all men are not created equal in
those inalienab1e rights enumerated by our
chart of liberty; let me entreat you to come
back. Return to the fountain whose wa
tiers spring close by theblood of the revolu-
ton. Think nothing of me; take no thought
for the political fate of any man whom
soever, but come back to the truths that
are in the declaration Of independence.
You may do anything with me you choose.
| if you will but heed these sacred principles.
You may not only defeat me for the SEN
ate, but you may take me and put me to
death. While pretending no Indifference
to earthly honors, do claim to be actuated
| in this contest by something higher than
an anxiety for office. I charge you to drop
every paltry and insignificant thought for
any mans success. 1t is nothing; am
nothing; Judge Douglas is nothing. But
| do not destroy that immortal emblem of
humanity-the declaration of American in
Dependence
How harsh the contrast between the
lofty sentiments expressed by Lincoln and
the sordid, mercenary appeal now made
to the people by the republican party! How
great the chasm between the statesman
ship which would sacrifice life itself in de-
| tense of that immortal document which has
been the model Of republics ever since II
| was promulgated, and the commercialism
| which would sacrifice every noble and holy
purpose in pursuit of new markets, and
| would indorse the doctrine that trade can
| be purchased with human blood-a doc
| trine advanced by those who want to give
| syndicates a chance to exploit distant col
| trine advanced by those who want to give
| onies!
| Gin response to the hope which you ex-
| press, permit me to assure you that my
| political obligations are due entirely to
the plain people, who ask no special priv
| ileges at the hands of the government, but
demand only equality of rights and an op
portunity to enjoy life, liberty and the pur-
| suit of happiness under the flag of re-
public. These people. the nations wealth
producers in time of peace and the nations
| warriors in time of war, have already
| done for me more than can ever repay
Whether I am elected not, it shall be
my ambition to protect their rights ane
| advance their interests by every means
| within my power.
| CIV T. BRYAN