The state herald., 1900-09-14
BRYAN'S LOGIC.

No man living can say such stirring
things in words so free from passion
as William Jennings Bryan. He is
equally master of rhetoric and of
logic. He is as modest and unassum-
ing as he is inspiring and convincing.
II he has Gn equal among publicists
Of the day he is easily first among
equals inter pares. He will
take place in American history with
Jefferson and Lincoln. and whether
he takes his seat in the presidential
chair or not-and 1t now seems abso-
lutely certain that he will-his fame
as one of the greatest interpreters OF
true democracy and Americanism is
assured. He grows in stature with the
days, and every speech he makes
gives new proof of his fearless candor
and intellectual thought and acunen.
His speech at Indianapolis was a
mastery exposition Of American gov
ernmental ideals. and his acceptance
of the Populist nomination at Topeka,
Kansas. on Thursday last. was less
great only because 1t was less exhaust
i've. Truly 1t can be said that only
himself can be his parallel" in ex-
pounding the great fundamental
truths on which our national existence
is based, in words as common as they
are comprehensive.
In accepting its presidential nomi-
nation Bryan paid the Populist party,
in his opening sentences high and
Just compliment for the educational
work 1t has done in arousing the peo-
pie to study of economic and indus
trial questions. for. as he says. truth
grows not in seclusion but in the
open field. and It thrives best in the
sunshine of full and free debate" 1t
is this free and full discussion that
McKinleyism-the bastard Republic
canism of the day-most breads. The
men who are striving to make the
stars and stripes what Cecil Rhodes
called the Union Jack in Africa. a
| With no more feeling or sentiment
than Wordsworths peasant. to whom
the pretty flower on the rivers brink,
"a yellow primrose was and nothing
MORE the flag of Washington. Of
| Jackson, of Lincoln, and of Grant, has
no glory or meaning in its folds to
those greedy and vulgar plotters OF
force. treason and Imperialism. "old
Glory" In Porto Rico. Cuba, the Phil
| ippines, and at home, unless they can
make 1t Commercial asset" is a
thing to be furled and especially be-
cause of the glowing story and hopeful
significance which Bryan waves INTO
its folds. With plunder instead of
patriotism as their aim they would
make IT. as General Halpine wrote in
! the New York Tribune In slavery days.
"robber rag" like other imperialistic
bunting. and II 1t cannot be so used
why. then. In their eyes 1t is nothing
but a Haunting lie.'
Mr.. Bryan touched on several
I things, but briefly. at Topeka. which
he passed over at indianapolis. In
referring to the currency question the
Republican party. he says. denies the
necessity for more real money. while
II permits national banks to expend
, the volume of paper promises to pay
money. II is now committed to O cur
rency system which nccessltates a
perpetual debt, while the Populist
finds himself In agreement with the
Democrats. who believe In paying on
the national debt ms rapidly as pos.
sible. In sentences few. but clear. he
advocates an income tax. the prlncl-
pies OF direct legislation. the enlarge
ment of the scope of the interstate
commerce art, and the creation of u
labor bureau at Washington with n
cabinet officer at Its head. He fayors
the exclusion OF Chinese and other
oriental labor from the United States.
and in some trenchant sentences
shows the rascallty OF the trusts III"
he says, "a private monopoly can sus-
pend production and tx the price Of
the finished product. the farmer pow
erless to protect himself when he sells.
is plundered when he purchaser.
Mr.. Bryan's treatment OF the pros
perityr argument. OF the wal and It's
cost to the taxpayer. OF imperialism
and other issues. leaving nothing TO
be desired In the way OF putting un.
answerable arguments In a torse. plthy
and original manner. Every true
citizen viii wish with him In his clos.
ing words that the oppressed OF
every land will see in our flag the
hope OF their own dcllycranee and.
whether they are bleeding upon the
battlefield or groanlng beneath ty-
rants lash. will raise their eyes TO.
wards heaven and breathe ferycnt
prayer for the safety Of our republic"
WHY HE CHANGED.