Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1900-09-18
LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE.

Mr.. w. J. Bryan has given to the
public his formal letter of acceptance.
Having in his notification speech i.esl
ee OF Imperialism as the paramount issu.
In the campaign, as well as touched ~
on miltarilsm and the Boer war he de-
votes his letter chiefly to ths discussion
of other planks of the Kansas City plat
form, notably the free coinage of silver
and The regulation of the trusts. H.
reiterates his assertion made 10 1896
that if elected he will not be
candidate for a second term.
Imperialism, Mr.. Bryan reiterates, Is
me paramount issue OF the campaign.
Whether We shali adhere to or aban-
don those IDEAS OF government which
nave distinguished this nation from
other nations is" ne declares. "a ques-
iion the settlement OF which cannot be
delayed" Mr.. Bryan arraigns the re-
publican party for its record on the
tIust issue. "The appalling growth OF
com Mutations in restraint OF trade dur
log the present administra ioD," he
says, "proves conclusively that the re
publican party lacks either the desire
or the ability to deal with ths question
Effectively" He promises, if elected
President, ito select an attorney-gen-
ersl VINO will, without fear or favor, eu.
force existing law. / shall, " he adds,
recommend such additional legislation
AS may be necs ssary TO dissolve every
private monopoly which does business
outside the State OF its Origin" He
condemns the Dingley tariff act, because
under its operation trusts Can plumber
the people of the United States while
they successfully compete in foreign
markets with manufacturers OF other
countries" Mr.. Bryan declares that
he democratic party makes no wal
upon honestly acquired wealth, neither
engaged in legitimate business, at
Toes protest." however, "against cor
porations entering politics and attempt
log to assume control Of the instru-
mentalities of government" Ia his re-
view of the Kansas City platform Mr..
Bryan discusses briefly the money
plank of that platform. He says:
contain in the Chicago platform for
an American financial system made by
he American people for themselves.
The purpose OF such system Is to re.
store and maintsiD q bimetallic level OF
prices, and in order that there may be
no uncertainty as to the method of re-
storing bmetallism the specific declara.
ton 10 favor OF free and Unlimited coiL
age at the existing ratio of l6 to l, in
dependent Of the action of other ma
lions, is repeated" Mr.. Bryan in
dorses the demand for a constitutional
amendment providing for the cleo
ton OF Senators by the people.
He denounces government by in
junction." and the blacklist. He sdvo-
Gates arbitration between corporations
and their employees, and urges the es
adjustment Of department OF labor
wi a member OF the Cabinet at its
mead. He opposes entangliDg alliances
with foreign nations aud emphasizes
the importance of maintaining the
Monroe doctrine. He condemns the
republican party for extravaganza iD
the expenditures of the government
and for imposing heavy burdens upon
the taxpayers. Mr.. Bryan favors the |
construction and ownership by the |
OF the Nicaragua Caual |
and pensions to all worthy ex-soldiers. |
The letter is clear, concise statement
of the principles and policy of the
democratic party as set forth 10 the
Kansas City platform and terse ar.
raignment OF the vicious practices OF
the republican party.