The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1900-01-26
WILLIAM JENNINGS BRYAN.

carrying with him the undated in
terest of his audience. Never for one
moment did he allow the interest TO
flag, and while his speech consumed
nearly two hours, the vast concourse
of people who heard him regretted
that the time had been SO short.
Mr.. Bryan is truly great man and
a gifted man. Further than that, he
is an honest man. Honest in his con-
victiops of right and wrong. and fear
less to express those convictions, re-
gardless of consequences. No one
who has closely followed him can for
a moment question his sincerity
about the money question and the
only reason that they do not follow
his convictions is because they believe
that the underlying principle is wrong.
The campaign of 1896 was fought out
principally on the money question.
1t was sixteen to one or nothing.
There are many Democrats who, while
they voted the choice Of the Chicago
Convention, had grave doubts as to
this being the proper ratio. There
are very few thinking men who do not
believe in bi-metalism. 1t is right in
principle and practice, but the point
has been in regard to the proper ratio.
There never has been but one party
in the history of the United States
which has declared for the sin 'e gold
standard That was the platform on
which Palmer and Buckner ran in the
last Presidential campaign. We do
not wish it to be understood, however,
that we favor the present ratio, which
we think is entirely too high.
Many of the best thinking men OF
today have given the question of BIZ
netalism deep study, and thereby
have attempted to arrive at the solu-
ton of a correct ratio. Their results
differ widely, SO the question is indeed
perplexing.
On the other important questions
alluded to in Col Bryun's speech there
can be but little question. So far as
the income tax or government by in
Junction is concerned, the Democratic
party stands almost as a unit. Both
of these subjects received their proper
notice in the Chicago platform. The
other two important questions, trusts
and imperialism have arisen since
then, and On them the Democrats are
not divided. 1t will thus be seen that
on all Leading matters there is no divi-
sion in our ranks, with the one excep-
ton, and that is free silver. On this
we fear the party never can be gotten
together. Those who left the fold in
the last campaign have largely return
ed, and we are again a harmonious
body. Yet if we force this issue to the
front we will again be apart. There
is no question but that Republicans
are anxiously hoping end praying for
this. 1t is their last chance. If the
Democrats come before them with al
undivided front, Hanna and McKin-
ley will be wiped off the face of the
earth, and not vestige of the party
which has wrought ruin and desola-
ton on so many homes, will be visible
to the naked eye. Their only saliva
ton is in our dissensions.
At this critical time the Constitution
of the United States is in peril and the
very government itself is threatened,
and in the pace of we'll governed
Republic an lily constructed empire
stares US in the face. Gigantic trusts,
which are daily epgulfing the whole
country, are steadily being formed.
The rich are daily becoming richer,
providt they are in the trusts, and
the poor growing poorer. In view of
these facts the thought occurs to us
that it is folly at this critical time to
interject the money question. This is
not the opportune period. We had
better wait, for what would free silly er
avail US il the Constitution were wiped
ont and how little difference would it
be whether we had the proper parity
between silver and gold if the trusts
have both and we, the people, have
neither.
This is the critical period OF the
country's existence and it behooves us
not to make mistakes. Ofgreater i'm
portance than the platform itself is
the man whom we nominate. The
voters will look to this much more
than any declarations the convention
might promulgate. They realize that
the President of the United States
possesses vast amount of power and
they are at the present time receiving
n striking illustration of it in our rela-
tions with the Philippines. Therefore
all will naturally look to tie men them
selves and vote accordingly.
1t is conceded today that Colonel
Bryan can have the nomination if he
desires it and no one will oppose him. |
But there is grave question which |
he himself can only answer. Is 1t ex-
pedient to allow himself to be the |
head of the ticket, when there is SO |
much honest difference on the tinan-
cial question amongst ourselves? He |
Is the ideal man in every other par
ticular on which the Democrats are a |
unit. His views on trusts and ey-
pansion are unanswerable, but is it |
not inexpedient for him, when great
er issues and more vital matters are at |
the leading issue 16 to 1 or nothing.
1t has been the fond hope and desire
of many OF the leading silver men of
tho country that this would not be
brought up at this time. They be
lieve that the people are not ripe for
it and it will never prevail as long as
salt is continually rubbed into the
fresh wounds. We have noticed it in
our limited personal acquaintance.
Silver men OF four years ago, frankly
say that while they have not aban-
doned their principles yet they see the
utter folly of a second defeat, when, if
silver is not given such a prominent
place, Democracy can win.
Would it not be the graceful act for
Mr.. Bryan, holding as lie does that
silver shall be the principal issue, to
step down and out, aud give way to
some one less radical. II he does this
his name will go down to posterity as
one of lts greatest benefactors. He