The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-05-12
THE LEADER ON MIR. BRYAN.

The Pittsburg Leader is a republican
newspaper. Considering the partisan view
OF the average republican newspaper the
Leaders estimate OF Mr. Bryans charac-
ter, as set forth in the following, is con-
spicuously refreshing and generous
Carl schurz, who, though or late years
rouudiy cursed by all parties as constltn-
tional mugwump, is nevertheless recognized
In all quarters as man of ability, sincerity
and personal force. has revised his estimate
OF William j. Bryan, which originally was
far from favorable to the free silver apostle.
AZ friend Of the gold standard, Mr.. Schurz
in the campaign of 1896 aligned himself with
| tho anti Bryan democrats and he then mar
bored the belief that Bryan was an oppor..
tunst and n demagogue. After four years
obserya alton of the Nebraska mans career,
however, Mr.. Schurz concludes that he was
wrong in his first impression and that
man who holds, as Bryan mas done, tenacious
\ ly and unsweryingly to one principle or set
OF principles and succeeds In keeping alive
the popular interest In his teachings and his
personality, must be credited alike with hon
esty OF purpose and with remarkable qualities
| OF leadership.
! This Endorsement. as far as It goes, is a
valuable one and there can be little doubt
as to Its justice In whatever light Organism
is to be regarded--and II need hardly be stat
ed here that tho doctrines therein embodied
are rejected by n majority OF the people--lt
is no longer possible to conceive that BRYAN
firm believer in the principles which he ex-
pounds and in hts own capacity To apply
them to tho administration Of the Nation 3
aGniTs. u he should be elected to the presi-
dency. Herein consists the secret of his con-
ltinued hold upon tho affections of the mass
OF the democratic party. Right or wrong. his
followers see in him a leader who has the
courage OF his convictions and who Is willing
to stand by his colors in the face OF adversely
and they stick TO him accordingly with un-
wayering loyalty. Bryan is to the democracy
n n H. l.. ~
French people, with the difference that he has
n knack OF keeping his scat In the saddle
much longer than the average French agl-
tetor who happens to be exalted by the force
of circumstances.
The Leaders strong endorsement OF the
view of Mr. Schurz hardly justihes It's
own conclusion that MIR. Bryan to the
democracy is what the ideal man or
: horseback Is to the French people" The
man on horseback" with the French peo-
pie is the creature OF the commune ant
revolutlonlst. Democracy, especially a:
represented in Mr.. Bryan, IL neither com
munistic nor revolutionary. 1t believes II
the embodiment in our policies OF govern
ment of those principles which obtaineC
, in the foundation of the Republic, and b,
adherence to which the Republic has beer
} sustained despite the destructive practice
OF a latter day republcanism that ha
long since abandoned the mission 20 whicl
= II was pledged in the outset.
Mr. Bryan's conception OF the tru
theories and objects OF government. O
the rights and hopes Of the intelligent cit
i1en. his courage his personality--all des
igna,e him tho man OF the hour and tn
hope OF the Republic. There is about hin
a steadiness and dedniteness OF purpos
that precludes the existence OF those ele
monts OF frenzy and gntemperance
which is attracted a revolutionary Nationa
sentiment, He Is rather TO American pub
lie life what Martin Luther was to prot
es;ansma leader consecrated In heart
soul and conscience to humanity tina
must triumph. If not under his gudano
then under that OF some other who mus
sooner or later come to the people--un
: less indeed the perverslon OF Fundamental
J principles must go on forever.