The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-07-06
MOMINATES BRYAN.
Speech of w. ID. Oldham of Ne
braska, Naming the
Candidate.

In nominating William J. Bryan TOT
the presidency. General Manager W. D.
Oldham. of Nebraska, said:
Mr. Chairman:-More than hun
dred years ago the Continental Congress
of America adopted a declaration which
had been drafted by the founder of the
Democratic party, and the joyous tones
of the old Liberty Bell which greeted
the act, announced to a waiting world
that nation had been born
with hearts unchilled by the selfish
sentiments of cold commercialism, you
have responded periodically to eacn
sentiment contained in Democracy's
first platform as it was read to you at
the opening of this convention; and IN
view Of the radical departure which the
party in power has made from the prln-
eiples set forth in that historic doeu-
ment, 1T is meet that we true be-
levers in the Republic of old, should,
when choosing held ana forming our
lines for the bloodless battle of ballots
now impending, say in the language OF
one of the loved patriots of long ago:
Read this declaration at the head OF
the army, and every sword shall be
drawn from its scabbard, and solemn
vow taken to maintain it or to perish
on the bed of honor.
Much of the history of this republic
shall be either made or marred by the
action of this convention. You, as repre-
sentatives of the only party which is
co-existSnt with the nation itself; the
only party which ever had within its
manShip to create a nation in which
each citizen becomes a sovereign have,
true to the traditions you bear. in your
platform set out in simple language,
with decided American accent, plan
for the peoples redemption from each
sacrilege and schism taught by the Re
publican party. The plan contains moth
ing but the approved preceptS of the
elders and doctors of your faith. If, on
a platform, you place candidate whose
devoted and unblemished life shall
stand as a pledge to the plain people
that he, in good faith. will carry out the
solemn covenants made therein, then
the hour of our ultimate triumph is at
hand.
There is no greater honor reserved
for citizen of these United States, than
to become the standard bearer of the
Democratic party 1t at once enrolls his
name on the scroll of the immortals who
are not born to die. and encircles him
with halo of the glory of all the illus
trious achievements which that uncon-
Quered and uncOnquerable organization,
has tmblazoned on every page of our
nations history. 1t entrusts to his keep
ing the fame of that long line of states
men and patriots who have knelt for a
blessing at Democracy's shrine.
80, bright are the names of those heroes
and sages,
That shine like stars through the dim
ness of ages.
Whose deeds are inscribed in the pages
Forever to live in the sunlight of
glory"
This high distinction must not be
unwOrthily bestowed. 1t must follow as
a reward for noble actions bravely
done, for unrequited tireless toll for
sacrifices made and strength displayed
for trusts discharged and pledges kept
We must seek a leader whose public
and private life most nearly exemplifies
his partys greatest ideals; who stands
unqualifiedly pledged to every issue we
declare; who viii carry the standard we
place in his hands, even as the Black
Douglas carried the sacred caSket that
enclosed the heart Of Bruce.
He must not declare for free trade with
Porto Rico, and then at the persuasive
suggestion of the sugar and tobacco
trust, sign bill for a tariff on the pro-
ducts of that island
He must not denounce a policy as
one of criminal aggression and then
at the demand of power behind the
throne, pursue the policy he has so de-
nounced.
He must not, while processing OPP
position to combines and conspiracies
against trade, send his emiSsaries to the
trust baron castles to beg, like Lazarus.
at Dives gates, for subscriptions to his
support of his administration to
monarchy In its efforts TO destroy a
republic. But he must ever sympathize
with a people struggling for the right
of self-government.
Instead of the Republican policy of
mono-metallisns, he must offer the free