Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1900-09-07
TRIBUTE TO BRYAN.
Kansas City, Mar. 20, 1900

j. NJ. Lowe writing to the
Times says:
AS an offset to the pessimistic
sighings of those who lament the
older and better days OF our
political history, l enclose an
editorial from the Chicago
Times-Herald, one of the ablest
and most uncomprOmising Re
publican papers in United States
1t is gratifying to find that q
political adversary can speak SO
candidly and truthfully. 1t is
alike creditable to human nature
and to the present condition OF
the public mind as well, for when
before in our political history
could such. sentiments have
found expression? But when
before was there such a subject
for fair and honest criticism as
Bryan? The Times-Herald says:
':The same day that ex-Gov-
ernor Hogg was carrying Tam
many by storm with his refer
ence to Bryan, Mr.. Bryan him
self was received with tremen-
dous enthusiasm both at Atlanta
and Barnesville, Ga. Every
where it is the same story. The
man seems to have suffered not
at all in the esteem of the masse5
of his followers beca us :
Of his defeat in 1896. True, he
has found in several States that
the Democratic leaders consider
the silver issue a disastrous one,
and in those States the popular
vote would certainly be hostile
to his silver policy, but wherever
he goes he meets with manifesto
tions of an almost fanatical
loyalty. Very few American
politicians have been the object
of such general or intense devo-
ton.
What, then, will explain this
extraordinary phenomenon? e
may be referred to combine-
ton of causes, each potent in its
way. Mr.. Bryan has character,
sincerity, a winning personality,
intellectual brilliancy, eloquence,
and the elements are SO mixed in
him as to produce the best possi-
BILE effect. He is, besides, the
leading exponent of a principle.
which gives him a remarkable in
fiuence where the principle is
held, while his character, gifts
and attachments secure him the
liking of people who regret the
principle.
At one time there was a very
natural disposition to ascribe
his prestige to a single speech,
but the speech was merely his
opportunity. Since delivering it
he has proved his powers many
times, and he has stood the
closer scrutiny of the public,
which is attracted but not DOM
mated by OratOry.
We have known men even
more brilliant, men on the plat
form who never got beyond the
part of performer in q campaign
show. With all their ability to
speak they could not command
respect because they did not
possess those qualities which the
American people desire in their
political leaders OF the presiden-
tial class.
MIR. Bryan is clean of speech
and act. He-has nothing to eN-
plain. He is honest in his con-
victions. What he lacks most is
a lively humor, and this some
times does a politician more
harm than good, as s. S. Coz
used to confess ruefully. Much
as Americans enjoy a Joke, they
prefer serious men in high
places.
With such a leader as this, de
feat is far more honorable to th'
party than victory would be IN
der that of the mere pOlltlca
trimmer. Ii the Democrat
party is to be saved with ell o
the principles and tradition
worth saving, it must be don
under the influence and inspira
ton of William Jennings Bryan
He embodies all that is best il
Democracy-all that is highes
and best in American manhood
A DOZEN republicans at leas
l. LII =