West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1900-08-23
CAMPAIGNS KEYNOTE
Sounded by the Democratic Lead
er in His Speech at
indianapolis.
PARAMOUNT ISSUE is IMPERIALISM
Policy in the Philippines Exhaustive
ly Discussed by Bryan.
PEOPLE GOVERNED MUST CONSENT
Or the Government Is Not ON Lines
Authorized by the Principles
OF the American Repub-
lic-Appeai To the
Fathers.
PARAMOUNT ISSUE Is IMPERIALISM
PEOPLE GOVERNED MUST CONSENT

by Mr.. Bryan at Indianapolis to the
committee which notified him OF his
nomination. for the presidency 10y the
democratic convention at Kansas
City:
Mr. Chairman and Members of the
Notification Committee
snail, at an early day. aud In
more formal manner, accept the nom
nation which you tender and | shall
at that time discuss the various ques-
tons covered by the Democratic plat
FORM. IL may not he out OF place, how
ever, TO submit few observations at
this time upon the general character
OF the contest before us. ana upon the
question which is declared TO he of
paramount Importance In this cam
paign.
When / say that the contest OF 1000
rs contest between Democracy on
the one hand and plutocracy on the
other do not mean To say that all our
opponents have deliberately chosen To
give TO organized wealth predominant
ing influence In the affairs OF the gov
ernment, but | do assert that on the
important issues OF the day the Re
publican party is dominated by those
influences which constantly tend 10 ele-
Vate pecuniary considerations and ig-
said that the Republican party be-
lieved In the man and the dollar. but
that In case of conflict II believed I'm
the man before the dollar. This Is the
proper relation which should exist be-
tween the two. Man, the handiwork of
God, comes first, money. the handi.
work of man, is OF Inferior Importance.
Man Is the master, money the servant,
but upon all important questions today
Republican legislation tends TO make
money the master and man the sery-
ant.
The maxim of. Jefferson. equal
rights to all and special privileges to
none. and the doctrine of Lincoln
that this should be government .or
the people. by the people and for the
people. are being disregarded, and
the instrumentalltles of government
are being used 10 advance the inter
ests OF those who are In n position to
secure favors from the government.
The Democratic party is not making
war upon the honest acquisition OF
wealth; IL has no desire TO discourage
Industry. economy and thrift. ON the
contrary, il gives to every citizen the
greatest possible stimulus to honest
toll when II promises him protection
IN the enjoyment of the proceeds OF
secure when hunan rights are respect
cd. Democracy strives for Il civilian
ton In which every member OF society
VIII SHARE according TO his merits
NO one has right 20 expect from
society more than fair compensation
for the service which he rendera to
society. II he secures more Il is Mt the
expense Of some one else. 1t is no in
Justice to him to prevent his doing In
Justice to another. TO him who would.
either through class legislation or in
the absence OF necessary legislation.
trespass upon the rights OF another the
Democratic party says. "Thou shalt
not"
Against us are arrayed Il conpara-
lively small, but politically and finan-
cially powerful, number who reaIly
profit by Republican policies. but with
them are associated large number
who, because OF their attachment to
their party name. are giving their sun
poit 10 doctrines antagOnistic to the
Former teachings OF their own party.
Republicans who used to advocate bi-
metallisni, now try to convince them
selves that the gold standard is good;
Republicans who were formerly ut-
tached 70 the greenback are now seek
ing an excuse for givingnational banks
control OF the nations paper money:
Republicans who used to boast that
the Republican party was paying off
the national debt. are now looking for
reasons 10 support perpetual and in
creasing debt; Republicans who for
merely abhorred q trust. now beguile
themselves with the dcluslOn that there
are good trusts and bad trusts. while
ln their minds the line between the
two is becoming more and more OH
scure; Republicans who in times mast
congratulated the country upon the
small expense 0f our standing army
are now making light Of the objections
which are urged against large increase
IN The permanent military establish
mcnt; Republicans who glOrled I'm our
independence when the nation was less
powerful now look with favor up0u n
Foreign alliance: Republicans whOthree
years ago who condemned "fOrcible am
ncXatlon' as immoral and even Grim.
innl' are now sure that il is both inn
moral aud criminal to oppose forcibIe
annexation.