The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-08-25
MIR. Brynn,s Topeka Speech.

MIR. Brynn's Topeka Speech.
Mr. Bryan has delivered another grea
Grafton in acknowledging the Populis
nomination for the Presidency. He ha
given his opponents material for reflec
ton and arguments which. in lieu of an
swering, they will endeavor to pervert.
He has evaded nothing and has demon
strated that it is possible to discuss the
various questions involved in the cam
paign. and at the same time give due
prominence TO the paramount issue de-
fined in the platform of his own party He
makes it plain at the outset that he has
nothing to conceal, and that those who
seek what is just have nothing TO fear froi.l
the fullest and freest discussion of tbs
subjects respecting which the several
parties differ.
clcsiCn but in the Cpen field, ana that 1t thlives
best in the sunlight OF fell and free debate. /
have confidence that the discussion which your
party has compelled viii aid in reaching mat
true solution cf pegsiiHg problems toward which
all honest citizens aim.
Great economic questions. Mr. Bryan
goes on to show. are not settled by the
campaign; that if certain policy shall
in the future prove disastrous, or even
injurious to the interests of the country,
the people wifi find way to correct the
evil. He says:
'.Expeiience and experience alone settles cues
tiors. II an lncrcase in the volume of the cur
rency since 1870, although unpT0misGd by the
Repuflica.l, ard unexpected, mas brought in
fT-sars "a -
ment instead Of answering the arguments put
forth in favor Ct bmetallism, only, confirms the
conitrtion Of those who insisted that more money
would make better tins.
The Republican party, however while claiming
credit for tie increase in circulation, makes TO
permanent provision for an adequate supply Of
standard money Il denies the necessity tor more
real money while L permits national banks 10
Plnd the volume OF paper promise to pay money"
Mr.. Bryan refers to the questions re-
specting which the Populists and his own
party had disagreed. and those as to
which they are united, prefacing lis
remarks on imperialism and the para
mount importance of this issue in the
following words:
Let me now invite your attention 10 questions
which wcU.d justify cooperation at this time
even though differed upon economic questions
!. is not fault that tnese new questions hay,.
been thrust into the arena OF politics: il IS not
our fault that the people have been called upon
10 consider questions Of ever-increasing magni-
tude''
Re then proceeds to show that while
the tariff. the currency, and other sub
iects are worthy of great consideration.
that a still greater question is whether
our Government shall continue Republic
or whether an empire in its stead shall
be established in which brute force is
the only recognized source of power" He |
proceeds:
In 4 government where the people rule every |
wrong can be righted and every evil remeded /
bui When the doctrine OF self-govefnment i i'm
paired and might Is substituted for right there
correctly.
"A colonial policy would so occupy the people
with the consideration Of the nations fi,-ri.a I
policy that domestic questions would be ne
lected. Who viii haul down the aaEs' or stand
by the President would be the prompt Response 3
10 every criticism q the Administrator. and
corruption and special privilege would thrive /
uA1er the cover OF patriotism
He explains how the imperial policy was
instigated by syndicates who are inter
ested in developing. for their own profit.
the islands wrested from the spaniards,
leaving nothing for the American people
TO do except to furnish an army sufficient
to hold the people in subsection while their
schemes were being developed
Mr.. Bryan reviews the effects OF i'm
in Europe. and points out the
and disproportionate cost of
the mTerial system, compared
with any possible advantage that may be
derived from it. He shows that there is
no middle ground; that if We enter upon
a colonial career We must repudiate the
principles and traditions Of our country.
when such an issue is raised there can be only
two pariies-the party, whatever its name may
le, which believes in a republic and the par;v
whatever its name, which believes in an empire:
and the influence Of every citizen is consciously
y unconsciously, Intentionally Internationally
thrown upon one side or the other"
illustrating the irrepressible conflict be-
.weea the monarchy and the republic he
Jays with much point:
"Quccn Victoria ilas recognized this necessary
between the democratic and the I'M.
leri4i form Of government In proTcsuing Par
lament 4 few DAYS ago she said: Believing tia.
he political independence Of the Republics woulJ ,
e constant danger 70 tie peace Of South Afri-
a, auihorizod the ante1ation Of the Orange |
rec State Z
a republic Is always menace 10 4 monarchy
ut IS truth Is always menace 10 error. self
being the natural government. must ;
create dissatisfaction among the sub
ects Of those governments which build upon !
One other foundation than the consent Of the [
oyerucd. What the Orange FREQ State aud Trans.
AL Republics 20 South Africa our Republic
70 the world, and only our increasing strength | :
nd the wide Atlantic have protected US from the ;
neNtiTguishable hostility which must ever exist
ctWefn those Who support a throne and those j
no recognize the citizen as the sovereign" c
He ooneIPIes with this eloquent and pa h
riotic appeal:
Let this nation stand erect. and. spurning the g
ribs q wealth and power. show that there j, a
eality IN the principles which we profess Let
show that there Is difference between a r.. | [
ublic and monarchy, sud the Oppressed in | .
yery land viii see in our flag the hope Of their
M delivenince, and, whether they are bleeding [
pom tie battle field or groaning beneath ty- | N
ants lash, viii raise their eyes toward heaven =
nd breathe teTvcnt prayer for the safety OF 3
ar Republic d
Mr. Bryan has, by this mastery address. I,
demonstrated that parties differing on less S
nportant matters may, without the sacri- r.
&c of principle. unite in the defence of n
ur free institutions against the common Il
De-. which stands for an imperial govern Il
lent supported by military force The d
ifiuenee Of this powerful presentation of
ne issues will extend far beyond the i'm C,