The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-07-06
TEE TRIBUTE TO BRYAN
Mr.. 0ldham's Eloquent Speech Plac-
ing Him in Nomination.
4 Champion of Democracy. Born In
the Hour of Need, and Defying the
Oncoming HosfS-UnbnfHed by De-
fenf. Fighting for the Party's
Cause Through Four Long Years.

KANSAS CITY. July 4.-W. D. Oldham
the Deputy Attorney General of Nebraska,
in placing the name of William J. Bryan in
nomination for President, the Demo
cratic National Convention. said:
Mr.. Chairman: More than a hundred
years ago the Continental Co5grsss OF
America adopted declaration which had
been drafted by the founder of the Demo
cratic party. and the joyous tones of th=
old liberty bell which greeted the act an
nounoed 10 waiting world that nation
had been born.
With hearts unchilled by the selfish
sentiments OF cold commercialism, YOU
have responded patriotically to each senti-
ment contained in Democracy's fist plat
form as ii was read to you at the opaninG
of this Convention, ard in view OF the rad
ical departure which the party in power
has made from the principles set forth IN
that historic document, 1t is meet tha- we
true believers in the Republic of old
should. when choosing a field and forming
our lines for the bloodless battle OF ballots
now impending. say in the Language of cue
of the loved patriots of long ago:
Read this declaration at the head OF the army
End every sword shall be drawn from its scab-
bard. and a solemn vow taken TO maintain it or
t. perish the bed of honor.
Much of history for this Republic shall
be either made or marred By the action of
this Convention. You. as representatives
OF the only party which is coexistent with
the nation itself. the only party which ever
had within its own ranks sufficient con-
structive statesmanship 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 sacri-
Iege and schism taught by the Republican
party. That plan contains nothing but the
approved precepts of the elders and doctors
of your faith. IT, on such platform. you
place a candidate whose devoted and un-
blemished life shall stand as a pledge to
the plain people that he, in good faith, will
therein, then the hour of our ultimate tri-
rmph is at hand.
The Greatest Honor.
There is no greater honor reserved for
q citizen of these United States than to be-
come the standard bearer of the Democratic
party. 1t at once enrolls his name on the
scroll OF the 'immortais who are not born
to die and encircles him with halo of the
glory of all the illustrious achievements
which that unconquered and unconquerable
organization has emblazoned on every page
OF our nations history. 1t entrusts to his
keeping the fame of that long line of
statesmen and patriots who have knelt for
blessing at Democracy's shrine.
o, bright are the names of those heroes and sagos,
That shine like stars through the dimness of ages
Whose deeds are inscribed on the pages OF story.
Forever to live in the sunlight OF glory.
This high distinction must not be un-
worthily bestowed. 1t must follow as a re-
ward for noble actions bravely done, for
unrequited. tireless toll, for sacrifices made
and strength displayed. for trusts iischars-
ed and pledges kept We must seek lead
er whose public and private life most nearly
exemplifies his party's highest ideals; who
stands unqualifedly pledged to every issue
We declare; who will carry the standard
We place in his hands. even as the Black
Douglas carried the sacred casket that en-
closed the heart of Bruce.
He must not declare for free trade with
Porto Rico and then al the persuasive sug
ges.ion of the sugar and tobacco trusts
sign bill providing for tariff on the
products of that island
He must not denounce a policy as one
Of criminal aggression and then at the |
demand of power behind the throne pur-
sue the policy he has SO denounced.
He must not, while protesting opposi- |
lion TO combines and conspiracies against |
trade. send his emissaries to the trust
'aron castles TO beg like Lazarus at Dives
yates. for subscriptions to his campaign
He must not lend the moral support OF
lis Administration to a monarchy in its
forts TO destroy a Republic. But he mus,
rer sympathize with a people struggling
or the right of self-government.
Instead 81 the Republican policy OF /
he must offer the free and !
unlimited coinage of the money metals Of |
winged sandals of Herfnes, and The silver |
hat glitters In the bow of Diana.
Instead of breeding. credit cur |
-ency. controlled by the bank trust, he
rust offer Government paper controlled by
he people.
The Sense of Discrimination.
He must be able to distinguish be-
ween Democratic expansion and Republi-
an Imperialism. The first is a natural
,Towth by the addition OF contiguous
american territory. into every foot OF
.hich is carried the Constitution. the flag.
nd the Decalogue and over the shoulders
every inhabitant of the added terri
CRY is thrown a purple robe OF sovereign
itizenship. 1t is a growth that has added
ighteen stars to the field of blue in the
banner of the Free to symbolic the
tates that have been carved from terri
cry annexed to the domain of this ma
ion by the wisdom and craftsmanship OF
he Democratic party; this is an expan-