Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-07-06
BRYAN AND
THE PLATFORM
Continued from Page 5.


have responded patriotically to each
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 had made from the
principles set forth In that historic doc
ument, it is meant that we--true be-
levers 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
one of the loved patriots of long ago:
Read this declaration at the head of
the army, and every sword shall be
drawn from It's scabbard. and solemn
VOW taken to maintain it or TO perish
on the bed of honor.
A PLAN FOR REDEMPTION.
'Much of the history of this Repub-
lie shall be either made or married by
the action of this convention. You, as
representatives Of the only party in
which is co-eNistent with the nation
itself; the only party which ever had
within its own ranks sufficient con-
structive craftsmanship to create
nation in which each citizen becomes
sovereign have, true to the traditions
you bear. in your platform set out in
simple language with q decided Amer
lean accent, n plan for the peoples re-
demption from each sacrilege and
schism taught by the Republican
party. The plan contains nothing but
and Doctors of your faith. If, on a
platform, YOU place candidate whose
devoted and unblemished life shall
stand as pledge to the plain people
that he, in good faith, will carry out
the solemn covenants made the rein,
then the hour of our ultimate triumph
is at hand.
NO GREATER HONOR.
"There is no greater honor reserved
for n citizen of these United States
than to become the standard bearer of
the Democratic party. 1t at once en-
rolls his name on the scroll of the I'm
mortals who are not born to die and
encircles him With a halo of the glory
of all the illustrious achievements
which that unconquered and uncon-
querable organization has embazoned
on every page of our nations history.
1t entrusts to his keeping the fame of
that long line of statesmen and pa
triots who have knelt for n blessing at
Democracy'S shrine:
80, bright are the names of those he
roes and sages
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
unworthily bestowed. 1t must follow
as a reward for noble actions bravely
done. for unrequitted, 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 eXempli-
fies his party's highest ideals; who
stands unqualifedly pledged to every
issue we declare; who will carry the
standard we place in hfs hands, even
as the Black Douglass carried the sa-
cred casket that enclosed the heart of
Bruce.
He must not declare for free trade
with Puerto Rico, and then ut the per-
suasive suggestion of the sugar and
tobacco trust, sign r. bill for n tariff
on the products of that island.
He must not denounce policy as
one of criminal aggression and then
at the demand of the power behind
the throne. pursue the policy he has
SO denounced.
"He must not. While protesting op-
position to combines ana conspiracies
against trade, send his emissaries 70
the trust Baron castles TO beg. like
Lazarus, at Dives gates, for subscrip-
lions TO his campaign. He must not
lend the moral support of his admins
tration to a monarchy i'll its efforts 10
destroy republic. But he must ever
sympathize with a people struggling
for the right of government
Instead of the Republican policy OF
mono-metallism, he must offer the free
end unlimited coinage of the money
metals of the constitution, the gold
that polished the winged sandals OF
Hermes, and the silver that glitters in
the bow of Diana.
GOVERNMENT PAPER MONEY.
Instead of q panic breeding, credit
currency, controlled by the bank trust.
he must offer government paper con-
trolled by the people.
He must be able to distinguish be-
tween Democratic expansion and Re-
publican Imperialism. The first is a
natural growth by the addition of con-
uguouS American territory, into every
foot OF which is carried the constitu
ton, the flag and the decalogue, and
pver the shoulders OF every inhabitant
Of the added territory is thrown pur
pie robe of sovereign citizenship. 1t is
/ growth that has added eighteen
)tars to the field OF blue in the Banner
If the Free to symbolic the stars
hat have been carved from territory
annexed TO the domain of this nation
by the wisdom and craftsmanship oil
Me Democratic party; this is an eX-
)ansiOn that is bounded on the north
~ the constitution of the United
States, on the east by the Monroe doc
,rine. on the South by the Declaration
If Independence, and on the west by
The Ten Commandments.
For four years he has waSed an un-
.easing warfare against the peoples
inemy; for four years he has held up
lhe party's standard, and his voice has
eheered the hosts OF Democracy in
svery State and Territory. When the
trusts began to increase under the pro-
lection of a Republican administra ton
he was the first to point out the dam
ger and prescribe n remedy.
BRYAN A SOLDIER.
'When the alnrums OF war for
humanity reused the heroic spirit Of