Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1901-09-20
THE NATION MOURNS.

Some of the yellow Republican papers have
gone so far as to say that Bryan was the cause
of the assassination of President Mckinley
and some, by inuendo, would make their read
'crs believe that Bryan and his followers rejoice
over TIE death of the president and uphold the
nefarious doctrines advocated by the anarchists
To show where Bryan stands on this subject
we republsh the FIRST editorial in last weeks
Co,nmoner, which voices the sentiments oi
every true, loyal American citizen, regardless
uf his political convictions.
Mr.. Bryan's article was written prior to the
death OF President Mckinley:
"The nation bows in sorrow and humiliation
in sorrow because its chief executive, its off
cial head, is passing through the valley OF the
shadow of death-in humiliation because the
president of our republic has fallen victim to
the cruel and cowardly methods employ ed in
monarchies where helpless and hopeless SUBJ
jects sometimes meet arbitrary power with vio-
lence.
'sIn morals and in the cotemplaton of law,
all lives are of equal value-all are priceless
but when seventy-fve millions of people select
one of their number and invest him with the
authority which attaches to the presidency, he
becomes their representative, and blow at
him is resented as an attack upon all.
"Beneath the partisanship of the individual
lies the patriotism of the citizen-sometimes
dormant, it is true, but always active in hours
of peril and misfortune. While the presidents
life hangs in the balance, there are no party
lines. The grief of personal friends and close
political associates may be more poignant, but
their sympathy is not more sincere than that
extended by political opponents. Although
none but his family and physicians are admit
ted to his room,e all his countrymen are at his
bedside in thought and sentiment, and their
prayers ascend for his recovery. 1t was char
acteristic Of his thoughtfulness that, even amid
the excitement following the assault, he eau
toned his companions not to exaggerate his
condition to his invalid wife.
"And the humiliation! Are our public serv-
ants--those who are chosen by the people, and
who exercise, for limited time, the authority
bestowed by the people-are these to live i'll
constant fear of assassination? Is there to be
no difference between our constitutional govern
meut and those despotic governments which
rest, not upon the consent of the governed, but
upon brute force?
"'rhere is no place for anarchy i'll the United
States; there is no room here for those who
commit, counsel or condone murder, 10 matter
what political excuse may he urged in its de-
tense. The line between peaceful agitation
and violence is clear and distinct. We have
freedom OF speech and freedom of the press in
this country, and they are essential to the inain
tenauce Of our liberties. If any one desires to
criticise the methods of government or the con-
duct of an official, he has perfect right to do
SO, but his appeal must he to the intelligence
and patriotism of his fellow citizens, not to
force. Let no one imagine that he can improve
soc,al or political conditions by the shedding
blood.
Free governments may be overthrown, but
thev cannot be reformed, by those who violate
the commandment, Thou shalt not kill.
uUnder government like ours, every wrong
can be remedied by law, and the laws are in the,