New-York tribune., 1901-09-11
BRYAN CONDEMNS ANARCHY.
NO ROOM HERE FOR THOSE WHO COMMIT
COUNSEL OR CONDONE MURDER.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRrBr

IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNEl
Lincoln, Neb., Sept. 10.-In authorized
statement w. j. Bryan said yesterday:
The nation bows in sorrow and humiliation. in
sorrow because its Chief Executive, its official
mead, 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 employed
in monarchies. where helpless and hopeless sub
1ects sometimes meet arbitrary power with vio-
lence.
In morals and In the contemplation of law all
lives are of equal value-all are priceless-but
when seventy-five millions of people select one
of their number, and invest him with the
thority which attaches to the Presidency, he
becomes their representative and blow aimed
at him is resented as an attack upon all.
Beneath the partisanshp of the individual lies
the patriotism of the citizen. sometimes dor
mant it is true but always active in hours of
peril 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 SYM
pathy is not more sincere than that extended
by political opponents. Although none save his
family and his physicians are admitted to his
room, all his countrymen are at his bedside in
thought and sentiment. and their prayers
cepd for his recovery. II was characteristic OF
his thoughtfulness that even amid the excite
rent following the assault he cautioned his
companions not 20 exaggerata his condition TO
his invalid wife
And the humiliation. Are our public servants
those who are chosen by the people. and who
exercise for limited time the authority be-
slowed by the peOple-are they TO live in con-
stant fear OF assassination Is there TO be
difference between our constitutional govern
ment and those despOtc governments which
rest not upon the consent of the governed. but
upon brute force? There is place for
arch In the United States. There is no room here
for those who commit, counsel condone mur
der. No matter what particular excuse may be
urged in its defence. the line between peaceful
agitation and violence is clear and distinct. Let
imagine that he can improve social or
political conditions by the shedding Of blood.
Free governments may be overthrown. but they
cannot be reformed by those who violate the
commandment. Thou shalt not murder" In
der a government like ours every wrong can be
remedied by law. and the laws are in the hands
OF the people themselves.
Anarchy be neither excused nor tolerated
here The man who proposes to right public
wrong by taking the life Of a human being
makes himself outlaw. and cannot con-
sistently appeal TO the protection Of the govern
ment which he repudates. He invites return
10 a state of barbarism in which each one
must at his own risk. defend his rights
and revenge his wrongs. The punishment
administered 20 the woud-be assassin and TO his
coCunspirators. Il he any, should be such
as TO warn all inclined to anarchy. that. while
this is an asylum for those who love liberty, 1t
is an inhospitable place for those who raise
their hands against all forms Of government.