The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-01-19
NO WORD OF SILVER.
Col. Bryan Sounds Keynote at
Dollar Dinner.

Lincoln, Neb., Jan. 19.-In the form
of a dollar dinner a formal welcome
to W. j Bryan on his return from
Europe was extended last night, and it
was attended by nearly 700 Democrats.
made up principally of men in full
sympathy and accord with Mr.. Bryan's
political policies. 1t was intended as a
testimonial of regard and sympathy
with Mr.. Bryan's political ideals. from
members of his party in the city and
state, and to mark his entry into active
participation of the pre-convention
campaign.
Mr. Bryan held a special reception
previous to the banquet and was given
a warm greeting. His speech when
was extended was given close atten-
ton and heartily applauded, his decla-
ration that the Kansas City platform
was sound in every plank and must be
reiterated, together with his demand
that the nominees of the St. Louis con-
ventfon be in accord with that plat
form, bringing out the demonstration
of the evening.
Mr. Bryan was the last speaker, be-
ing introduced by Toastmaster Mana
han in a humorous way as 'Monsieg-
nuer Bryan" distinguished foreign
envoy. who had come to study political
methods in the western world.
Mr.. Bryan speaking to the toast, 1.-The
Moral ISSUE" said in part:
Instead of talking of concessions and
compromises, it is time for honest and
aggressive action. We are confronted
with a condition that may well alarm
the thoughtful and patriotic. We find
corruption everywhere. Voters are
bought at so much per head, representa-
tives in our city government are profit
ing by their position and even federal
officials are selling their influence. What
is the cause? The commercial spirit that
puts a price on everything and resolves
every question into "Will it pay?'
This conmercialism has given popu-
larity to that theory of government
which permits the granting of privileges
to a favored few and defends the theory
by an attempt to show that the money
thus given directly finds it's way indi-
rectly back into the pockets of the tax
payers.
We see this theory in operation on
every side. The protective traif sched
ules illustrate it; or our financial system
rests upon it; the trusts hide them
selves behind it, and imperialists are
substituting this theory for the con-
stitution Is it strange that money is
used to carry elections? If a party
makes certain classes rich by law will
it not naturally turn to those classes for
contributions during the campaign? If
congress votes millions of dollars an
nually to tariff barOns, money magnates
and mOnopolists, is it not natural that
aldermen should traffic in the small
legislation of a city council, and if Off
Gals, high and low use the government
as if it were a private asset, is it sur
prising that many individuals who are
without official position yield to the
temptation to sell the only political in
f1uence they have, namely, the ballot?
What is the remedy? There is but one
remedy-an appeal to the moral sense
if the country-an awakening Of public
conscience.
And how can this appeal be made?
Not by showing a greater desire for
the spoils of office than for reform,
but by turning a deaf ear to the con-
temptible cry of anything to win"
and by announcing an honest and
straightforward position on every pub
lie question. If we would appeal to
sincere men, we must ourselves be
sincere, and our sincerity can be
shown only by a willingness to suffer
defeat rather than abandon the cause
of good government.
Shall we accept Imperialism as an
accomplished fact in order to appease
those who are willing to indorSe gov
eminent without the consent of the
governed" There can be no thought
of such a surrender, for who would
trust us to deal with other questions
if we prove false to the fundamental
principles of self-government?
Shall we change our position on the
trust question in order to secure the
support of the trust magnate2 Not for
a moment can we think of it. We