The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1906-07-19
HE HAS NOT CHANGED
Bryan Says Time Has Strengthened
clnvictions, Not Changed Them
is More Radical Than Ever

/ q, f..
William ]. Bryan, having had the
opportunity of reading American news
papers, consented today TO discuss
some of the questions which have been
raised since he has again become
prominent as presidential possibility.
He said
i notice that I am described by
some as conservative, and in order
that there may be no misunderstand-
ing on that subject, permit me to saw
'hat III one sense | have always been
a conservative, The democratic pol
icies are conservative in that they en-
pody Old principles applied to new con
dltions. There was nothing new in
principle in either of the platforms on
winch ! stood. We were accused Of
attacking property. when in fact the
democratic party is the defender of
property, because it endeavors tn
draw the line between honest accum-
ulation by honest methods on the one
slde and predatory wealth and i'm
moral methods on the other.
1t Is to the interests of everv hon
est man that dishonesty should no OK.
posed and punished; otherwise tho
deserving are apt to suffer for the
undeserving.
III, however, by the word conser.
valve they mean that | have changed
my position on any public question
VI moderated my opposition to cor
porate aggrandizement. thew have
surprise waiting for them. am
more radical than l was in 1895 and
nave nothing to withdraw on econon- .
lcal questions which have been under
discussion.
The only question we d;so,vsoa
~ 1896, upon which there has been
any apparent change, is the silver
question, and that has not been a
. !. IN the advocates of bimetal-
ism, but In conditions. We commended
.or more money and urged the free
,oihage OF silver as the only means
men IN sight of securing it. The in.
production of gold has hrouoht
= part the benefit we expected to
secure from the restoration OF silver
Inc - per capita volume of money in
-ne united States is almost 30 nor
'ent greater now than it was in 1895
'nu the benefits brought by this in
crease have not only vindicatad
me quantitative theory of money hut
nave proven the benefits of the iargar
amount OF money. No advocate of tha
gold standard can claim the tr;nn,,,.
If his logic. Wv - iui'iph
!. ! pelleve in bimetallism and no.
leVe tnat the restoration of silver
"ouia .prlng still further prosneritv
,esiues restoring par IN exchange he'
,~eeI soio and silvery using countries
'ut l recognize, as do ali otber HI
netaihsts whom / have met abroad
Nat the unexpected and unnreoo
rented increase in gold nrodnot;o,,
1871, los ,ol Tue present removed the silver
question as an issue.
Whlie the money question bas
sahed IN Importance, other questions
ave oeen forging to the front and to
hese questions we must apnlv no
anne principles we applied to tho
money question and seek to seorno
ne greatest good to the greatest nm
,er by legislation which conforms r.
ne doctrine of equal rights for al |
ma special privileges for none.
On the new questions many will
et with us who were against nc on G
ne money question, for notwithstand
ng the discussion of that question
unions did not understand II and
we're frightened into opposition We
an not expect the support Of anv.
ne who is Interested in talrs.. 5