Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1906-08-29
MR.. BRYAN'S POPULARITY
PHENOMENAL

PHENOMENAL
In the political annals of tn
United States there is nothing a
ell comparable to the recent rsviva
of the popularity of Hon. William
J. Bryan. Twice he was defeated
for the Presidency, says the Balti
more Sun. In the campaign o.
1904, when the so-called conserva
tive forces in the Democratic party
were in control, it was alleged that
the lukswarmness Of Mr.. Bryan's
large personal following was
responsible to great extent for
the overwhelming defeat of Judge
Parker. Yet Mr.. Bryan has today
assurance Of the support and the
esteem of most elements of the
Democratic partY--and they are
wing with each other in protesta-
tions of good will and confidence.
This is by far the most interest
ing and curious political phe-
nomenon in American history. 1t
is as unaccountabls in it's way as
the earthquake or the tidal wave.
Mr.. Bryan went abroad a few
months ago when it seemed that
his prestige was waning and he
was no longer the most command
ing influence in the party. In this
brief period marvellous TRANSIT Or
nation has been effected. Democrats
who have opposed him and Demo
Gratis who have been his adherents
through thick and thin are now
acclaiming him as the leader of
the Democracy ana declaring their
inten ton to make common cause
with him in the political battles
OF the future.
If the country were in condi-
ton of industrial an d agricultural {
depression, had been passing
through a long period of hard
times, il would be easy to under ]
stand why the masses should turn q
to Mr.. Bryan or any other man t
whose leadership might offer =
prospect of relief. Or if President
Roosevelt and the Republican party t
had turned an absolutely deaf ear d
to popular appeals for Legislation 2
against trusts and railroads, we II
could find reasonable explanation a.
of the mighty movement of the al
Democratic tide in Mr.. Bryan's S
favor. But no such conditions
exist. The country is still en- the
highest wave of prosperity, and
the Republicans responded, par r
italy, at least, to the popular de- -
mands with respect to trusts and ~
monopolies. The Bryan renaissance, 20
has all the aspects of a
genuine political phenomenon, for r. r.
which there is, on the surface at M
oil events. no adequate explana- in
ton.
The most astonishing feature of GU
Mr.. Bryan's phenomenal restora. 10
ton to the favor of most Of the ele- he
rents Of his party is that it is ed
absolutely spontaneous. Nowhere pm
% there evidence that public senti. rel
nent has been manufactured. In 49,
he popular enthusiasm there is no ac,
of the artificial. No Nj
machine, no organization has work th'
ID this up. 1t has grown in a lo e
light, like Jonah's gourd. Whether mo
t will wither in day remains to an,
10 seen. res
Mr.. Bryan has good cause to be GOV
ratified at such expressions of "e
but these expressions chr
hould have the effect of making
i'm realize the tremendous re- LII
possibility which rests upon him. .,i.
lever in ell his public csreer was ~
here a time when he needed more lea
D exercise sound judgment, calm plo
CELEBRATION aud to take a @
practical, common
,nse view of the economic and 4
olitical situation in his native Ra,
md. Hel
When Mr.. Bryan lands in New eng
ork this week be will be greeted -:
= representatives Of nearly all will
ements in the Democratic party. I
is understood to be his purpose Ma
make an address in response to soio
lie greetings of his party friends. W.,
r.. Bryan, as an experienced alto
'mpaigner and student of politics, Cou
,ght to be able to gauge accu- rent
tely the significance of the pee
lthusiasm which he has evoked.
resi-
San Francisco made the frs. ,or