Los Angeles herald., 1906-07-14
Mr.. BRYAN ON THE ISSUES

There are two things so characteris-
tic of Mr.. Bryan that men of all parties
recognize and Concede them to him.
Cne is the courage u his convictions
and the other is the frankness and
| clearness of his expression of them.
In his latest interview. published at
length in yesterdays Herald, Mr.. Bryan
plur ges at once into the discussion of
matters which he knows are uppermost
in the public mind and concerning g
which the public are interested in know
ing his attitude.
He does not beat around the bush or
offer any apologies, but declares en-
phatically that "he has nothing to with
draw on economical questions which
have been under discussion" This
declaration was certainly to be ex-
pected "I believe in bimetallism," he
of silver would bring still further pros
perity, but l recognize that the uneX-
pected and unprecedented increase in
gold production has for the present re-
moved the silver question as an issue"
In other words, conditions have so
changed that the immediate necessity
for the restoration of silver is not and
cannot be in controversy. The issue is
dead.
Concerning the trusts, Mr. Bryan
makes it clear that upon this point ne
is more radical than ever, but promptly
adds that "our efforts should be to dis
tinguish between those corporati tions
which are legitimate and those aggre-
cations of wealth which are organized
for purposes of public plunder and
appeal for support to those who are
willing to have the government pro-
tect each person in the enjoyment of
his own earnings"
This Is doctrine to which not only
every Democrat. but also every honest
Republican, can readily subscribe. 1t
is the sort of doctrine that means the
welfare and reform of governmental ad-
ministration. II means an effort to help
the weak as against the mighty.
It will he readily observed that Mr..
Bryan's mind has broadened and deep
ened as the years went by. He was
always a sincere, clean and an honest
man. His personal popularity increased
with his every campaign, and today he
is rightly considered an American
statesman of commanding and superior
ability. He is an honest friend of the
people. He knows their condition and
needs He has travelled through every
state and territory in the Union and
looked upon every section and inves-
tigated the labors and circumstances
of the people in every locality.
1t can be said of Mr.. Bryan, in greater
degree than of any other man. that he
knows this country. and hence his
sympathies, beirg thoroughly enlight-
ened, are properly inclined. 1t has been
said of some other presidents that they
were rarely west of the Alleghenies and
never west of the Mississippi Not so
with Mr.. Bryan. He is equally at home
in Nebras ska or California, in New
York or New Mexico. He knows
| the innermost life of all the people and
/ his greatness and courage make of hin,
an ideal public character.
No wonder the Democratic party is
solid for Bryan. No wonder that al
ready the laboring Republicans who
have listened to his matchless eloquence
are expressing satisfaction over his
prospective nomination. He belongs to
the common people. He has always
pleaded their cause-perhaps not always
with cunning diplomacy, but at least
with courage and dignity.
And the American peopl0 will make
no mistake when hey elect William
Jennings Bryan as president of the
/ T-Dited States