The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-09-23
BRYAN EXPLAINS
RAILROAD VIEWS
Declares in Jackson He Has
Been Misquoted
is UP TO THE RAILROADS
Says He No More Favors Government
Ownership of Railroads Than Does
Roosevelt-John Sharp
Williams Speaks.
is UP TO THE RAILROADS

jackson, Miss, September 22.-Missis-
sinnI extended a cordial welcome to Will
liam ]. Bryan today when he spoke to
about 1900 people, many Of whom could
not get into the building, but stood on
the outside, while others who could not
get within range of the speakers voice,
left the grounds. Leading democrats from
all parts of the state were here and at
the conclusion of the address resolutions
introduced by r. II. Henry, commenda-
tory of Bryan, were adopted by stand
ing vote thus emphasizing the confidence
of Mississippi democrats In the lead. MIR.
Bryans speech was along the usual lines,
dealing with trusts, government control
Of railroads, and congratulating President
Roosevelt upon his democratic tendencies.
While the sentiment of Mississippi is
largely for Bryan under all circumstances
there Is a strong opposition to govern
ment ownership of railroads and he de-
voted most of his address to explaining
his position on that question
He declared he had been misquoted and
misrepresented In his utterances ON that
question; that he simply expressed his
views as a private citizen, which he had
a right to do, and was not trying to
force his individual views on the party.
No More Than Roosevelt.
"I no more favor government ownership
of railroads" declared the speaker, than
does President Roosevelt, whose utter
ances on that subject are still fresh i'm the
minds of all And | noticed that Mr..
Fairbanks, in his Chicago address, stated
that the passage of the rate law was
simply the beginning. What the vice
President meant to convey Is more open
to misconstruction than any of my state
ments. / am not defending, my original
statement on that question nor apologizing
for anything / said. and will reterate
here. that unless the law against the
railroads Is enforced. unless they are
eliminated from politics, placed in a po-
sition where they can no longer corrupt
legislation, joint government and state
ownership would be the ultimate result
But the railroads will force the issue.
not the people
Takes Up Trust Question.
Mr. Bryan here took up the trust ques-
tion. He said President Roosevelt was
good democrat, as far as he went, but
that he had not gone far enough. And
~ democratic measures were good when
thew would be better in the hands of a
democratic President and Congress. At the
conclusion of Mr.. Bryan's address, who
was presented by Governor Vardaman,
there were calls for John Sharp VIII
liams, who occupied seat on the plat
form.
Mr.. williams, when he arose to speak,
was greeted with applause lasting several
minutes the audience rising to its feet
and cheering the minority leader in the
lower house of Congress.
Mr. williams eulogized Bryan. calling
attention to those measures advocated
by him that he had enacted by the re-
publicans with the aid of democrats. lie
called attention to the fact he had sup
ported Mr. Bryan in two campaigns and
would do so again. but stated that he
was unalterably opposed to government
ownership of railroads.
THAT is the only question" he de-
clared ION which I differ with Mr.. Bry-
an" Mr. Williams speech was well re-
ceived and as he closed he was again
enthusiastically cheered.