Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1907-10-16
"The Average Man" Discussed
by William J. Bryan

Dy William - ID r~h
The Hon, William jennings
Bryan visited Richmond last Fri
day and delivered an address at
the State Fair before an immense
audience, his theme being "Ihe
Average Man." President Henry
G. Stuart of the, fair association
presented former Governor A. L.
Montague, who in turn introduced
Mr.. Bryan.
The speech was discussion OF
national issues-trusts, centraliza-
ton and States rights, tariH re-
vision, rate regulation, swollen
fortunes, imperialism, govern
mentsls conditions abroad. A
large part of the address was de-
voted to a comparison OF condl-
tione in foreign countries with
conditions at home.
In commenting on the address
the Times-Dispatch of Saturday
said editorially:
"Mr. Bryah's speech at the
State Fair Yesterday was cOnserva-
tive and in good temper. 1t was
lusty and pronounced, and I'M
sparing in its attack upon the foes
of Democracy and the common
veal, but it was singularly free
from vindictiveness, vituperation
or display of personal spite. There
was little in his address to which
any good Democrat or any gooo
citizen could object.
"Mr. Bryan's differentiation be,
tween the jefferson school ano
Hamilton school of politics was
able and scholarly, and yet so clear
and plain that the SIMPLEST mine
could understand and comprehend
He was bold and aggressive In hi
Remuneration of Capitalization ane
eloquent in this championship O.
States rights as the means Of
keeping the government close e
the people. That is a Democratic
fundamental. When the govern
mentis close to the people they
understand 1t and take e persona
interest in it. 1t is that sort o
government Only that teaches tn
high art of self-gcvernment ant
develops it. President Roosevelt
is forever telling the people tina
they should strengthen the govern
ment at Washington and increas
its powers, on the plea that tn
: Federal government can take gar
of the interests of the people BET
ter than the local government. L
a few cares, that may be true, bu
As a general proposition 1t is falls
and mischievious doctrine and, l
lis tendency, destructive OF Demo
: cratic government. Its advocates
es Mr.. Bryan well said. would re
move the governing power as 10
as Iossible from tie people, re
that means TO:e pOwe- and great
o or license for the rulers, ;"d les
t interference from the people. Bu
it means, also, less power TO tn
; PEOPLE, who in this government ar
supreme. Local self-goverhmen
: is prime essential of popular gov
eminent. Destroy it and Contra
e ize the power in Washington, an
o the republic will soon pass int
monarchy. These ale trlte say
ings, but they are vital and In sui
h stunce they ust be incorporate
J. in the mex: Democratic platform
{ And Mr.. Bryan &C dec ares.
!. "Mr. Bryan has done we'll to G.
clare and champion the doctrln
y re has also done well to declal
q in 70 uncertain way 'cr tfriit :"
: form and against the protectic
rob cry, which is the mother
graft. His discussion of the Ia
IF yesterday was intelllgen
,. fcrceful and statesmarike. 1t
h not often that the people Of VI
Z. einis have lad IL clearer or me
,e striking CT convincing present
>. tion of that subject. The ia
Ell is not "purely business que
y tor" as the protccuonlsls q
y, clare 1t is "a moral question. II
70 government has nc moral rlght
levy tax for any purpose, ga
q. fer revenue only. The COVER
I'd ment has no moral right to levy
v tax upon he whole people Tor /
i. benefit of favored class. his
r. also Democratic fundament
v. and must form a rrOn inent pla;
he in the platform Of 1908. And NJ
I'd Bryan so declares"
&c The Temperance "Wave"