Connecticut western news., 1907-04-25
BRYAN IN HARTFORD
HE ADDRESSES THE LEGISLATORS

He Believes That Larcenyis at the Bot
 tom of Public Wrongs and Advocates
 Publishing the Names ot Contributors
 to Campaign Funds.
 William J. Bryan delivered his long anticipated address before the law makers at Hartford on Thursday. Lieu tenant Governor Lake, introducing MT. Bryan said: "The honored statesman who lends us his presence here to-day needs no introduction. He has been one of the makers of history in the world"
 MT. Bryan said: "I desire to thank the lieutenant governor for the more than complimentary terms Ill which he has presented me. The only point from which will dissent is that I alone have accomplished something in American politics If have done anything along that line it is not due to talents or to genius, but because I have attached my self to principles that will not die. have not made them, they have made me.
 If my example is worth anything to the young men of this country it is by espousing ideals and principles which other people hold. 'I will not tell you that the ideal is the strongest tie that binds men together.
 II gained new impressions after en- tering the capitol. In the State library I saw some documents which i'm pressed me. "I saw a copy of your blue laws and I have thought that I would rather have them than some of the yell low laws that exist.
 ''I accept the theory that men think for themselves and elect men to carry out their thoughts. I will not ask any man to violate his conscience, but vii tell legislators that when they cannot carry out the wishes of the people. lei them resign. Let them not betray the people. The weak point ih our govern ment is that representatives often be- tray their sacred trusts for private gain
 "I believe that every candidate should have his specific platform, that people may know what he will do if elected. Sometimes man goes back on his plat form and is an embezzler of power and I believe that the time is coming when such man will be whipped out of pub lie life. What name will you call a man who so embezzles public authority:
 "When you analyze wrong you will find there is some form of larceny at the bottom of it. I believe if we want to have reforms in this country we must impress upon them the theory and the precept. Thou Shalt Not Steal
 The initiative and referendum I be- ieve are correct ideas and will eventu- ally be adopted. When they were first mentioned in the legislature of my state a couple of democrats decided that it was new kind of drink, and it went through unanimously.
 T will tell you that it is treason to a people not to give them voice ill legis- lat!on. I believe that your representa- tives want to legislate as the people want and if so what objection is there to referendum?
 ''In our country the great contest is between the great corporations made by man and man made by God. When men put up money to buy legislation, they expect to get it back from someone. Our politics must be purified.
 'I believe there should be limit to campaign contributions which should close say ten days before election and the statements of contributors should be published before election.
 ''In every state the great contest is be- tween the great corporations and the masses and the time is coming when the people will fix thelr system of legis- lation so that thieves cannot take it from them. We are all anxious that our governments shall be long lived. If they shall live long they must be just make them open to the public-so hat the well meaning man will not yield to temptation.
 'I believe if we accept the doctrine that the people have right to rule, bring the government down to the people and make it a peoples government it will grow day after day."