The Robesonian. [volume] (Lumberton, N.C.) 1870-current, 1908-08-17
MONDAY, AUGUST II, 1908.
Mr.. RRYAN'S ACCEPTANCE
SPEECH.

IlOil lOl CT DAAA~OAiA1
Neb., last Wednesday, Mr.. Bry-
an declared himself in hearty ac-
cord with both the letter and
spirit Of the platform adopted at
the Denver convention. He en-
dOrsed it in whole and in part
and said that if elected he should
regard its declarations as binding
upon him-binding not only as to
what it contains but as to what it
omits. Mr.. Bayan's speech has
won for him the highest praise
from the entire Democratic press
of the country, and even those
who were inclined to fear that on
this occasion he might say some
thing that would drive away
some conservative Democrats
can find nothing which they can
not heartily endorse. Shall the
people rule" was the main bur-
den of his speech, and his attacks
upon the Senate and House of
Representatives brought forth
great applause.
Many who could not get the
consent of their minds to follow
Mr.. Bryan in 1896 or 1900, or
who followed afar off, sorrowing,
are now immensely pleased with
his declaration of his policies and
the platform of the party,
and it really looks like every pro-
fessed Democrat may feel at
home in the party now.
Following are some salient
points in Mr.. Bryan's speech:
In the name Of the Democrat
ic party charge that the Repub-
lican party is responsible for all
the abuses which now exist in
the Federal Government, and
that it is impotent to accomplish
the reforms which are impera-
lively needed.
80 far did the Republican
convention fall short of it's duty
that the Republican candidate
felt it necessary to add to his
platform in several important
particulars, thus rebuking the
leaders of the party, upon whose
cooperation he must rely for the
enactment of remedial legisla-
ton.
No matter which way we
turn; no matter to what subject
we address ourselves, the same
question confronts us: Shall the
people control their own Govern
ment and use that Government
for the protection of their rights
and for the promotion of their
welfare? or shall the representa-
tives of predatory wealth prey
upon defenseless public, while
the offenders secure immunity
from subservient officials whom
they raise to power by unscrupu-
lous methods?
Having drawn the salaries,
having enjoyed the honors, hav-
ing secured the prestige, let the
Republican party accept the re-
sponsibility!
II the past can be taken as a
guide, the Republican party will
be so obligated by campaign con-
tributions from the beneficiaries
OF protection as to make that
party powerless to bring to the
country any material relief from
the present tariff burdens.
What can be expected when
official authority is turned over to
the representatives of those who
first furnish the sinews of war
and then reimburse themselves
out of the pockets of the taxpay-
ers?
so long as the Republican
party remains in power it is
poWerless to regenerate itself.
1t cannot attack wrongdoing in
high places without disgracing
many of its prominet members.
Not until that party passes
through a period of fasting in
the wilderness will the Repub-
llcan leaders learn to study pub
lie questions from the standpoint
Of the masses.
How can the people hope tt
rule if they are not able to learr
until after the election what the
predatory interests are doing!
The Democratic party meets the
Issue honestly and cOurageously.
Next to the corrupt use Of
money the present method Of
eIectlng United States Senator:
Is most responsible for the Oh
struction of reforms.
If | am elected to the Presi
dency those who are elected upor
the ticket with me will be, lik,
myself, pledged 10 this reform
and | shall convene Congress,
in extraordinary session immeui
ateIy after inauguration and ask
among other things, for the ful
hilment Of this platform pledge
Our party demands that the
House Of Representatives shall
again become a deliberatiVe body