The Washington herald., 1908-07-10

political life. I can testify from observa-
ton as TO his political conduct before he
was known to fame. He was honest,
brave. and unyielding then; ne is honest,
brave. and unyielding now
Honesty is inherent in him. He was an
honest lawyer before he entered politics.
He was honest in his political methods
before his craftsmanship was recognized
by the nationH and he has been honest
throughout his political career.
His convictions have been HIS political
creed. He has impressed those convic-
tions upon others. not by dictation. but
by arguments addressed to the judgment
and the conscience.
Believing in the ultimate triumph OF the
right he has never examined questions
from the standpoint OF expeclency. He
has never inquired whether a political
principle was popular; it has been suf-
ficient for him 10 believe that II was
right
He has been a consistent champion Of
the reserved rights of the States. He
favored the election of Senators by direct
vote before the House Of Representatives
ever acted favorably upon the subject He
championed tariff reform when the West
was the hotbed Of protection.
He favored an income tax before the
income tax law was writer He at
tackled the trusts when Republican lead
ers were denying that any trusts existed.
He advocated railroad regulation before
the crusade against rebates and discrim-
ination began.
He has always been the friend OF labor
and was among the first to urge concilia-
foh nit
gan 10 oppose government by injunction
more than a decade ago. He announced
his opposition 70 imperialism before any
other man Of prominence had expressed
himself on the subject. and without wait
ing 10 see whether II would be popular.
When & Wall street panic burst upon
US few months ago he promptly pro-
posed as a remedy the guarantee of bank
deposits, and so popular has this plan
become that it is to-day national issue
and supported by the masses of the peo-
pie He has long advocated legislation
which will secure publicity as to cam
paign contributions.
Believes in Justice.
He believes in peace in universal
Christian peace. He believes the destiny
of nations should be determined, not by
wars. but by applying the principles of
justice and humanity.
Though these principles have met with
uncompromising opposition from the spe-
cial interests. he has remained true to the
cause Of the people. With clear vision
and with unfaltering trust. seeing and
knowing the truth. he has never lost faith
IN its final victory.
Through years Of unparalleled political
warfare. his loyalty to his ideals and TO
his fellow-men has been abundantly
shown. His refusal TO surrender his con-
vlctions. though subjected to abuses. de-
nunciation, and vindictive opposition such
as few public men in all history have
been compelled to withstand, is ample
proof of his superb courage
His career proves that successful lead
ership is determined by the success or
failure of great principles. rather than
by election to high Office.
We have met to plan the campaign and
TO commission the commander under
whom the masses will enlist. We are not
here in response to the voice of expedi-
ency; neither political bosses nor corpo-
rate masters sent us here. We are here at
the summons of the rank and file of
that political organization which is the
special defender of the rights Of the COM
mon people.
We are here representing all that is
best in the traditions of our party. We
feel again the spirit that animated the
Democracy in the days of Jefferson and
jackson.
The voters have spoken, and we as
semble to give expression of their win.
Their voice for the third time calls Ne
braska's favorite son TO be the standard
bearer Of his party in this gigantic con-
test.
Since time began no grander tribute
was ever paid 10 any man by a free peo-
pie. he is recognized to-day es the most