The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-08-12
Bryan Accepts the Nomination
In Ceremonies at Lincoln

most strenuously opposed them, and
mas most bitterly assailed you.
We ESTEEM IL a privilege 10 have been
elected 10 participate In the ceremonies
OF this day, when you are informed that
you have been nominated for the fore
most place in the, world. We doubt not
that the people will in November de-
clare you 10 be their choice for Presi-
cent or the United States. The triumph
OF the principles for which you stand
will rebound to the best interests of the
republic and for the welfare of all the
American people"
National Chairman Norman Z. Mack,
Dy virtue OF his official position. called
the meeting TO order. He referred 10 the
Importance of the occasion and intro
duced the Rev. Father Nugent, who
pronounced the invocation. Chairman
OF the Committee Henry D. Clayton.
next introduced, delivered the address
OF notification.
ClaytOn's Speech.
Mr.. Bryan: The Democratic national
convention that assembled at Denver
on July was truly a representative
body Of the people of the United States
Harmony characterized its deliberations
and all OF its conclusions were reached
with unanimity. II stood for the con-
servatism Of government under a writ
ten constitution and for the application
of Democratic principles in public af-
fairs 10 meet the requirements Of pro-
gressiVe American civilization.
Without the Intervention OF com
pleted ballot. you were nominated for
the Office Of President OF the United
States. A committee, composed Of the
permanent chairman and one delegate
from each State and Territory was ap-
pointed TO inform you of your selection
as the standaTd-bearer Of your party IN
the pending campaign.
Therefore, IN pursuance of the action
OF the convention, this committee, here
present, now brings TO you this message
from a united and aggressive De-
mocracy. Our great party is confident
Of the righteousness OF its cause, and,
relying upon the support Of the people,
is determined to rescue the Government
of the Republic from the hands or the
despoilers, who have exploited II Tor
the benefit Of favorites TO the injury OF
the masses Of the plain people
We know that our party, platform,
and candidate stand for the best inter
ests Of all the people. We know that
success is deserved. We believe that
our party and candidate. animated by
the Wlsest and most patriotic purposes,
will achieve victory in November. on
no political issue is the platform a
straddle or evasion. and its every decla-
ration squares with the principles OF
old-fashioned Democracy. It is essen
TALLY a Democratic instrument, pre-
serving and applying the faith Of the
fathers TO existing conditions
Fit the Platform.
Il is hardly worth while 10 say, sir,
that in the judgment OF your party
associates, and in the opinion Of our
cOuntrymen generally. you, as our can
didate. fit our platform. And II is equal
ly gratifying that there is nothing In the
platform calling for apology There Is
nothing that you would avoid or run
away from There is nothing omitted
individual views, In these respects you
have a tremendous advantage OF your
Republican opponent
Standing on such a platform. DOS
sessed Of an abiding conviction that our
cause is Just. YOU will draw the keen
ing away the scabbard, fight for the
principle Of equal rights to all and spe-
cial privileges 10 none Your party has
emphauCally refused 10 form any alii-
ance with special interests that enjoy
special privileges under Republican adj
mInistration.
You have always refused to compro-
mise with those who prostitute the
functions Of government for the lust Of
greed It was your lofty statesman
ship. your unwaveriug fidelity. your
Jeffersonian standard Of Democracy
millions 0f American freemen unan-
imously to choose you as their candidate
for the highest once in the world.
/ now hand YOU an authenticated copy
Of the platform adopted by the Demo
cratic convention at Denver, and re-
letter Of notification signed by the com
mittee.