Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1908-07-24
BRYAN AND KERN
TO THE FARMERS

MAKE FIRST APPEAL FOR CAMPAIGN
CONTRIBUTIONS TO GREAT BASIC
ATE THE PRINCIPLES
OF THE DEMOCRATIC FAITH.
The first appeal for campaign con-
tributions by the Democratic candi-
dates for the presidency and vice-presi-
dency was made last week.
In formal message directed to the
farmers of the country, Bryan and
lug to their means and in other ways
assist in restoring democracy to power.
The appeal is as follows:
ITO the Farmers of the United States:
"The first contribution made to the
democratic campaign fund this year so
far as we know, was made by an Iowa
farmer Just before the Denver con-
vention met, this man, who modestly
prefers not to have his name mention
ed, jOurneved more than 100 miles to
Lincoln with his contribution of S1OO,
which he left with Mr.. Bryan to be
given to the committee when organized
for the campaign.
s'This farmer was born in Sweden
and for some time after he was natural
lied was member of the Republican
party. But he was a student of public
questions and in the course of time be-
came a democrat. To manifest his
deep interest in the success of the par
ty and in the triumph of democratic
principles he made this free-will offer
ing to the campaign fund.
SIT is very appropriate that this first
contribution should come, from that
great body of our population known as
agriculturalists. The farmer has moth
ing to gain by privilege and favoritism;
his hope is in the application of the
doctrine of equal rights to all and spe-
cial privileges to none He has been
the victim of all special legislation and
has suffered from control of politics by
the great predatory corporations. Now
that the democratic party has annonnc-
ed it's determination not to accept con-
tributions from corporations and not ia
accept excessive contributions even
from individuals, and to publish all
contributions when over a reasonable
minimum, it ought to be able to secure
a sufficient sum from the citizens who
ask from the government nothing but
protection of their rights and cOnsid-
Grafton for the general welfare. There
are hundreds of thousands of farmers
who are abundantly able to contribute
to the campaign fund. There are thou
sands who could give 500 apiece with
out feeling it; there are tens of thou
sands who could give $50 apiece with
out sacrifice and still more who coulC
give S25 or SO or s..
GAS the national committee has moi
yet been organized, we will asked thu
Commoner to call for subscriptions Il
this farmers fund. Those giving may
indicate whether they are willing tC
have their names mentioned, and if the
contribution is not more than $500
their wishes will be complied with. Al
contributions above 500 must be made
known, no matter from whom they
come The farmers fund will be turn
ed over to the national committee ~
soon as its permanent officers have
been selected.
"Who will be the first to respond p
"The Denver convention was PEG
pies conventions: it adopted a strong
clear, honest platform, and its nomi
nations were made with practical una
nimity. Our fight is a fight for thu
whole people. Our aim is equal and
exact justice to all; our purpose is t6
restore the government to the hands o.
freely chosen representatives of the vo
tiers. How many farmers will join il
furnishing the fund necessary to pres
ent the issues?
(Signed) "WM. J. BRYAN,
"JOHN w. KERN"