The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-08-13
Big STICK FOR BRYAN.
Hundreds of Farmers Visit Fairview
With Offerings.

Fairview, Lincoln. Neb., Aug. 10
Several hundred farmers from Otoe
county, Nebraska. headed by H. II.
Hanks. of Nebraska City, who came to
ceremonies. rode out to Fairview to-
day and presented the Democratic
nominee with a big stick" gourd.
They also handed him a campaign
contribution of $50 subscribed by so
of their number. In accepting the
gourd and the contribution Mr.. Bryan
assured his visitors that if elected to
the presidency the big stick would not
be in evidence, believing il was easier
TO lead people through their love
than control them through their
fears He spoke as follows:
ut Is fitting Mr.. Hanks that you
should be selected to speak for this
body of farmers from Otoe county,
for you are not only interested in
farming but you represent an in
creasing element among the agricul-
turists. You have not only prepared
yourself for the work of farmer,
but you have prepared yourself for
participation in all the departments
Of life's work. With the development
of our agricultural colleges and the
higher education of our farmer boys.
the farmer is going to have larger
influence in the shaping of govern
ment. --g -.l
"The gourd which you present GER
tainly looks very much like the big
stick as we have seen 1t caricatured
and / think that the gourd is fitting
emblem to represent Republican
policies. for the big stick which has
been so loudly heralded has not ac-
complished q great deal in the way of
actual legislation. Republican lead
ers have so steadfastly opposed re-
form that the big stick has been quite
empty-empty as this gourd--in ac-
tual results. Then too, the gourd may
fifty symbolic the hollowness of Re-
publican promises, and the fact that
Republican policies have nothing in
them good for the farmer.
No Big Stick for Him.
81 shall be glad to accept this big
stick gourd although il the Demo-
cratic party wins the big stick will
not be in evidence. The Democratic
idea is not coercion by force, but a
Justice that will appeal to the hearts
of men, for it is easier to lead peo-
pie through their love than to con-
troll them through their fears 1 have
been informed that on the way to Lin
coin, collection was taken UP on
the train and that fifty farmers gave
81 apiece for our campaign fund. 1
want to thank them for this mani
festation of their interest in our
cause. In 1896. the free excursion
was one of the features of the Repub-
lican campaign. 1t is significant that
this notification meeting, but in addi-
ton make this contribution to the
campaign fund.
lone of the chief reasons for the
delay of reform has been that a few
great corporations have been supply
ing the Republican party with its
campaign fund and then controlling
the people and the people will control
the administration in case of Demo-
cratic victory. 1t marks the beginning
of new era in politics. an era in
which the government will really be-
long to the people and will be adj
ministered by the people for their
own protection and for the advance
ment of the public welfare
Mr.. Bryan showed no i'll effects
from his exertions of yesterday. and
today resumed the usual routine of
receiving callers and preparing new
speeches. which he will deliver within
the next two weeks.
Dignity or Honesty. Which?
(which is more important, dignity
or honestly was the only comment
Mr. Bryan would make regarding the
action of the Oklahoma Republican
state convention yesterday in adopting
resolutions condemninS as undignified
the Democratic policy of obtaining
campaign contributions by popular SUBJ
scription. Mr.. Bryan noted with pleas
ure the endorsement given him yester-
day by the Colorado labor organiza-
lions.
"Glad to hear it, he said. "A num-
Der of labor organizations have done
the same thing and l think our plat