The Democratic advocate., 1908-10-30

only teacher by precept,. but he is a
teacher by example, He asks no man
to be better than he can, but he ex-
poets every man to render to society
the best returns of which. he is cap
able, and he, himself, Sets an example
1t would be well to follow.
The election of Mr.. Bryan is de-
manded by every state in this Union.
Wherever men are endowed with SYM
pathy; wherever the weak are op-
pressed; wherever men toll without
just recompense; wherever business
Is suffering the unjust competition of
the trust; wherever legitimate trade
is at the mercy OF predatory wealth;
wherever good impulses dominate the
conduct. OF. men. there is a demand for
the election OF William Jennings
Bryan.
This fact was apparent at the recent
great national convention of the Dem
ocratic party. at Denver. Forty-f1ve
or the fifty standards represented in
that convention, from every land over
which the flag floats, Hooked around
the standard of Nebraska that had Of
fered to the nation the services of her
most distinguished adopted son. 1t
was the greatest gathering Of repre-
sentative men in the entire history of
the party. 1t is true the Nebraskan
had nothing to give them. It is true
that he had no big. stick to compel the
support of the delegates. 1t is true
he had no federal Office holders to
make show of force and enthusiasm.
1t is true he had no administration
behind him to threaten and intimidate,
but he swayed that convention from
his home at Lincoln, and the two dem
onstrations of over one hour each were
the vocal expressions of the love and
devotion and fidelity of the common
people who had heard him gladly"
What is, the use to talk of another
man for president? In all that Is
good America deserves the best. She
ought to show to the world that she
a great man when she has
one. She ought to recognize merit
when 1t is. SO palably apparent. She
now has a chance to recognize her
greatet production, and the world is
looking on to see of she will be equal
to the emergency.
Is not the fact that every state
wanted Bryan nominated sufficient to
Justify his election? Is not the fact
that no state wanted Taft nominated
sufficient to justify his defeat? Do
the people want man who stands
upon his own merit or do they want
an echo of another? Have we reached
the stage of degeneracy where we,
sovereign people, will permit prsei-
dent to name his successor, or have.
we retained enough vitality to assert
our right of free choice? These ques-
tions are big with interest and demand
an answer in this campaign. ~
OF course, Mr.. Bryan cannot please
Lincoln had bitter enc
mics. Washington was abused by
foes. No man who does something
for his fellows can expect to escape
the censure of the jealous and corrupt
In heart. Bryan has been the victim
Of more abuse than any man now l1v-
ing, and, paradoxical as it may seem,
be is the most beloved. He has a
world grasp on affairs of state, a
clearly defined policy on all problems
Of discretion, and If the American peo-
pie do not elect him to the Office OF
president the loss will be irreparable.
1t will not be his loss, but theirs.
Bryan has survived two defeats and is
greater today because of them. He,
can survive another or dozen; but
It is doubtful whether the republic
can fare as we'll. - -
When the hot blast of prejudice
dries up the brain Of its victim an
oasis becomes a desert. Nothing can
grow in territory 30 afflicted. Preju-
lice defeated Bryan before, will 1t do.
30 again? 1t is the fate of good men,
to be misunderstood. Bad men are
sometimes forgiven, but good men pay
the penalty. This is wrong, but 1t Is
true. Mr.. Bryan has paid the penalty
Of goodness. Because he was as true.
as the needle to the pole he was hu-'
humiliated. Because he was faithful
to the cause OF the people he was de-
teated. Because he would do some
thing for his fellow man he was de-.
MED the opportunity. Because he
stands four squares to all the. winds.
that blow he is accused OF shifting.
Because he is as inflexible as fate he
Is called a radical. Because he is abb
solutely just he is branded as danger
Gus.
The facts are that Mr.. Bryan has in
him the material for the greatest presi-
dent this nation has ever seen. He
has the capacity for Illuminating the
history of this country as no other
man has ever Illuminated it. His dan
ger lies in his goodness and his great
ness. He is therefore made the shin
ing mark for the corrupt and dang
erous and the envy of the small and
mean. God grant that the better
thought, the better conscience, the bet
ter impulse of our people may triumph
in the election soon to come and that
Bryan shall be exalted and the nation
glorified.