The Tupelo journal., 1908-07-17

to be free from the influences that
control the Republican party. He
must be man of superior intellect
and moral courage-one who will meet
the forces of plutOcracy with the
naked sword of truth--one who knows
no surrender. He must have a genius
for statecraft: he must be man of
wide experience In public affairs; he
must have ability to formulate policies
and courage to defend them.
But above all, he must have faith in
the people. He must not only believe
in the right of the people to govern,
but in their capacity to do so. And
he must be man whom the people
know and trust.
The Democratic party has many
distinguished men who might be
chosen as our standard bearer; but
it has one man who above all others
possesses the necessary qualifications
and is eminently fitted for this leader
ship.
Bryan's Fitness Shown.
He is man whose nomination will
leave no doubt as to where our party
stands on every public question. His
genius for statecraft is shown by the
constructive work he has done in pro-
posing reforms, and by the ability with
which he has fortified his position.
But We may go farther.
A few months since, he visited the
principal nations of the world. He
came in contact with the leading
minds Of Christendom, and the world
abroad recognized his greatness and
paid him that tribute justly due to
men of high attainments.
In the most distinguished peace
convention that has assembled in re-
If adopted, would prove more effective
than any arbitration treaty that has
yet been made, and by his influence
he secured its approval by the repre-
sentatives of the 26 leading nations
there assembled.
Is he thoroughly informed regard
ing the issues Of this campaign?
Read his speeches and his writings,
which for nearly 20 years have been a
part of the political literature of the
nation. Is he sincere, brave and de-
termined? Even his political oppo-
nents now admit that he is.
have had close personal and po-
litical acquaintance with this man,
whose name Nebraska presents, since
he entered political life. l can testify
from observation as to his political
conduct before he was known to fame.
He was honest brave and unyielding
then; he is honest, brave and unyield-
ing now.
Honesty Unauestioned..
Honesty Is inherent in him. He was
an honest lawyer before he entered
politics. He was honest in his politi-
cal methods before his craftsmanship
was recognized by the nation; and he
has been honest throughout his po-
litical career
His convictions have been his DO
litical creed. He has impressed these
convictions upon others, not by dicta
ton, but by arguments addressed to
the judgment and the conscience.
Believing in the ultimate triumph of
the right, he has never examined ques-
tons from the standpoint of expedi-
ency. He has never inquired whether
a political principle was popular; it
has been sufficient for him to believe
that it 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 repre-
sentatives ever acted favorably upon
the subject. He championed tariff re-
form when the west was the hotbed of
protection.
He favored an income tax before the
income tax law was written. He at
tackled the trusts when Republican
leaders were denying that any trusts
existed. He advocated railroad regu-
lation before the crusade against re-
bates and discrimination began.
Leader in Wise Reform.
He has always been the friend Of
labor, and was among the first to
urge Cancellation between labor and
capital. He began to oppose govern
ment by Injunction more than a de-
cade ago. He announced his opposi-
ton to imperialism before any other
man of prominence had expressed him
self on the subject, and without wait
ing to see whether it would be popu-
lar.
When a Wall street panic burst
upon us a few months ago, he prompt
ly proposed as a remedy, the guaran-
tee of bank deposits, and so popular
has this plan become that it is to-day
national issue and supported by the
masses of the people He has long
advocated legislation which will Sc
cure publicity as to campaign contri-
buttons
He believes in peace-in universal
Christian peace. He believes the des-
tiny of nations should be determined
not by wars but by applying the prin-
ciples Of justice and humanity.
Though these principles have met
with uncompromising opposition from
the special 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.