Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1908-08-07
w. ]. BRYAN'S ELEMENTS OF
STRENGTH

Under the above head the Wall Street
Journal. II staunch representative of
everything capitalistic and anti-Bryan,
is not hoodwinking its readers with II
dissertation Oh Bryan's weakness. hut it
very honestly points nj his strength as
follows:
AS a candidate for president in 1908
William Jennings Bryan will occupy Il
different position before the country
from that he held as Il candidate in 1896.
DE was then Il practically unknown
man who had gained his nomination by
IA rhetorical and emotional speech de-
livered before the democratic cDnvcn-
ton. Now. however, Mr.. Bryan is one
of the best known men in the United
States, and has indeed "A reputation
that extends i'll every country where
the English language is spoken.
"He has three elements of strength
which he lacked in 1896. These are:
That while in 1896 he ran for president
i'll IL year of industrial depression occur
ring in u democratic administration.
Second, he is regarded by some radical
republicans as more truly representing
the Roosevelt policies than even his
republican opponent, Mr.. Taft, who is
Roosevelt's own candidate. Third, the
fact that multitudcs of people in all
parts of the country have come i'll
personal contact with Mr.. Bryan III IL
way that has increased public conf
dcnce in and public regard for him.
This is the result very largely Of his
addresses before religious and educa-
tional bodies.
1T is no slight advantage that Mr..
Bryan possesses in making his candi.
dacy this year in a time Of business de.
preston in II republican administration.
1t is II significant fact that there has
not been II panic in this country that has
not resulted in the overthrow of the
party i'll power ut the next election
after the depression set in. AS against
this advantage, however, he must put
the fact the people who are most eager
to blame the administration for the
panic are the men in the financial
center, while the great body of tho
people apparently do not blame Roosc
welt for it, but rather hold Wall street
responsible; and it is and undoubtcd
fact rs has becd demonstrated mt the
recent Chicago convention that Roosc
velts popularity has not been dimin
ished by reason of the panic.
while Mr.. Bryan is making Il bic
for the vote Of the radical republican
by %parading the fact that the Iii
Toilette amendments to the republican
platform were voted down, It remain.
to he seen if these radicals will dcscrI
their party because their platform is
little more conservative than the,
desired. In this connection it is i'm
portant to remember that Senator III
Toilette has come out with II stronl
Endorsement for Taft.
I'm estimating Mr.. Bryan's strength
the effect Of his religious aud cthica
addresses ought not to be overlooked
MIR. Bryan has made o multitude q
friends in ull parts Of the country, IL
INtN W. "fil NN III INV ISL, w.
his work in behalf of religions bodies
and especially by his services for tn
missionary cause.
"ln his tour around the world Mr.
Bryan gave personal attention to- tn
missionary field. In China and japan
he came in personal contact will
scores Of American missionaries. ant
upon his return to the East he frccl,
gave 10 the missionary boards the ben
eft Of tho knowledge that he Ia,
obtained and he has by lis strong al
yovcacy Of missionary effort immcnscl,
advanced the work Of all the societies
Many men who have heretofore look
cd upon Mr.. Bryan as II mere political
agitator and |dcmag0gne have bccoin,
impressed with this phase Of his liz,
and now sound his praises.
I'm the book compiled by Mr.. Bry.
ans friend and helper, Richard l..
Mctcalf. entitled The Real Bryan,
and composed in the main of extracts