Milford chronicle. [volume] (Milford, Del.) 1878-1974, 1908-09-11
SPECIAL PRIVILEGES FROM MIR.
BRYAN.

1t makes the judicious grieve to
observe that William Jennings Bryan
has, at the very outset of his cam
paign, stifled his voice-worn cry Of
Equal rights for all, special privi-
| leges to none" Probably he is still
solid for equal rights for all, but on
the special privileges end of the prop
osition he has become a hopeless
backslider, as few plain facts will
show.
Only few weeks ago, for example,
Mr.. Bryan, ahame with unselfish de-
sire that the Denver ticket should be
| elected, raised his voice in eloquent
appeal for contributions to the Demo-
cratic campaign fund. He candidly adj
mitted that money was needed, but
instead of appealing to all hands, re-
gardless OF personal interest or voca-
ton, he addressed his call to the
farmers alone. Nobody else was in
vited to contribute. Tho horny
handed agrlculturist, however, was
urgently requested to step forward
and deposit his contribution with the
gentlemanly collector about to pass
the hat. Assurance was given that
small contributions would be thank
fully received and that if anybody
chose to repeat, no offense would be
taken. 2
The whole proceeding was charac-
teristic of the man who instituted it.
The farmer farms the land and Bryan
farms the farmer. But in this fright
ened appeal for money for campaign
purposes Mr.. Bryan has deliberately
distinguished the farmers as a class
by themselves and has granted to
them the special privilege" of con-
tributing towards his election. JUS
tice to the farmers compel5 the state
ment that they have INDUCED in no
unseemly eXultatiOn over the special
thus conferred upon them.
In fact, all accounts describe them
as singularly reluctant to exercise the
privilege at all. 1t is clearly not their
purpose to go into the show business
this year.
Mr. Bryan's most amazicg proposal
as a distributor of special privileges,
however, appears in his scheme to
compel the Government to guarantee
bank deposits. The adoption of that
plan would distinguish bank deposit
tors as a favored class, to indemnify
whose losses through dishonest banks
Ill the rest of the people would be
subject to taxation. Mr.. Bryan being
| rlan of large means, is, presumably,
/ bank depositor, and would there
ore be member of this limitcl class
o whom he proposes to award tho
Decial privilege of financial protec-
ION at the expense of the masses who
re in no way responsible for the dis
onesty Of bank officials. Under that
i rangement the failure of the banks
4 which Mr.. Bryan carries deposits
-ould impose a tax upon his less pros
erous neighbOrs to make good lis
1sses.
There is a de1uite purpose in Mr..
ryan's change of attitude on this
uestion of special privileges. and It
manifestly supported by an arute
ogard for the interests of Number
ne. First, he grants to the farmers
lie special privilege of fattening his
lmpaign fund In the next place. il
vents permit, he would award ths
zee al privilege Of Governmental DFo-
ction to bank depositors, including
mself, and grant to the dear people
e special privilege OF footing tho
II. All accounts agree that Mr.. & ,
ryan is taking excellent care Of him
If nowadays.