Virginia citizen. (Irvington, Va.) 1891-1921, 1908-07-17

81 eAAeAo0ht dtA0 ACCAo tAtob NAA O4BA mn
she viii give to this nation president
worthy to be numbered among her
eminent ones whose lives have made
resplendent the history of this nation.
There is not reform needed in our
country of which he has not been the
foremost and,most eloquent champion.
There is not an issue to be presented in
the campaign with which he is & not
strikingly identified. He was the
pioneer in the many reforms of recent
years, which have become almost the
adopted policies of both great political
parties. The best portion Of the Roose-
Welt policies are gleanings gathered
from his teachings. The people prefer
as president and ruler the teacher rather
than the doubtful heir of one of bis
pupils. ,..s -.
:, Bryan is called unsafe by some not
on account of lack of, fealty to the peo-
pie, but on account of his excessive
zeal and earnestness. in their behalf. He
is antagonized by some not because he
has ever been remotely associated or
allied with predatory wealth. but
because he firmly refuses to make
to them any surrender or compromise.
He is fought by some. not be-
cause he -indulges. in political manip-
ulations or dissimulation, but be-
cause he frankly and consistently ap-
peals to the support Of the great mass
of the people, He is ridiculed by some
not because ''he stoops to conquer, p
but because he refuses to bend to
questionable, pressure and, improper
methods. He is feared by some notion
account of tinidity vacillation, but
because he is possessed of an iron viii
anda determination to do what his con-
science and patriotism dictate. Most.
of the objections urged against him
constitute virtues fitting him for the
exalted office of president. While his
political opponents were in close alliance
with railroads, trusts, combines and
monopolies, hrs voice. as the leader of
a great party" boldly advocated the
abolition Of existing abuses, portrayed
coming evils and pointed out the path
way of safety and reform. Most of the
great principles and policies for which
he contended in his candidacy for presi-
dent have been vindicated, and the
measure of Republican popularity and
possibilities of success is the extent to
which that party adopts and adheres to
the principles for which he and the
Democratic party have SO long con-
tended We hail him as the person
whose. pre-eminence and distinction
come from no decoration of office or
power, but from his intrinsic worth as q
man. his splendid qualities OF mind and
heart. A man whose character and
genius have been sufficient to survive
defeat: without personal triumph each
year to acquire the increasing conf
dence and affection of the American
people, Those who. differ with him on
public questions bear testimony to his
integrity of character, his patriotism of
purpose, his brilliance of mind and
genius. The American people admire
him because he is too honest to be
corrupted by the rich, too brave to be
coereed by y, time-serving. politicians.
The american people profoundly IRE
spect him because he has borne himself
manfullys and courageously in the hours
of gloom and defeat. Lean never for
get in the dark hours succeeding the
fierce contest of 1885,. how, all of his
followers were thrilled and electrified
by his famous battle-cry then given:
In the face of the enemy, rejoicing in
victory, let the roll be called for those
who will answer for the, next engage
ment." Never before was ] so stirred
by utterance from human lips. Through
defeat he has continued earnestly and
lovingly to serve the American people,
Be it said to his honor and glory, he,
never deserted his party. nor the people
because they refused to -..'crown him
king" He. is strong with the American
people because his character is of firm,
rugged honesty. "A great orator has
well said: Honesty is the oak around
which all other virtues. cling, without
that they fall and groyelling die in weeds
and dust" The paths of his life have
been crowded with. vast power, respon-
sibility and opportunity, yet no, stain
has. ever, followed his footsteps; his
pure, clean hands haye never /. been
soiled by the betrayal of public or
private trust. The American, people
listen to him because he is an honest,
plain spoken Cato, who points out and
strives to remedy wrongs and corrup-
tions and not mere eloquent, pleasing
Cicero, to soothe and to glaze over vice
and evil We like to fight under his
banner because we know to him the
bugle call to battle and duty is far
more pleasing than the. dinner gong
inviting to feast and reyelry. He is
alike the enemy of predatory wealth,
which seeks to add to its .ill-gotten
gains by governmental favors, and per
quisites. and of that pernicious system
of socialism which seeks to confscate
alike the unjust wealth of the plunderers
and honest earnings of the industrious
and frugal His iron will and unAinch.
ing courage win if power be given,
protect the temple of our government
alike from the greedy money-changers
and the ,plundering rabble. ,c,;a...-,,-s
Sirs, it seems a propitious fate is
beckoning the Democratic party y The
man. the hour, the issues have all met,
! which forshadow good fortune. An.