Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-11-12
BRYAN ON TIE ELECTION.

n ~ ON AhE ELEOAlONs
10 statement to be printed 10 FRI
days OOmmoner, Mr.. Bryan declares
bis belief 10 the ultimate triumph of the
things he fought for in the last cam.
psign. As fer himself, he saws The
world owes him nothing, and that he has
been abundantly compensated for what
he hes been able to do. Under the car
ton "a Battle Lost; War bul Begun"
he says:
"The election of 1908 is over snd the
retOros disclose signal victory for OUT
opponents, but the principles for which
our Tarty stands, the policies for which II
contends--ihese are not dead. A good
proposition ia not made bad BY rejection
at the polls; q needed reform is not msdt
unueces' airy by an adverse vote. The
legislation asked for by the democratic
party 10 its last national platform wa
not of temporary character-it was
legislation which will Q OF perm anenI
advantage when it is secured.
"DOes anyone believe II a the Ameri
can people will permanently premit
secrecy as to campaign contributions!
Does snyone believe tba. the America
people will permanently permit the will
of the voters to be thwarted, as II ID
now, by the election of senators through
legislatures? Does anyone believe that
the trusts will be permitted to permanent.
ly exploit the masses? Does anyone be.
lieve that the consumer will permanent
Iy permit the tariff to be written by the
beueicsries OF tbst ta'ifl? Does any
one believe that the public will per-
manly tolerate enlargement between
labor aud capita? Does aoyone be-
lieve that thel 5, 900, 600 Of depositors will
forever permit their savings to be jeop-
srdizsd as at present?
"The democratic party must continue
its tight or dissolve. 1t could not exist
as plutoc' aic party.
"DuriDg the LAST II years the demo-
cratic party has accomplished more out
Of power than the republican party has
accomplished 10 Office, and this is q
sufficient reward for those who fight for
a right rous cause. 1t would have been
pleasant to have been able TO reward
worthy democrats with official positions,
bat the most worthy OF the democrats
ara not looking for office; they srs look.
Jog for good government, and they labor
unsef,hly for good government.
"As fer myself, let no one worry about
my future. The holding of Office is q
mere incident in the life of those who
are devoted to reforms. The reform il
the essent al thing. The world OWES me
nothing. / have been abunda ptly com,
panssted for what | have been able to do.
My life will not be long enough to re-
pay the people for their support and fo'
the confidence which they have express
ed. Ny gratitude to those with whom
Have la5ored surTa SEES language, agd
the days OF the future will be devoted Ia
work 10 interest of the people as l under.
stand that interest, aud in behalf oil
these reforms which seem to ne to be
the best. | invite the cooperation oil
those who approve, and shall not be de-
tered by the criticism of thase who dis
approve. With an abiding faith in the
t'iumph OF the truth and an nnfslterine
confidence in The righteousness of ouI
cause, l speak this word of encourage
ment to those who call themselves friends
l shall keep step with them and march
on. The measure of our work cannot
be taken in a day. II we ave right, as
believe we are It will viudicate Us. II we
contribute, as | believe we are coutribut.
ing, to a cause that is founded 10 justice
our efforts will weigh 10 The 6t al victory.