The Topeka state journal., 1908-07-10

here to the silver issue only until some
thing equally taking attracted his at
tention. And, while that might have
been his disposition four years ago, he
he is an entirely different man today.
His political convictions have become
so rooted and grounded as to be part
of his intellectual fiber. He has dis
cussed them so often and reflected
upon them much that what are mere
theories to others to him are living
truths, vital to. the welfare of the ma
ton: and their fundamental principle
is democracy-the equality of men.
But Mr.. Bryan has not become so
great an egotist and ascetic as to
overlook the necessity of using the
conventional methods and ordinary
machinery of politics to accomplish his
purpose He has become a keen poll
tictan. The experience of the last four
years has taught him that while the
voice of the people is the voice Of God,
their tones can be changed and modu-
lated by human influence and are
sensibly affected by the atmosphere
and their environment. He has form
ed among the farmers of Nebraska an
organization as compact and complete
as Tammany Hall, which shows his
executive capacity and political skill.
He has taken politics to the f1resides
of the farmhouses of the state, has
taught his principles to the women
and the children and has entangled
life in his plan of campaign. No
farmer in Nebraska. they say, can
leave the Populist party or vote the
Republican ticket without depriving
his wife and daughters of the social
diversions which they most enjoy
Thus they feel that the happiness and
contentment of the people well as
their financial prosperity, is involved
in the success of his theories.
While his emotions are under better
control than they used to be nothing
could lessen or suppress that cordial
sympathy which finds expression in
winsome smile and Is a great vote win
ner. 1t is just as much part of the
man as the musical tones of his voice,
and when he extends his hand to
friend or stranger the smile goes with
It. Sometimes, however, 1t is a little
constrained. Its owner is an amiable
man. His spirit is not vindictive or
revengeful He Is quick to forgive,
but not always to forget: and when he
meets a man from whom he has suf-
fcred injury or injustice the smile ap-
pears unconsciously. but 1t has an un-
certain or reluctant tinge, like COM
piment that has been written and
crossed out. He is not so sensitive as
he used to be. but very sensitive still;
but perhaps 1t may be that he has
learned to conceal II. The same may
be said of Mrs. Bryan. who was for
ceal her dislikes and distrust and the
sense of injury when she felt it: but
she has learned to be cordial. or at
least courteous. to the critics and op-
ponents of her husband. and discuss
affairs and events with them without
showing resentment. Colonel Bryan
was never vindictive. although he al
ways has been intolerant. His own
honesty and integrity of purpose, his
profound conviction that his opinions
and theories are correct. make it inn
possible for him to admit either sim
cerity or intelligence in those who dis
| agree with him. They are absolutely
wrong: it may be from ignorance.
folly or wickedness, but they can not
be right.
MI. Bryan's selfshness is in
| tellectual. therefore. and not moral.
He would be willing to sacrifice what
other men hold dear. He is ready
| to accept almost anything that other
men would object to in the way of
wealth. comforts. luxuries or amuse-
ments; but when honors. influence
and principles are being passed
around he insists upon being served
| first. What would be called egotism
in other men Is merely a conscious
ness of superiority in Bryan. He has
thought out problems to which other
| men have given no attention. There
! fore 1t is his right to teach. He has
| labored and learned while they have
! been idle. Therefore he is entitled to
! the honors and rewards. He is con-
! fdent of his ability to co things and
accept responsibilities for which
! other men have no special fitness
| Therefore they. should stand aside. He
has formed his opinions after care
| full investigation and reflection.
| Hence they are correct. He is con-
| scious of his own rectitude. of an un-
| selfish ambition to promote the
! happiness and welfare of mankind.