Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1908-07-24


The first appeal for campaign contri-
buttons by the Democratic candidates
for the presidency ana the vice presi-
dency was made to-day. In formal
message directed to the farmers of the
country Bryan and kern urge them to
contribute according to their means
and in other ways assist in restoring
Democracy to power. The appeal is as
follows:
"To the farmers Of the United States:
uThe first contribution made to the
Democratic campaign fund this year,
SO far as we know, was made by an
Iowa farmer. Just before the Denver
convention met this ID an, who modest
Iy prefers not to have his name men
toned, journeyed more than one hmm
dred miles to Lincoln with his contri-
button of one hundred dollars, which he
left with Mr.. Bryan to be given to the
committee when organized for the cam
paign.
"
and for some time after he WAS natur-
allied was a member of the republican
party. But he was student OF public
questions and in the course of time be-
came Democrat. To manifest his
deep interest in the success OF the party
and triumph OF Democratic principles
he made this free-will Offering To the
campaign fund.
at is very appropriate that this first
contribution should come from that
great body of our population known
as agriculturalists. The farmer has
nothing TO gain by privilege and favor
! itIsm; his hope is ia the application of
[ the doctrine equal rights TO all and
| special privileges to none. He has
| been the victim of all legislation and
| has suffered from control Of politics
by the great I.redatory corporations.
| Now that the Democratic party has
announced IFS determination not 10
ljt contributions from corporations
and not 10 accept excessive contribu-
lions even from individuals and to pub
fish all contributions when over rea-
sonable minimum, IL ought to be able
to secure sufficient sum from the cit
nothing but protection of their rights
and consideration for the general well
fare. There are hundreds of thousands
OF farmers who are abundantIy aple TO
contribute to the campaign fund. There
are thousands who could give 500
apiece without feeling II; there are tens
OF thousands who could give $50 apiece
without sacrifice and still more who
could give 80 or $40 or IS.
AS he national comnItlee has not
yet teen organized, we VIII ask The
Conllnoner TO call tor subscriptions to
this farmers, funi. Those giving may
indicate whether they are willing 10
have their names mentioned and If the
contribution is not more than 500 tbelr
wishes will be com Piled Win.
All contributions above 500 must be
made known, no matter from whom
they come.
1.-The farmer fund Will be turned over
to the national committe as soon as its
permanent officers have been selected.
Who will be the first to respond? The
DenVe convention was peoples con-
vention; it adopted strong, clear.
honest platform and its nominations
were made with practical unanimity.
Our fight is fight for the whole peo-
pie. Oar aim is equal and exact justice
to all; our purpose is TO restore the gov
ernment To the hands of freely chosen
representatives of the voters. How
many farmers Will join i'll furnishing
the fund necessary TO present the is.
sues?
(Signed.)
"William J. Bryan"
"John w. Kern"