The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1908-11-20
a Battle Lost-A war But BEGUN

in the Cornoner of Nov. IS, bids his
supporters not despair, declaring the
democratic party cannot die, aud that it
has accomplished more out of office than
the republican party has in Office during
the last twelve years. Speaking of the
recent election and discussing the future,
Mr.. Bryan says:
"The election of 1908 is over, and the
returns disclose signal victory for our
opponents, but the principles for which
our party stands, the policies for which
our party contends-tbey are not dead.
A good proposition is not made bad by
rejection at the polls; needed reform
is not male unnecessary byan adverse
vote. The legislation asked for by the
Democratic party in its last national plat
form was not of . temporary character-it
was legislation which will be of per.
nianept advantage when it is secured.
Does anyone believe that the Ameri.
can people will permanently permit Sc
crecy as to campaign contributions? Does
anyone believe that the American people
will permanently permit the will of voters
TO be thwarted, as it is now, by the
election of Senators through Legislatures?
Does anyone believe that the Trusts will
e permitted to exploit the masses? Does
anyone believe that the consumer will per-
manently permit the tariff to be written
by the benefciaries of that tariff? Does
anyone believe that the public will per.
manently tolerate enlargement from
labor aud capital? Does anyone believe
that the IS, 900, 900 of depositors will for.
ever permit their savings to be jeopardized
as at present? Does anyone believe that
the extravaganza of the>Goyernnient will
90 on forever unchecked? Does anyone
believe that our Republic will permanently
consent to colonial policy with its
humilations and financial burdens /?
There must be a party representing the
peoples protest against wrong in high
places, against corruption in politics and
against the-oppiession of the struggling
masses, and the Democratic party must
continue its fight or dissolve. 1t could
not exist as plutocratic party.
During the last IL years the Demo
cratic party has accomplished more out
of power than the Republican party has
accomplished in Office, and this is a
sufficient reward for those who fight for a
righteous cause. 1t would have been
pleasant to have been able to reward
worthy Democrats with official positions
they are looking for good government and
they labor unsel6shly for the promotion
of good government. They will neither
be discouraged nor dismayed by defeat.
They cannot cease to be interested in the
Government, for indifference would only
invote worse abuses than these from
which we now suffer. The fight must be
continued because good government is
the richest legacy that parent can leave
to child.
AS for myself, let no one worry about
my future. The holding of Office is a
mere incident in the life of those Who are
devoted to reforms. The reform is the
essential thing. If one can advance re-
forms by holding Office then the holding
of Office is justi6able; if one can best adj
vance reforms as a private citizen, then
the holding of Office is undesirable. The
world owes me nothing; I have been
abundantly compensated for what have
been able to do. My life will no, be long
enough to repay the people for their
support and for the confidence which they
have expressed.
my gratitude to those with whom
have labored surpasscs language, aud the
days of the future will be devoted to work
in the interest of the people. as under
stand that interest, and in behalf of those
reforms which seem 10 me TO be the best
I invite the cooperation ofthose who APP
prove, and shall not be deferred by the
criticism of those who disapprove With
an abiding faith in the triumph of the
truth and an unfaltering confidence in the
righteousness of our cause, speak this
word of encouragement to those who call
themselves friends. shall keep step
with them and march on.
"The measure OF our work cannot be
taken in a day. If we are right, as be-
lieve we are, it will vindicate us, if we
contribute. as believe we are con-
tribu,ing, to cause that is founded in
justice, our efforts will weigh in the final
victory.
--------------