Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 December 1896 — BRYAN TO THE PEOPLE. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

BRYAN TO THE PEOPLE.

Democratic Nominee Issues a Stirring Address on the Election Outcome. t CAUSE OF FREE SILVER IS NOT DEAD. Some of the Things Which the American People Will Expect from the Administration of Major McKinley.

William .T. Bryan has given out the following statement to the bimetallists of the United States: Conscious that millions of loyal hearts are saddened by temporary defeat, I beg to offer a word of hope and encouragement. No cause ever had supporters more brave, earnest and devoted than those who linvd espoused the cause of bimetallism. They have fought from conviction and have fought with all the zeal which conviction inspires. Events will prove whether they are right or wrong. Having done their duty as they saw it, they have nothing to regret. The Republican candidate has been heralded as the advance agent of prosperity. If his policies bring real prosperity to the American people, those who opposed him will share in that prosperity. If, on the other hand, his policies prove an injury to the people generally, those of his supporters who do not belong to the office-holding class, or to the privileged classes, will suffer 1n common with those who oppose him. The friends of bimetallism have not been vanquished; they have simply been overcome. They believe that the gold standard is a conspiracy, of the .money changers, against the welfare of the human race, and until convinced of their error they will continue the warfare against it. Silver Men Fought Up Hill. The contest has been waged this year under great embarrassments and against great odds. For the first time during this generation public attention has been centered upon tile money question as the paramount issue, and this has been done in spite of ail attempts upon the part of our opponents to prevent it. The Republican convention held out the delusive hope of international bimetallism, while Republican leaders labored secretly for gold monometallism. Gold-standard Democrats have publicly advocated the election of the Indianapolis ticket, while they labored secretly for the election of the Republican ticket. ■The trusts and corporations have tried to excite a fear of lawlessness while they have been defying the law. And American financiers have boasted that the custodians of national honor while they were secretly bartering away the nation’s financial independence. But in spite of the efforts of the administration and its supporters; in spite of the threats of money-loaners at home and abroad; in spite of the coercion practiced by corporation employers; in spite of trusts and syndicates; in spite of an enormous Republican campaign fun<J, and in spite of the influence of a hostile daily press, bimetallism has almost triumphed in its first great fight. Tl>e los3 of a few States, and, that, too, by a very small plurality, has defeated bimetallism for the present, but bimetallism emerges from the contest stronger than it was four months ago. Praise for National Committees. I desire to commend the work of the three national committees which have joined in the management of this campaign. Co-operation between the members of distinct political organizations is always difficult, but it hns been less so this year than usual. Interest in a cornman cause of great importance has reduced friction to a minimum. I hereby express my personal gratitude to the individual members, as well as the executive officers, of the National Committees of Democratic, Populist, arid Silver parties for their efficient, untiring, and unselfish labors. They have laid the foundation for future success, and will be remembered as pioneers when victory is at last secured. No personal or political friend need grieve because of my defeat. My ambition has been to secure immediate legislation rather than to enjoy the honors of office; therefore, defeat brkigs to me no feeling of personal loss. Speaking for the wife who has shared my labors, as well as for myself, I .desire to say that we have been amply repaid for all that we have done. In the love of of our fellow citizens, so kindly expressed in knowledge gained by personal contact with the people and in broadened sympathies, we find full compensation for whatever efforts we have put forth. Our hearts have been touched by the devotion of friends and our lives shall prove our appreciation of the affection, which we prfy.e as the richest reward which this campaign has brought. Calls for a Reorganization. In the face of an enemy rejoicing in its victory, let the roll be called for the en-

gagement arid urge all friends of bimetallism to renew their allegiance to the cause. If we are right, as I believe we are, we shall yet triumph. Until convinced of his error, let eueh advocate of bimetallism continue the work. Let nil silver elubs retain their organization, hold regular meetings, and circulate literature. Our opponents have succeeded in this campaign nnd must now put their theories to the test. Instead of tnlking mysteriously about “sound money” and “an honest dollar,” they must now elaborate and defend a financial system. Every step taken by them should be publicly considered by the silver clubs. Our cause has prospered most where the money question has been longest discussed among the people. During the next four yenrs it will bo studied all over this nation even more than it has been studied in the past. Not Far to 1900, . The year 1900 is not far away. Before that year arrives international bimetallism will cease to deceive; before that year arrives those who have called themselves gold-standard Democrats will become bimetallists nnd be with us or they will become Republicans and be open enemies; before that year arrives trusts will have convinced still more people that a trust is a menace to private welfare and to public safety. Before that year arrives the evils of a gold standard will be oven more evident than they ure now, and the people, then ready to demand an American financial policy for the American people, will join with us in the immediate restoration of the free and unlimited coinage of gold and silver at the present legal ratio of 10 to 1 without waiting for the aid or consent of any other nation.

W. J. BRYAN.