Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 22, Number 4, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 October 1900 — CAN’T STICK TO BRYANISM [ARTICLE]

CAN’T STICK TO BRYANISM

Indianian Converted by Reviewing His Own False Prophesies. Cyrus P.. Jackman of Angola, Steuben county, confirms the report that he will vote and work for McKinley. Mr. Jack man cast his presidential vote for Bryan, and two years ago was the Democratic candidate for prosecuting attorney in the district of Steuben and DeKalb counties. He stumped the district with Representative Robinson and made a reputation as a forceful speaker. When asked for his reason be said: “I fully intended to vote and work for Bryan this year, and I began to prepare my speeches, but as I studied conditions and recalled the prophecies 1 had made four years ago I found myself confronted with facts which I could not explain away. In common with other Bryan speakers I had predicted that the gold standard would perpetuate the business depression of Cleveland’s administration, and I found that all Bryan had said, and all his speakers said, was wrong. As I studied I found myself more and more embarrassed by facts and conditions, and I finally got mad and said: ‘lt's no use, I am going to vote for McKinley.’ I was forced to the conclusion that Bryan was a false prophet in 1896, and if wrong then he is wrong now, and I can’t in conscience support him In the light of events I cafi’t avoid the convulsion that the free coinage of silver at 16 to 1 w'ould have been a great detriment to the country. And, as for the new Issue of imperialism, I believe in my own mind that the 124 years of our history proves there is nothing in that. It is merely a new name for a harmless old thing. I am convinced it is time to stop taking up experiments in government and maintain that which has proved true and helpful. I come of several generations of Democrats, but I am no longer one. I tried to stick to the old party, but it’s no use; I can’t do it.”