Show THE GREAT convention N F v in the history of the nation has there been such an important and momentous gathering of political giants as were gathered together in in the city of chicago this week rea the democratic national convention of 1896 has no prototype in the world of political contests even the charleston convention of 1860 and the republican convention of 1880 fade into insignificance ance when compared with this battle for a principle the others were more of a contest for men than for a dear clear cut expression of national policy the convention of 1896 was a battle royal between the people and the politicians between patr patriotism and between the earnest cry of the millions of oppressed americans and the hoarse roar of the vultures of lombard and wall streets it was a fight to a finish and thank god it ended with victory for human liberty and our native land the cohorts of the god of gold gathered from all portions of the country and came determined to make inake the most stubborn resistance to the tide of public opinion that has set in for the free coinage of silver but it was in vain the silver men though somewhat unorganized in the start rallied as one man and completely checkmated check mated every move of the champions of the yellow metal senator hill of ney new york a goldate gol dite was recommended by the national committee for temporary chairman but he wu WM turned down by a decisive vote and the gallant senator J W daniels of virginia was wa chosen for the place of honor daniels speech was the gem em of all the oratory he sounded the key n note ote of the platform and the campaign he spoke only of the financial question thus makan making that issue the overshadowing 19 question of the hour As a pi piece ece of eloquent logic soul stirring patriotism and classic word painting in 0 0 this speech will adorn adom the pages of american history by the side of any of the glowing addresses which have gone before it the permanent organization followed in the same line with senator white of california as chairman and the committee on credentials denti als soon c disposed lis posed of the contests in nebraska and michigan by seating the silver delegates the platform caused some hot discussion but was adopted by over a two thirds vote it is in harmony with the great speech of daniels and makes the money question the real live ave issue pronouncing noun cing for the free and unlimited coinage of silver at the ratio of 16 to 1 without waiting tor for the consent or operation cooperation co of any for eign nation on earth this thia feature will ill be the pillar of doud cloud b by y day and of fire by night to atu guide de the american people back to tc P prosperity ros and peace 1 other questions awe are cm a brief and ana 1 t he none of its time honored and immortal principles of free government but the greatest and best of the achievements of the convention was reached when it named as its standard bearer the n name am e of william J bryan from the state of nebraska thus crowning the work of this great body with a wreath of glory entwined with shouts of victory that will grow brighter bri ahter and louder until the ad day of november when faith and hope will be lost in the fruition n of joy and victory william J bryan was nominated on the fifth ballot amid much enthusiasm thusia sm by the silver forces the gold men from new york new jersey and other states refusing to vote or participate further in the proceedings mr bryan is an ideal american in the prime and vigor of life an eloquent and persistent defender of the cause of silver and will unite i the free silver republicans and populists lists with the silver democrats which will flood the country I 1 with a light of glory unequaled since the declaration of independence made the morning stars sing together mr bryans great speech delav ere on thursday on the adoption of the pl platform adfor m completely captivated the convention and lod led to his nomination his running mate is arthur Se maine ma ine i a man true as steel to our cause and in every way satisfactory to the people who demand a return to the faith of our fathers now let the decks be cleared for action and let all discordant elements be hushea for this the greatest struggle of modern timey times the broad ax feels somewhat complimented for the reason that we were the firt first to place the name of william J bryan on the list of presidential possibilities hurrah for william J bryan and arthur sewall |