William Jennings Bryan 'Cross of Gold Speech', July 9, 1896.
...Free government cannot long survive when the thousands enjoy the wealth of the country and the millions share its poverty in common. Even now you hear among the rich an occasionally expressed contempt for popular government, and among the poor a protest against legislation which makes them " toil that others may reap." I appeal to you to restore justice and bring back prosperity while yet a peaceable solution can be secured. ...
...Well has it been said by the Senator from Missouri [ Mr. VEST] that we have come to the parting of the ways.
Today the Democratic party stands between two great forces, each inviting its support. On the one side stand the corporate interests of the nation, its moneyed institutions, its aggregations of wealth and capital, imperious, arrogant compassionless. They demand special legislation, favors, privileges, and immunities. They can subscribe magnificently to campaign funds; they can strike down opposition with their all-pervading influence, and, to those who fawn and flatter, bring ease and plenty. They demand that the Democratic party shall become their ageat to execute their merciless decrees.
On the other side stands that unnumbered throng which gave a name to the Democratic party and for which it has assumed to speak. Work-worn and dustbegrimed, they make their sad appeal.
They hear of average wealth increased on every side and feel the inequality of it's distribution. They see an over-production of everything desired because of the underproduction of the ability to buy.They can not pay for loyalty except with their suffrages, and can only punish betrayal with their condemnation. Although the ones who most deserve the fostering care of Government, their cries for help too often beat in vain against the outer wall, while others less deserving find ready access to legislative halls.
This army, vast and daily vaster growing, begs the party to be its champion in the present conflict.
It cannot press its claims 'mid sounds of revelry. Its phalanxes do not form in grand parade, nor has it gaudy banners floating on the breeze. Its battle hymn is " Home, Sweet Home," its war cry " equality before the law."
To the Democratic party, standing between these two irreconcilable forces, uncertain to which side to turn, and conscious that upon its choice its fate depends, come the words of Israel's second lawgiver:
" Choose you this day whom ye will serve."
What will the answer be ?
Speech of William Jennings Bryan on the floor of the House, August 16, 1893 entitled The Gold and Silver Coinage of the Constitution.
No comments:
Post a Comment