Gretna, NE Speech, 1896-11-02

Speech by William Jennings Bryan.

Speech by William Jennings Bryan
Monday, November 2, 1896
Depot, Gretna, NE

Source: FROM LINCOLN TO OMAHA., Mr. Bryan Speaks at Greenwood, Ashland and Gretna., Omaha World-Herald (Morning Edition), Wednesday, November 3, 1896

"Ladies and Gentlemen: When I began my first canvass for congress, in 1890, I came to Gretna, the strongest Democratic precinct in the only certain county of this district, and when I came here I remember that you raised the first pole ever raised in my honor, and put upon it a banner bearing the inscription, 'W. J. Bryan, M. C.' Six years have passed since then, and I now come to you, on the last day and in the evening of that day, when, instead of being a candidate for congress I am the candidate of three parties for the presidency. I remember with grateful appreciation the handsome vote that I received in this precinct six years ago, and I am going to watch the returns tomorrow night and see if Gretna does as well this year." (Cheers.)