Sedalia, MO Speech, 1896-07-16

Speech by William Jennings Bryan.

Speech by William Jennings Bryan
Thursday, July 16, 1896 at 2:55pm
Depot, Sedalia, MO

Source: MANY GRASP HIS HAND, Crowds at Every Station to Greet Nominee Bryan., Omaha World-Herald (Morning Edition), Friday, July 17, 1896

"In no other country are we able to see such a sight as is witnessed here. In no other country are the people so free to choose those who for a brief time exercise the power of government. In no other civilized government can it be so truly said that the government so justly derives its powers from the consent of the people. Here the people govern; all power rests with them. It is the greatest form of government conceived in the mind of man, and when I see this assemblage, on such an occasion, I cannot but feel the gratification we all should have.

Parties are only the instruments by which we carry out those policies which we believe in."

NOT TO BE WORSHIPPED

"Parties are not to be worshiped. They are not perfect; they are but effective means by which we carry out our purpose.

...If the lot had fallen to him, I would have been his most loyal supporter. (Cheers.) I am gratified beyond measure that when the lot fell upon me, I had no truer friend than Richard P. Bland. (Loud cheers.)

I don't want anybody to think that by voting for me they are going to get their hands in somebody else's pockets. I would be satisfied if I kept the hands of other people out of their pockets." (Cheers and cries of "That's it.")