New York City, NY Speech 2, 1896-08-12

Speech by William Jennings Bryan.

Speech by William Jennings Bryan
Wednesday, August 12, 1896
Bartholdi Hotel Balcony, New York City, NY

Source: ESCORTED TO THE HOTEL, Crowd Follows the Bryan Carriage—Nominee Speaks Briefly, Omaha World-Herald (Morning Edition), Thursday, August 13, 1896; The First Battle: A Story of the Campaign of 1896, 1896

"Fellow Citizens: I cannot do more than express to those who are here assembled our deep appreciation of the interest which the people of New York are giving in the campaign, which is now formally opened.

When I left home I told the people at the depot that I was going to open a campaign in what was thought to be the heart of the enemy's country (applause), but which we hope before the campaign is over will be our country. (Applause).

Out hopes have been realized sooner than we expected and wherever the enemy goes after this he will be in our country, no matter where he is. (Applause.)"

THERE IS A GOLDEN RULE

"Some of your financiers have boasted that they favor gold, but you shall teach them that they must carry their ideas far enough to believe, not in gold, but in the golden rule that treats all men alike. (Applause.)

I commission you as solders to fight and as missionaries to preach wherever you go from now until election day. (Cries of "We Will.")

Our opponents in the Democratic party have been threatening to organize a gold standard Democratic party (hisses), but be not afraid. You will search the pages of history in vain to find a battle that was ever won by an army of generals. They have not a private in their ranks. (Laughter.)

Now, my friends, I want you to set an example for your opponents which they have not set for you. They have said that they represent the respectable element of society. Teach them that a man's respectability cannot be proven by slandering every one who differs from him in opinions." (Applause.)