Barrytown, NY Speech, 1896-08-17

Speech by William Jennings Bryan.

Speech by William Jennings Bryan
Monday, August 17, 1896
Porch of E.C. Perrine's Home, Barrytown, NY

Source: FIND FRIENDS EVERYWHERE, Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Are Warmly Welcomed at All Stops on Their Route, Omaha World-Herald (Morning Edition), Tuesday, August 18, 1896

"Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen: Speaking for Mrs. Bryan as well as for myself, I desire to thank the gentleman who has so graciously extended the welcome and the people who by their presence supported his words. It gives us great pleasure to come here upon this occasion and renew an old time acquaintance with one of your esteemed citizens. In reaching this spot we have passed up the river of which we have so often heard, but of which until this visit we knew nothing. We have been impressed with the fact that this river and its surroundings are not only pleasing to the eye of those who love beauty of scenery, but are also pleasing to those who are interested in the historic scenes of revolutionary days. We shall remember with great delight this, our first acquaintance with them. We are glad to find our rest in this quiet place among the people who exemplify the truth spoken by the wise man so many years ago. When Solomon said he desired neither riches nor poverty, he gave expression to a thought that we may well consider. In such a community, we find a quality and fraternity and we find people bound together in a friendship that promises well for all that is good and uplifting in the human race. We are glad to come among you."

ALL POLITICS LAID ASIDE.

"We are glad to rest here for a few days from the weariness of the campaign and we are pleased to know that you who live among these mountains, where you can take a broader view of these earthly scenes, are, also as citizens, able to rise and take a broad view of our political life; that you, Republicans as well as Democrats, you, the members of all parties, can lay aside for the moment all political thought and gather without respect to party affiliations to do honor to the office to which I at this time aspire. (Voice: "And you'll get it.") I have always lived among those who differed from me and at all times I have found some of my best friends among those who could not agree with me upon public questions. I expect to find it that way this year and in all years to come, but I am glad that friendship, affection, and love are strong enough to cross all lines and bind together all congenial spirits. I am glad, too, that you recognize the higher plane of citizenship in which each citizen, while firmly standing by that in which he believes and courageously upholding the cause which he espouses to be best for his country, can at the same time extend to all others that charity which he asks for himself. I am glad that as we struggle on with intense earnestness in carrying forward those policies which we believe are of vital importance, we can still, like brethren, stand side by side without feeling that there are in these contests anything which should draw forth personal animosity. I thank you for your gathering and of this opportunity of making your acquaintance." (Loud cheers.)