Moberly, MO Speech, 1896-09-12

Speech by William Jennings Bryan.

Speech by William Jennings Bryan
Saturday, September 12, 1896 at 1:55pm
Public Park, Moberly, MO

Source: BRYAN’S SHARP EYE, Democratic Candidate Causes the Capture of Two Pickpockets at Huntsville., Omaha World-Herald (Sunday Edition), Sunday, September 13, 1896

THE TALK AT MOBERLY

"Ladies and Gentlemen: I am not speaking in Missouri because it is necessary; for if Missouri goes back on the principles set forth in the Chicago platform which the Democracy of Missouri has believed at all times and under all circumstances, then to what state can we go and expect a welcome? (Cries of "None," and "Arkansas.") We count on the vote of Missouri and if we needed anything to insure the electoral vote of Missouri there is not a state in the union richer in public speakers. So I do not come here because it is necessary, but simply to see the people who are so enthusiastically supporting our ticket. Let me call your attention to one characteristic of this campaign. I have said you were rich in public speakers, but do you know in a campaign like this no community like this is poor in public speakers. In quiet times, often the machinery of the party takes charge of things. But in times like these, when the people rise up and the machine does not do what it ought to, then they have the remnants of a machine scattered all over the state. The machinery of a party is used to advance the principles and interest of those for whom the party speaks. You are fortunate in this state that the machinery has been acting in harmony with the people of this state, but in states where it has not done so, they are finding the people are greater than any machine." (Applause.)

CONVERTS ARE ZEALOUS.

"They tell us the craze is dying out, that it is a lunacy. If so the lunacy is spreading so rapidly that by election time there will not be gold bugs enough to furnish guards in the insane asylums for all these silver lunatics. (Great laughter.) Some of those who a few months ago were calling the advocates of free coinage lunatics are today the most enthusiastic advocates of free coinage we have. And they are grateful to those who saw the conditions before they did. (Applause.) The new converts are among the most zealous supporters we have."