William Jennings Bryan, The First Battle: A Story of the
Campaign of 1896
(Chicago: W.B. Conkey Company, 1896), 338 and Omaha World-Herald (Morning Edition),
Omaha, NE, 13 August, 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)."