"He who aids in increasing landlordism in this country hastens the overthrow of the Republic, for free government will not long survive when a few own the land and means of support, while the many are tenants at will. No one would dare to propose a law increasing the number of dollars to be paid by a debtor. To increase the size of the dollar by legislation has exactly the same effect. "That dollar will soon cease to be called honest, which grows fatter every day. Tariff reform grew strong in the West and South, while it was rejected as a heresy in the East. It took years of struggle to carry the cause of tariff reform across the Alleghenies, but the principle conquered in time. "The protective policy was never as disastrous to the agricultural classes as a gold standard would be, for, while protection lessened the stream, gold monometallism would dry up the very fountain of prosperity. "The friends of the gold and silver coinage of the Constitution' need not be discouraged. Strong in the all-conquering might of right, their principles will triumph, and that triumph will be signalized by a return of prosperity to the great masses of our people. 'Tariff reform' and 'the coinage of the Constitution' will remain the two great issues until secured." A Giant Among Giants. In 1890, when only 30 years of age, Bryan was elected a member of the House from the First District of Nebraska, where he located immediately after his admission to the bar. During the consideration of the single tariff bills, which were brought to the House during the first session of that Congress, Mr. Bryan electrified his colleagues by the force and vigor of his utterances, his intimate knowledge of economic matters, the gracefulness of his oratory and his ability to sustain himself with credit against the ablest debaters upon the Republican side of the chamber. His time, on that occasion, was repeatedly extended, and he spoke in all several hours. He awoke the next morning to find himself famous. Nor was it an ephemeral fame. He became from that day a conspicuous figure in a House which included such giants of debate as Breckinridge, of Kentucky; Bourke Cockran, and John R. Fellows, of New York; Dingley and Reed, of Maine; Springer, of Illinois; Lodge, of Massachusetts; Oates, of Alabama, and William L. Wilson, of West Virginia, who now holds the office of Postmaster-General. Wife of the Nominee. One of the women most talked about in all sections of the country to-day is Mrs. William Jen |