[81] Newspaper accounts of the convention leave little doubt but that, had a vote been taken at that moment (as many were shouting to do), Bryan would have been nominated. [20], Bryan had long planned to run for president. "[55] Hill gave a calm speech defending the gold position, and swayed few delegates. [96] Bryan spoke on silver throughout the campaign; he rarely addressed other issues. Accordingly, Bryan became the final speaker on the platform. [59] According to political scientist Richard F. Bensel in his study of the 1896 Democratic convention, "Although the silver men knew they would win this fight, they nonetheless needed someone to tell themand the gold menwhy they must enshrine silver at the heart of the platform. ( July 8, 1896 ), classic of American political oratory delivered by William Jennings Bryan ( Bryan, William Jennings) in closing the debate on the party platform at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in 1896. "[56], Vilas quickly lost his audience, which did not want to hear Cleveland defended. They have tried for thirty yearsthirty yearsto secure an international agreement, and those are waiting for it most patiently who dont want it at all. W.J. Let me call attention to two or three great things. Pro-silver forces, with congressional leaders such as Missouri Representative Richard P. Bland, sought the passage of bills to allow depositors of silver bullion to receive it back in the form of coin. Bryan, who remained at his hotel, sent word to the Nebraska delegation to make no deals on his behalf. He would subsequently win the Democratic nomination for president in 1900 and again . The audio portion is an excerpt. With a two-thirds vote of the delegates needed to nominate, almost every silver delegate would have to vote for the same candidate to assure success, though any organized support from gold delegates would greatly damage a silver candidate's chances. Four years previously, the former Nebraska congressman had electrified Democratic delegates with his "Cross of Gold" speech, which defined the policy of "free silver" as a moral crusade and helped propel him to the party's presidential nomination . If the gold standard, and I might call your attention to the fact that some of the very people who are in this convention today and who tell you that we ought to declare in favor of international bimetallism and thereby declare that the gold standard is wrong and that the principles of bimetallism are betterthese very people four months ago were open and avowed advocates of the gold standard and telling us that we could not legislate two metals together even with all the world. They could only beg them to spare the party the humiliation of broken traditions and the overthrowing of established control. Although the recording does not capture the power and drama of the original address, it does allow us to hear Bryan delivering this famous speech.]. The next day the convention nominated Bryan for President on the fifth ballot. The gold standard, which the United States had effectively been on since 1873, limited the money supply but eased trade with other nations, such as the United Kingdom, whose currency was also based on gold. Welcome to a series on William Jennings Bryan's famous 1896 Cross of Gold speech. They called for the return to pre-1873 laws, which would require the Mint to take all the silver offered it and return it, struck into silver dollars. We do not come as individuals. [84][85] On the second ballot, Bryan still stood second, but had gained as other candidates had fallen away. [95] However, Bryan did gain the support of the Populists, as well as a convention of Silver Republicans. It was not in any concerted or open action, however, that Bryan had his strength; it was in the friendly predisposition of the mass of the delegates that he had hopes.[30]. The thirty-six-year-old former Congressman from Nebraska aspired to be the Democratic nominee for president, and he had been skillfully, but quietly, building support for himself among the delegates. The Democratic idea, however, has been that if you legislate to make the masses prosperous, their prosperity will find its way up through every class which rests upon them. We say in our platform that we believe that the right to coin money and issue money is a function of government. This was close enough to the market value to make it uneconomic to export either US gold or silver coins. The Nebraskan later described the audience as like a trained choir. We have simply called attention to what you know. TABLE 7 Comparative Analysis of Two Theoretical Explanations of Personality . [11], In 1890, the Sherman Silver Purchase Act greatly increased government purchases of silver. His speeches impressed many; even some of his opponents later conceded that Bryan was the most compelling speaker they had ever heard. [63] Two alert police officers had joined Bryan as he left the podium, anticipating the crush. The sympathies of the Democratic Party, as described by the platform, are on the side of the struggling masses, who have ever been the foundation of the Democratic Party. Cross of Gold title of speech William Jennings Bryan gave Cross of Gold speech at Democratic National Covention Nebraska congressman seeking presidential nomination Democratic National Convention To whom did Bryan gives his Cross of Gold Speech in Chicago? He also proposed the establishment of a mint, at which citizens could present gold or silver, and receive it back, struck into money. [44] Bryan had been waiting outside the committee room when his rivals were seated by a 2723 vote; contemporary accounts state he was "somewhat surprised" at the result. The galleries were filled with white as spectators waved handkerchiefs, and it was several minutes before he could continue. The silver would be struck into dollar coins to be circulated, or else stored and used as backing for silver certificates. The most famous speech in American political history was delivered by William Jennings Bryan on July 9, 1896, at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Shall we, their descendants, when we have grown to 70 million, declare that we are less independent than our forefathers? [79] He soon retired from the convention, returning to his hotel to await the outcome. [7], The Coinage Act of 1873 eliminated the standard silver dollar. For twenty years, Americans had been bitterly divided over the nation's monetary standard. Bryan later wrote, "This was another unexpected bit of good fortune. But note the change. Cross of Gold Speech - Analysis | Milestone Documents - Milestone Documents William Jennings Bryan: "Cross of Gold" Speech Log in to see the full document and commentary. [14] Farmers went bankrupt; their farms were sold to pay their debts. Of these, only Senator Blackburn, a silver supporter, sparked much reaction, and that only momentary. The platform would symbolize the repudiation of Cleveland and his policies after the insurgents' long struggle, and Bryan was determined to close the debate on the platform. [31], Many state conventions elected delegates pledged to support bimetallism in the party platform. . The session was supposed to begin at 10:00a.m., but as delegates, slowed by the long commute from the hotels to the Coliseum and fatigue from the first two days, did not arrive on time, proceedings did not begin until 10:45. I come to speak to you in defense of a cause as holy as the cause of libertythe cause of humanity. Bryan, having established the right of silver supporters to petition, explained why that petition was not to be denied: It is for these that we speak. I deny it. Why, as individuals we might have been glad to compliment the gentleman from New York [Senator Hill], but we knew that the people for whom we speak would never be willing to put him in a position where he could thwart the will of the Democratic Party. He stood second out of fourteen candidates in the first ballot, behind Bland. But we stand here representing people who are the equals before the law of the largest cities in the state of Massachusetts. Introduction. We go forth confident that we shall win. [16] By 1893, his views on silver had evolved, and on the floor of the House of Representatives, he delivered a riveting three-hour address against repeal of the Silver Purchase Act. I had never had such an opportunity before in my life and never expect to have again. [75] The lengthy passage as he discussed the platform and the Republicans helped calm the audience, ensuring he would be heard as he reached his peroration. Nevertheless, he won the nomination without the votes of the gold delegates, most of whom either left the convention or refused to vote. It marked the first american victory over a European power. [72] When Bryan resumed, his comparison of miner with miser again electrified the audience; the uproar prevented him from continuing for several minutes. As Bryan was not deemed a major contender for the nomination, even delegates committed to a candidate could cheer him without seeming to betray their allegiance. Cleveland issued a statement urging Democratic voters to support goldthe next convention to be held, in Illinois, unanimously supported silver; the keynote speaker prayed for divine forgiveness for Cleveland's 1892 nomination. Instructors: CLICK HERE to request a free trial account (only available to college instructors) Primary Source Readers The Democratic Party wanted to create more upward mobility for people. They are also most often funny. bimetallism), which he believed would bring the nation prosperity. In the "Cross of Gold" speech, Bryan argued that the Democratic Party's focus on bi-metallism in its platform was justified because a gold standard alone could not solve the country's problems at the time, including debt, small business failure, and monopolies. He always regarded it as the best point he made during the speech, and only the ending caused more reaction from his listeners: We say to you that you have made the definition of a business man too limited in its application. They have tried to strain it to mean that which it does not mean. Sources. It showed American support for european economic interests in East Africa. Will it choose blessings or cursingslife or deathwhich? The bankers did not want loans repaid in an inflated currencythe gold standard was deflationary, and as creditors, they preferred to be paid in such a currency, whereas debtors preferred to repay in inflated currency. [53] Tillman's speech, scheduled to be the only one in support of silver except Bryan's, was so badly received that Senator Jones, who had not planned to speak, gave a brief address asserting that silver was a national issue. The government pledged to stand behind the silver dollars and treasury notes issued under the act by redeeming them in gold. Image No. They tell us that this platform was made to catch votes. Document Analysis: "Cross of Gold" In 1896, three years after the "Panic of 1893", a man by the name of William Jennings Bryan delivered one of the most historical speeches to this day. The dissidents nominated their own ticket; the split in the vote would contribute to Bryan's defeat. The Populists would reach the high water mark of their political power in 1896, when the Democratic Party nominated William Jennings Bryan as its candidate for President of . If they dare to come out in the open field and defend the gold standard as a good thing, we shall fight them to the uttermost, having behind us the producing masses of the nation and the world. Contemporary estimates were an unemployment rate as high as 25%. We defy them! Consciousness of grievances of years and not of months was reflected in the decisive action of the state Democratic conventions in the spring and early summer of 1896. Jones deemed the Democrats likely to nominate a candidate who would appeal to the Populist Party, and Bryan had been elected to Congress with Populist support. [102] Bryan's emphasis on agrarian issues, both in his speech and in his candidacy, may have helped cement voting patterns which kept the Democrats largely out of power until the 1930s. He says that mankind won't be crucified on a cross of gold. [37] He arrived convinced that he would win the nomination. According to William Jennings Byran:. ; D. The Democratic Party understood the economy from the point of view of workers and farmers. [10], Implementation of the BlandAllison Act did not end calls for free silver. At the. If the gold standard is the standard of civilization, why, my friends, should we not have it? Gold and silver factions in some states, such as Bryan's Nebraska, sent rival delegations to the convention. William Jennings Bryan (nicknamed the "Boy Orator of the Platte" and "The Great Commoner") was a Nebraska politician and orator who rose to fame in 1896 when he secured the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. On the 4th of March, 1895, a few Democrats, most of them members of Congress, issued an address to the Democrats of the nation asserting that the money question was the paramount issue of the hour; asserting also the right of a majority of the Democratic Party to control the position of the party on this paramount issue; concluding with the request that all believers in free coinage of silver in the Democratic Party should organize and take charge of and control the policy of the Democratic Party. It is because no private character, however pure, no personal popularity, however great, can protect from the avenging wrath of an indignant people the man who will either declare that he is in favor of fastening the gold standard upon this people, or who is willing to surrender the right of self-government and place legislative control in the hands of foreign potentates and powers. . According to Barnes: The people of the South and the West had for years been convinced of the enormity of the "crime of 1873", and they had long since come to regard silver as the sword that would cut the Gordian knot of privilege. Having behind us the commercial interests and the laboring interests and all the toiling masses, we shall answer their demands for a gold standard by saying to them, you shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns. We reply that when we advocate a thing which we believe will be successful we are not compelled to raise a doubt as to our own sincerity by trying to show what we will do if we are wrong. Why doesnt he tell us what he is going to do if they fail to secure an international agreement. Gold Democrats were successful in a few states in the Northeast, but had little luck elsewhere. [5] It was not until 1834 that Congress acted, changing the gold/silver ratio to 16.002:1. I tell you that the great cities rest upon these broad and fertile prairies. The image that is selected for the analysis is from the pre-1856 epoch of US history, and it represents the imagination of the political and social life as it was imagined by artists. [71] The police in the convention hall, not sharing the enthusiasm for silver, were described by the press (some of whose members were caught up in the frenzy) as standing as if they thought the audience was about to turn on them. [90] The only paper to predict, after Bryan gave his speech, that he would not be nominated was The Wall Street Journal, which stated, "Bryan has had his day". Some of the impoverished died of disease or starvation; others killed themselves.[15]. [4] In 1830, Treasury Secretary Samuel D. Ingham proposed adjusting the ratio between gold and silver in US currency to 15.8:1, which had for some time been the ratio in Europe. Bound in semi-stiff boards covered in dark green washi paper, wit Introduction: -attractions of a political cartoon ii. Not only that, but as he listens he can hear with ever increasing distinctness the sound of the waves as they beat upon the lonely shores of St. Helena. President Cleveland sent federal troops to Illinois to end the Pullman strikeworkers at the Pullman Palace Car Company, which made railroad cars, had struck after wages were cut. Nevertheless, Senator John W. Daniel of Virginia was by an overwhelming vote elected temporary chairman, and a Committee on Credentials was appointed that seated Bryan and his contesting Nebraska delegation.[47]. [64] Throughout the speech, Bryan had the delegates in the palm of his hand; they cheered on cue. They criticize us for our criticism of the Supreme Court of the United States. I am in favor of an income tax. This handout is a great resource for helping students analyze this key political cartoon from the Populist Movement and the Election of 1896 featuring William Jennings Bryan and the "Cross of Gold" speech. [9], To advocates of what became known as free silver, the 1873 act became known as the "Crime of '73". 0063664 Add to Lightbox File Size: 2506 x 3240 px @300dpi Image Source Credit: GRANGER. We have petitioned, and our petitions have been scorned. But destroy our farms and the grass will grow in the streets of every city in the country. W.J. From the beginning of the speech, Bryan suggests that his cause is righteous and. [33] Silver forces were supported by the Democratic National Bimetallic Committee, the umbrella group formed in 1895 to support silver Democrats in their insurgency against Cleveland. [49][50], Delegates, as they waited for the committees to complete their work, spent much of the first two days listening to various orators. Now, my friends, let me come to the great paramount issue. This takeover was considered far more important than was the choice of presidential candidate, and the committee decided to take no position on who should win the race for the nomination, reasoning that the victor, no matter who he was, would be a silver man. The cartoon depicts two contradictory sides of Carnegie: the business titan and the philanthropist. [57] Bryan then defended the right of silver supporters to make their argument against opposition from gold men, who were associated with financial interests, especially in the East. William Jennings Bryan's "Cross of Gold" oration was primarily an expression of his (A) fundamentalist religious beliefs (B) neutral stance toward the belligerents of the First World War (C) advocacy of free and unlimited coinage of silver (D) opposition to teaching the theory of evolution in public schools (E) anti-imperialist convictions [63], I would be presumptuous, indeed, to present myself against the distinguished gentlemen to whom you have listened if this were a mere measuring of abilities; but this is not a contest between persons. Publishing regularly in Harper's Weekly . The warmest ties of love and acquaintance and association have been disregarded. So if they come to meet us on that, we can present the history of our nation. "[89] The New York Times disparaged Bryan as "the gifted blatherskite from Nebraska". [105] Author and political commentator William Safire, in his political dictionary, traced the term "trickle-down economics" (common in the Reagan era) to Bryan's statement that some believe that government should legislate for the wealthy, and allow prosperity to "leak through" on those below. Both men had electoral problems: Bland at age 61 was seen by some as a man whose time had passed; Boies was a former Republican who had once decried bimetallism. [86], Most contemporary press accounts attributed Bryan's nomination to his eloquence, though in the case of Republican and other gold-favoring newspapers, they considered it his demagoguery. As Hill moved to the podium, a reporter friend passed Bryan a note urging him to make a patriotic speech without hint of sectionalism; Bryan responded, "You will not be disappointed. More than that, we can tell them this, that they will search the pages of history in vain to find a single instance in which the common people of any land ever declared themselves in favor of a gold standard. "[80], It took about 25minutes to restore order, and according to Bensel, "somewhere in the mass demonstration that was convulsing the convention hall, the transfer of sentiment from silver as a policy to Bryan as a presidential candidate took place". Bryan wanted the United States to use silver to back . [17] In his conclusion, Bryan reached back in history: When a crisis like the present arose and the national bank of his day sought to control the politics of the nation, God raised up an Andrew Jackson, who had the courage to grapple with that great enemy, and by overthrowing it, he made himself the idol of the people and reinstated the Democratic party in public confidence. My God! The legislation also established the Mint of the United States. Both of these movements helped to create the People's Party, or the Populist Party, which officially established its party platform in Omaha, Nebraska, on July 4, 1892. They complain about the plank which declares against the life tenure in office. [81] Bryan was urged by Senator Jones to allow it, but refused, stating that if his boom would not last overnight, it would never last until November. [79] Others took up the standards with the state names on them with each delegation, and planted them by Nebraska's. The Cross of Gold was a speech given by William Jennings Bryan at the Democratic National Convention in 1896 which advocated for bimetallism, or the use of both gold and silver in funding the currency. 2023 The Granger Collection LTD d/b/a GRANGER - Historical Picture Archive. "[1], As Bryan spoke his final sentence, recalling the Crucifixion of Jesus, he placed his hands to his temples, fingers extended; with the final words, he extended his arms to his sides straight out to his body and held that pose for about five seconds as if offering himself as sacrifice for the cause, as the audience watched in dead silence. Why this change? That is the question that the party must answer first; and then it must be answered by each individual hereafter. More than a century after Bryan delivered that speech, his words still have power, and some of his metaphors still appear in political speeches and platforms. But note the change. Bryan had been a dark horse candidate with little support in the convention. There is more reason for him to do that than for us to expect to fail to maintain the parity. I want to suggest this truth, that if the gold standard is a good thing we ought to declare in favor of its retention and not in favor of abandoning it; and if the gold standard is a bad thing, why should we wait until some other nations are willing to help us to let it go? Some, wrote another reporter, like demented things, divested themselves of their coats and flung them high in the air. The next day the convention nominated Bryan for President on the fifth ballot. It was clear to listeners as he worked his way through the comparisons that he would refer to the farmer, and when he did, the hall exploded with sound. They tell us that the income tax ought not to be brought in here; that is not a new idea. Of gold speech criticize us for our criticism of the impoverished died of disease or starvation ; others themselves. Lost his audience, which did not want to hear Cleveland defended each delegation, and our petitions have disregarded... 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