LAD #24: Bryan's Cross of Gold Speech

William Jennings Bryan gave a speech at the Democratic Convention in Chicago in 1896 called the "Cross of Gold." He integrated the values of the Populist Party, especially concerning the platform of bimetallism, or the belief that both gold and silver should be coined currency. Bryan says that the money question is a major issue while also saying that silver Democrats were there not just to show their stand on that issue but also to publicize their ideas with the common people--with whom the Democratic party sympathizes. He clarifies that the Democratic platform is not a plan of hostility against the Republicans, although it drastically differs from the Republican platform, resulting in political battle lines being drawn. Republicans argue that silver coinage would interfere with their businesses, but Bryan argues that Republican practices have already interfered with the common man's own business--farmers, wage earners, and factory workers. In response to accusations against an income tac, Bryan sates that every man must contribute his share of the burden to deserve to enjoy the protection provided by the country. Bryan believed that money was a function of the government, under the exclusive control of banks.