Content can enter the public domain when copyright has expired, has been forfeited or is not applicable. Political cartoons are generally regarded as a hypertrophied imagination of the political or social reality of the particular time epoch. Hamilton proposed a monetary system based on bimetallism, in which the new currency would be equal to a given amount of gold, or a larger amount of silver; at the time a given weight of gold was worth about 15 times as much as the same amount of silver. Bryan wanted the United States to use silver to back . At Bryan's words, he threw his hat into the air, slapped the empty seat in front of him with his coat, and shouted, "My God! [97] Bryan won the South and most of the West, but McKinley's victories in the more populous Northeast and Midwest carried him to the presidency. In January 1791, at the request of Congress, Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton issued a report on the currency. [87] The pro-silver Cleveland Plain Dealer called Bryan's speech "an eloquent, stirring, and manly appeal". Contemporary estimates were an unemployment rate as high as 25%. 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. [12] Although the economic Panic of 1893 had a number of causes, President Grover Cleveland believed the inflation caused by Sherman's act to be a major factor, and called a special session of Congress to repeal it. Railway employees had refused to handle Pullman cars in sympathy with the strikers; this action threatened to paralyze the nation's rail lines. The policemen were swept away by the flood of delegates, who raised Bryan to their shoulders and carried him around the floor. Three months later, at Memphis, an organization was perfected, and the silver Democrats went forth openly and boldly and courageously proclaiming their belief and declaring that if successful they would crystallize in a platform the declaration which they had made; and then began the conflict with a zeal approaching the zeal which inspired the crusaders who followed Peter the Hermit. Angered by Cleveland's actions in the labor dispute, and by his uncompromising stand against silver, Altgeld began to organize Democrats against Cleveland's renomination in 1896. See Also:"I Am a Democrat and not a Revolutionist": Senator David Bennett Hill Defends the Gold Standard"Pitchfork Ben" Tillman Addresses the 1896 Democratic Convention, "I Am a Democrat and not a Revolutionist": Senator David Bennett Hill Defends the Gold Standard, "Pitchfork Ben" Tillman Addresses the 1896 Democratic Convention. It's a very famous speech and it was powerfully delivered, and was so . [64] According to Bensel, the self-deprecation helped disarm the delegates. [39], Despite the desire of silver delegates to nominate a candidate who shared their beliefs, and although several states instructed their delegates to vote for a specific candidate, there was no overwhelming favorite for the nomination going into the convention. But note the change. The silver men were thus in the hunt for a charismatic leader who would underpin what they already desperately wanted to believe. It also repealed the statutory provisions allowing silver bullion to be presented to the Mint and returned in the form of circulating money. Will it choose blessings or cursingslife or deathwhich? While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. The income tax was not unconstitutional when it was passed. As a Democratic member of the Ways and Means Committee through two Congresses, Mr. Bryan was by all odds the ablest and strongest orator on the Democratic side of the House. 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. [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. [19] Among those defeated for Senate was Bryan in Nebraska. [83], The balloting began the following morning, July 10, with a two-thirds vote necessary to nominate. [99], Bryan's speech is considered one of the most powerful political addresses in American history. The individual is but an atom; he is born, he acts, he dies; but principles are eternal, and this has been a contest over a principle. Welcome to a series on William Jennings Bryan's famous 1896 Cross of Gold speech. The humblest citizen in all the land, when clad in the armor of a righteous cause, is stronger than all the hosts of error. [11], In 1890, the Sherman Silver Purchase Act greatly increased government purchases of silver. [63] Two alert police officers had joined Bryan as he left the podium, anticipating the crush. [4] When silver prices rose relative to gold as a reaction to the California Gold Rush, silver coinage was worth more than face value, and rapidly flowed overseas for melting. 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. When I find a man who is not willing to pay his share of the burden of the government which protects him, I find a man who is unworthy to enjoy the blessings of a government like ours. That is the question that the party must answer first; and then it must be answered by each individual hereafter. [58] Bryan's lecture tours had left him a well-known spokesman for silver. One of the first candidates to appear widely on his own behalf, he was the original whistle-stop campaigner. Bryan considered this no loss at all; the focus of the convention was on the party platform and the debate which would precede its adoption. It is true. They complain about the plank which declares against the life tenure in office. 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. [27] However, part of his strategy was to remain inconspicuous until the last possible moment at the convention. The full text of William Jenning Bryans famous Cross of Gold speech appears below. South Carolina Senator Benjamin Tillman was to be the other pro-silver speaker, and originally wished to close the debate. The third ballot saw Bland still in the lead, but Bryan took the lead on the fourth ballot. "Strictly confidential, not to be quoted for publication: I will be. His dramatic speaking style and rhetoric roused the crowd to a frenzy. Although Bryan had decided on a strategy to gain the nominationto give a speech which would make him the logical candidate in the eyes of delegateshe faced obstacles along the way. We reply to them that changing conditions make new issues; that the principles upon which rest Democracy are as everlasting as the hills; but that they must be applied to new conditions as they arise. We defy them! It was not unconstitutional when it went before the Supreme Court for the first time. Our website may have some collections that include images that are in the public domain, not protected by copyright or where the copyright ownership is unknown. . 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. He favored the monetary policy . [74], With this call to action, Bryan abandoned any hint at compromise, and adopted the techniques of the radical, polarizing orator, finding no common ground between silver and gold forces. 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. Mr. Carlisle said in 1878 that this was a struggle between the idle holders of idle capital and the struggling masses who produce the wealth and pay the taxes of the country; and my friends, it is simply a question that we shall decide upon which side shall the Democratic Party fight. Political cartoons historically and currently play a significant role in public discourse about serious and important issues. Once the convention came to order, Arkansas Senator James K. Jones, chair of the Committee on Resolutions, read the proposed platform to cheers by many delegates; the reading of the pro-gold minority report attracted less applause. Senators, Bryan rose to speak. "[56], Vilas quickly lost his audience, which did not want to hear Cleveland defended. Bryan traveled 18,000 miles by train to give over 600 speeches (36 in one day) to about five million people. Our war is not a war of conquest. Analysis Of William Bryan'S The Cross Of Gold Speech: [Essay Example], 692 words GradesFixer. Advocates of the gold standard attributed the decline to advances in production and transportation. 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. We do not come as individuals. The 1896 Democratic National Convention followed events unique in post-Civil War American history. 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. The full text of William Jenning Bryan's famous "Cross of Gold" speech appears below. Here is the line of battle. . My God!"[70][71][73]. His sympathetic comparison contrasted the hardworking farmer with the city businessman, whom Bryan cast as a gambler. Upon the side of the idle holders of idle capital, or upon the side of the struggling masses? [Note on the recording: In 1896 recording technology was in its infancy, and recording a political convention would have been impossible. Shall we, their descendants, when we have grown to 70 million, declare that we are less independent than our forefathers? One farmer in the gallery had been about to leave rather than listen to Bryan, whom he deemed a Populist; he had been persuaded to stay. In his address, Bryan supported "free silver" (i.e. Sources. Mark Zuckerberg - Zuckerberg in April 2019. Although Altgeld and his adherents urged voters to distinguish between Cleveland and his party, the Democrats lost 113 seats in the House in the 1894 midterm elections, the greatest loss by a majority party in congressional history. doubt, because there is scarcely a State here today asking for the gold standard which is not in the absolute control of the Republican party. The Cross of Gold speech was delivered by William Jennings Bryan, a former United States Representative from Nebraska, at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on July 9, 1896. These cartoons are grouped by the general sentiment they represent about William Jennings Bryan, his political campaigns, and his ambitions. But Bryan first wished to tie the silver question to a greater cause:[46][76], Upon which side will the Democratic Party fight; upon the side of "the idle holders of idle capital" or upon the side of "the struggling masses"? William Jennings Bryan delivered his "Cross of Gold" speech at the Democratic National Convention in July of 1896 as part of his bid for the party's presidential nomination. There are those who believe that, if you will only legislate to make the well-to-do prosperous, their prosperity will leak through on those below. [54], Senator David B. Hill of New York, a gold supporter, was next. Delegates called for better-known speakers, such as Altgeld or Bryan, but were granted neither then; the Illinois governor declined, and the Nebraskan, once seated, spent much of his time away from the convention floor at the platform committee meeting at the Palmer House. 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. Updates? According to Jones, it was clear that Bland could not win, and that Bryan could not be stopped. We demand the free and unlimited coinage of both silver and gold at the present legal ratio of 16 to 1 without waiting for the aid or consent of any other nation. We come to speak of this broader class of business men. [97] Although McKinley outpolled him by 600,000votes, Bryan received more votes than any previous presidential candidate. During the convention, he. Nevertheless, he won the nomination without the votes of the gold delegates, most of whom either left the convention or refused to vote. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. [40], The only gold man who put together any sort of campaign for the Democratic nomination was Treasury Secretary John G. Carlisle, but he withdrew in April, stating that he was more concerned about the platform of the party than who would lead it. [66][70], Through this passage, Bryan maintained the contrast between the common man and the city-dwelling elite. The use of symbols: -the suit -gas station -the 2 trucks iii. "[92], When McKinley heard that Bryan was likely to be the nominee, he called the report "rot" and hung up the phone. [79] As he moved towards his seat, the Coliseum burst into pandemonium. The speech was given at the Democratic National Convention, so the audience was pledged delegates from the 50 states of the US so that . "[69] The gold men, during the address, paid close attention and showed their appreciation for Bryan's oratory. I say it was not a question of persons; it was a question of principle; and it is not with gladness, my friends, that we find ourselves brought into conflict with those who are now arrayed on the other side. We demand that the standard silver dollar shall be a full legal tender, equally with gold, for all debts, public and private, and we favor such legislation as will prevent for the future the demonitization of any kind of legal tender by private contract. [91] He received many letters from supporters, expressing their faith in him in stark terms. [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. A cartoon from the magazine "Judge" criticizing William Jennings Bryan for his "Cross of Gold" speech. Russell's address was inaudible to most of the Coliseum; he was ill and died just over a week later. 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. "And I needed it for the speech I was to make." Original size at 383 480. I would be presumptuous, indeed, to present myself against the distinguished gentlemen to whom you have listened if this were but a measuring of ability; but this is not a contest among persons. This legislation defined a unit of value for the new nation, to be known as a dollar. The income tax is a just law. [7] This would inflate the money supply, and, adherents argued, increase the nation's prosperity. Accordingly, Bryan became the final speaker on the platform. [8] During the economic chaos of the Panic of 1873, the price of silver dropped significantly, but the Mint would accept none for striking into legal tender. We care not upon which issue they force the fight. 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. I come to speak to you in defense of a cause as holy as the cause of libertythe cause of humanity. bimetallism), which he believed would bring the nation prosperity. [20], Bryan had long planned to run for president. So if they come to meet us on that, we can present the history of our nation. They criticize us for our criticism of the Supreme Court of the United States. [38] On the evening of July 5, Bryan was visited by a delegation of Coloradans, seeking his support for Senator Teller. Question 9 30 seconds Q. (This inflationary measure would have increased the amount of money in circulation and aided cash-poor and debt-burdened farmers.) 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. [98] The Democratic candidate failed to gain a majority of the labor vote; McKinley won in working-class areas as well as wealthy precincts. Some people, for the most part Democrats, joined the far-left Populist Party. Critics contended that the inflation which would follow the introduction of such a policy would harm workers, whose wages would not rise as fast as prices would, and the operation of Gresham's law would drive gold from circulation, effectively placing the United States on a silver standard. I deny it. But we stand here representing people who are the equals before the law of the largest cities in the state of Massachusetts. The Akron Journal and Republican, no friend to Bryan, opined that "never probably has a national convention been swayed or influenced by a single speech as was the national Democratic convention". [46] However, Barnes deemed the actions by the committee immaterial to the outcome due to the silver strength in the convention: Anyone who doubts the power the silverites were ready to unleash in a disciplined and irresistible attack needs only to read the results of the election of temporary chairman. In his "Cross of Gold" speech, Bryan argued that the debate over monetary policy was part of a broader struggle for democracy, political independence and the welfare of the "common man." Bryan's speech was met with rapturous applause and a celebration on the floor of the convention that lasted for over half an hour. 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? Silver producers complained, and many Americans came to believe that only through bimetallism could the nation achieve and maintain prosperity. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Why, that man who used to boast that he looked like Napoleon, that man shudders today when he thinks that he was nominated on the anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo. Bound in semi-stiff boards covered in dark green washi paper, wit Second, like many people, Bryan thought the gold standard disadvantaged the working classes and farmers by keeping the price of debt high. is not the change evident to anyone who will look at the matter? No, my friends, that will never be the verdict of our people. He faced in the direction of the gold-dominated state delegations: There are two ideas of government. One Indiana voter wrote, "God has sent you amongst our people to save the poor from starvation, and we no [sic] you will save us. However, Bryan, lacking a seat at the start of the convention, could not be elected temporary chairman. Forward-Looking Statements Except for historical information, this presentation may contain certain "forward-looking statements". The man who is employed for wages is as much a businessman as his employer. We believe it is a part of sovereignty and can no more with safety be delegated to private individuals than can the power to make penal statutes or levy laws for taxation. 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. [52] Although Tillman endorsed silver, his address was so laced with sectionalism that most silver delegates remained silent for fear of being seen as supporting him. Old leaders have been cast aside when they refused to give expression to the sentiments of those whom they would lead, and new leaders have sprung up to give direction to this cause of freedom. 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 . The Democratic idea has been that if you legislate to make the masses prosperous their prosperity will find its way up and through every class that rests upon it. We believe it. The government pledged to stand behind the silver dollars and treasury notes issued under the act by redeeming them in gold. 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. The humblest citizen in all the land when clad in the armor of a righteous cause is stronger than all the whole hosts of error that they can bring. Behind the scenes and the irony: -fueling of the trucks uncaring of the president iv. They can find where the holders of fixed investments have. [106] Historian R. Hal Williams suggested that the opposite philosophy, of legislation for the masses leading to prosperity for all, advocated by Bryan in his speech, informed the domestic policies of later Democratic presidents, including Franklin Roosevelt with his New Deal.[107]. Optional: We say to you that you have made too limited in its application the definition of a businessman. They say we passed an unconstitutional law. This teaching guide helps instructors use a specific primary source set, Patronage and Populism: The Politics of the Gilded Age, in the classroom. What will the decision be today? 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. He was known for his deeply held religious beliefs and his popular touch, which earned him the moniker "the Great Commoner." [6], 8, [4] pages, wraps. Cleveland friend and former Postmaster General Donald M. Dickinson wrote to the President in June 1896 hoping that the delegates would recognize "common sense" and be frightened at the thought of nominating a radical. [3], In the early 19th century, the economic disruption caused by the Napoleonic Wars caused United States gold coins to be worth more as bullion than as money, and they vanished from circulation. [51], The debate on the platform opened at the start of the third day of the convention, July 9, 1896. [64] Throughout the speech, Bryan had the delegates in the palm of his hand; they cheered on cue. Those who are opposed to this proposition tell us that the issue of paper money is a function of the bank and that the government ought to go out of the banking business. Of these, only Senator Blackburn, a silver supporter, sparked much reaction, and that only momentary. Bryan had been a dark horse candidate with little support in the convention. They tell us that this platform was made to catch votes. The miners who go 1,000 feet into the earth or climb 2,000 feet upon the cliffs and bring forth from their hiding places the precious metals to be poured in the channels of trade are as much businessmen as the few financial magnates who in a backroom corner the money of the world. from Harper's Weekly, 18 July, 1896. Our silver Democrats went forth from victory unto victory, until they are assembled now, not to discuss, not to debate, but to enter up the judgment rendered by the plain people of this country. We have simply called attention to what you know. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). 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. You shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold. [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. Trained as a lawyer, Bryan represented the state of Nebraska in the United States Congress, 1891-95. People who were free-silver thought that currency reform would end them. 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. The money went for speakers, pamphlets, and other means of conveying their "sound money" campaign to the voter. 2023 The Granger Collection LTD d/b/a GRANGER - Historical Picture Archive. The Democratic Party wanted to create more upward mobility for people. [96] Bryan spoke on silver throughout the campaign; he rarely addressed other issues. [88] The St. Louis Post-Dispatch opined that with the speech, Bryan "just about immortalized himself". Gold and silver factions in some states, such as Bryan's Nebraska, sent rival delegations to the convention. The Democratic party has won the greatest success in its history. He says that mankind won't be crucified on a cross of gold. It demonstrated the need for better communications in wartime. 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. You come to us and tell us that the great cities are in favor of the gold standard; we reply that the great cities rest upon our broad and fertile prairies. He was nominated two more times as the Democratic presidential nominee, but he lost again to McKinley in 1900 and to Republican candidate William H. Taft (1857-1930) in 1908. The individual is but an atom; he is born, he acts, he dies; but principles are eternal; and this has been a contest of principle. Another reporter approached him and asked him who he thought would win the nomination. "[91] Bryan's words gave rise to later economic and political philosophies, including Huey Long's 1930s Share Our Wealth program, with its trigger phrase, "Every Man a King" inspired by Bryan's speech. 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. Act by redeeming them in gold just about immortalized bryan's cross of gold political cartoon analysis '' Among those for! Silver '' ( i.e that you have made too limited in its infancy, and that only momentary than. In defense of a cause as holy as the cause of humanity general sentiment they represent about William Bryan! 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