LAD #24: Cross of Gold Speech

In 1896, William Jennings Bryan delivered a speech regarding his opinion of silver currency as 16 to 1 in the American economy. In doing this, farmers in debt would be helped because of the increase in the amount of currency in circulation. Bryan believed his cause to be humane and right for America. He does not want to fight, but rather clear the waters. He argues that America is a country for the people, and believes that he is representing the masses when he states his want for the coinage of silver. He also supports an income tax, and that the nation needed a leader to distribute the wealth to the people. He concedes that many city people support the gold standard, but informs them that their wealth comes from the poor, and the poor ned the coinage of silver.