The Edison phonograph monthly (Jan-Dec 1908)

Edison Phonograph Monthly, June, 1908 7 9916 The Railroad Question "Where does Bryan stand on the Railroad Question?" is being asked on all sides. He has been so widely, and in most cases, erroneously, quoted since his recent Madison Square Garden speech that the whole country has been waiting for an authoritative answer to their question. This Record comes as his personal word on this important subject. It is certain to be greatly in demand. 9917 The Trust Question A brilliant exposition of the Bryan idea of trusts and trust evils, delivered with all of that rare enthusiasm with which the speaker is gifted. You may or may not share his political views, but must admit that none has ever shown a better mastery of the greatest problems of the day. He says: "Private monopolies can not be regulated by the government. We have tried that and the result was the monopolies regulated the government instead of being regulated by the government." He advocates extermination as the only practical remedy and brings the full measure of his persuasive eloquence into play to drive the point home. 9918 The Tariff Question "During the civil war," says Mr. Bryan, "the tariff was raised to carry on the war. Tt was continued after the war to allow our infant industries to stand on their feet. But it was not long until the 'infant industries' were standing not only on their own feet, but all over the feet of other people." A telling shot on the tariff. It is one of many delivered in his most vigorous style, for the tariff has always been a favorite subject with Mr. Bryan. 9919 Popular Election of Senators Never is the commanding power of Bryan's eloquent logic shown off so favorably as when he strikes at some great legislative evil. He describes the popular election of Senators as "The most popular reform of the day." What follows is of the deepest interest, for it gives us a splendid example of his wonderful grasp of public questions and his untiring zeal in getting at the bottom of existing evils. This Record will appeal to all alike for, as Mr. Bryan points out, it is not a party question. 9920 Imperialism This is a subject on which Mr. Bryan never fails to delight his hearers. Territorial expansion will never want for a "fiery foe" so long as he is in the lists. "Our experiment in Colonialism has brought us not profit but loss," he says, and piles argument upon argument to show that he is in the right. He believes the retention of the Philippine Islands to be contrary to all American precedent and to the republican form of our government, which derives its power from the consent of the governed. The climax of his address comes with an impassioned demand that the Filipinos be given their independence and allowed to work out their own destiny. 9921 Guaranty of Bank Deposits Here is a subject that is brimming with interest because it outlines the much-discussed Bryan remedy for the banking troubles through which the country has just passed. "The Government demands protection on its own deposits," says he. "Why should not private individuals have equal protection?" This Record also treats of a live political issue and the Record will undoubtedly be very popular. 9922 An Ideal Republic Perhaps no American of to-day can equal Mr. Bryan in the difficult dual art of conceiving ideal conditions and finding suitable language for describing them. This Record gives him the same kind of opportunity as his speech on "Immortality," and seldom has he drawn on the wonderful store-house of his imagination with such fine effect. "Behold a Republic," he exclaims, "where every citizen is a sovereign, but none cares to wear a crown; whose flag is love while others' is only fear." His peroration is very fine and concludes with these words, "A Republic, whose history, like the path of the just, is as the shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." 9923 Immortality This Record consists of selections from Mr. Bryan's best known lyceum lecture, "The Prince of Peace." Mrs. Bryan likes it best of all his addresses. We do not recall having heard a more affecting description of supreme faith in a "life beyond." Mr. Bryan is evidently as profound a thinker upon such questions as upon those affecting the country's political welfare. There are passages in "Immortality" that have rarely been excelled for beauty of thought and expression. It shows the speaker at the height of his oratorical powers, and, as an example of fervent American oratory, can only be classed with Ingersoll's "At the Tomb of Napoleon."