LAD #24: The Cross of Gold

In the "Cross of Gold" speech delivered by William Jennings Bryan to the Democratic Convention in Chicago in the year 1896, he logically and effectively integrated the values of the Populist party, specifically those of the coinage of silver and gold. Although his Democratic ideals combat the more Republican views of the era, he asserts that the only issue that he wishes to address there is the question of money and the opinions of the common man that are not being protected by big business and the government. He claims that the Republican economic views have far too long favored the entrepreneurs and robber-barons of the era, leaving the agricultural practitioner at the mercy of long hours and low wages. Despite continual Republican condemnations for issues that Bryan is accused of for being "unconstitutional," he holds true to his party values and the basis upon which this nation was founded. One such instance of Bryan being adamant comes about when dealing with the issue of an income tax law. He believes that if individuals are to partake in such a binding law that their security must be guaranteed by the government as it is clearly dictated in the United States Constitution. Bryan is again accused of holding the same views as Jackson with regards to the B.U.S. and the income tax law, as well as Jefferson in regards to his belief that money is a function of the government and not the banks. But the inconsistencies of the Republican Party as well as increasing foreign influences allow for Bryan to effectively argue for the introduction of the gold standard, successfully merging the Populist and Democratic parties.