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William Jennings Bryan
A CONCISE BUT COMPLETE STORY OF HIS LIFE AND SERVICES
PREFACE
The author of this little volume, in giving it to thereading public, feels called on for a few words by wayof explanation and apology.
The book is written because there seems to be afield for it. Within the last few months hundreds ofthousands of American citizens have come to seeWilliam Jennings Bryan in a new light. As a result,while they no longer believe him a demagogue, somestill hesitate to accept him as a statesman. Whilethey have ceased to denounce him as an anarchist,some are slow to realize that he stands with AndrewJackson and Abraham Lincoln as one of the greatconservators of American institutions.
Especially for the benefit of this class of his fellowcitizens this little “life” of Mr. Bryan is published.For it is claimed no literary merit other than a conscientiousattempt at clearness, and no historical excellencesave a strict adherence to the truth in thestatement of facts. The work has had to be hurriedlydone and at irregular intervals, and the one objectaimed at has been to acquaint the reader with Mr.Bryan’s character through a narration of his lifework.
It is candidly admitted that the book is written ina friendly and sympathetic vein. To the author’sthinking Mr. Bryan’s personality is one of the most2beautiful and well-rounded in American history, andhis noble characteristics are dwelt on only becausethey exist and deserve to be understood.
To many of Mr. Bryan’s old-time friends in Lincolnthe author is under obligations for valuable assistance.Among these may be especially mentioned Mr.Harry T. Dobbins, Judge J. H. Broady, Mr. T. S. Allen,a