Following the leadership of our gallant standard bearer, that brave
civilian soldier on the field of battle, that statesman without a
peer, that friend of the toiling millions, that companion of every old
soldier, that invincible leader of men, Major McKinley, we are advancing
proudly on to the greatest political victory of modern times. In the
life of Major William McKinley, we find nothing but purity and ability,
bravery and compassion, and I promise you that on the fourth day of
next March he will be inaugurated president of this republic; a republic
whose flag, "Old Glory," the stars and stripes, floats over seas and
land, peerless and without price, the emblem of power and protection to
all. My friends, we must restore our protective system. Already it has
accomplished wonders for the laborers of America, and its mission in
behalf of prosperity and posterity has only commenced. It has enabled us
to perfect a system of finance that is a marvel to all nations, and has
raised our credit to a place among the first countries of the earth. It
has elevated the manhood of every American citizen, dignified labor,
and instilled a more universal education throughout our land than can
be found in any other civilized country on the face of the globe. It has
made the flag of our nation emblematical of love, liberty, protection,
reciprocity, honor and all that is great and grand of human thought.
Major William McKinley is our Bruce at Bannockburn in this struggle for
national honor, unlimited labor and higher wages. In the golden casket
of his great soul rests the immortal principles which we advocate, and
in his heart burns the undying fire of love for America and American
institutions. The righteousness of our cause is our strength, while he
is our hope and will lead us triumphantly on to certain and splendid
victory. (Applause.) But what about William Jennings Bryan?
"Like a comet he rose to our vision,
Like a comet he soon will depart;