LAD #24: The Cross of Gold

William Jennings Bryan delivered the "Cross of Gold" speech to the Democratic Convention in 1896. He integrated the values of the Populist Party and agreed with their views on the coinage of silver and gold. The only issue he says he wants to discuss during this speech is the question of money and the protection of the common man from big business and government. He says that the Republican economic views have favored the entrepreneurs and robber-barons for far too long. Bryan also brings up the issue of the income tax law. He believes that if individuals are to partake in such a law that their security must be guaranteed by the government as it is clearly stated in the United States Constitution. Bryan is compared to Jackson because the have similar views on 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. Bryan effectively argues for the introduction of the gold standard, successfully merging the Populist and Democratic parties.