Excerpt from Public Record of Perry Belmont, Vol. 5: A Member of the House of Representatives in the 47th, 48th, 49th, 50th Congress

The issue, stripped of all verbiage and sophistry, of all sectionalism and prejudice, is now, as it was before the nomination of Mr. Bryan, one of morals, one of honesty. I will not question the motives of any one, and far be it from me to say that all the supporters of this extraordinary movement we Oppose are intentionally dishonest; but, to speak plainly, I do say that behind them are unscrupulous men and a crude and flimsy free-silver literature, clearly dishonest in purpose, for they lead directly to repudiation, to fiat money, the degradation of the Supreme Court by political control, an unconstitutional impairment of the obligations and interference with the freedom of contracts, a reckless attack upon our National and monetary integrity, as well as upon our whole system of commercial credits. They talk solemnly of an alleged contraction in the volume of currency in disregard of the truth, which is, that their own attacks upon credit produce the effects of contraction. They war upon what constitutes the strength and power of the Nation, alarming all its interest, shaking confidence, thereby threatening to destroy the sources of labor, to the injury and detriment of workingmen. We can not compromise with such doctrines which menace the form and very existence of our Government.

It is not for me to-night to speak further or in detail on these issues. It has already, at various times, been my privilege to do so, and I hope on other occasions to address the Democracy. It is my duty and pleasure now to introduce to you the speaker of the evening, my friend and former colleague in Congress, he who has so justly described the fiat silver and greenback movement as a conspiracy against wages. He needs no introduction from me - the man who honors us with his presence, whose sole ambition is to serve his country without fear or favor, now in the hour of its need - Mr. Bourke Cockran.

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