At a Democratice National Convention in 1896, William Jennings Bryan, a former congressman from Nebraska, delivered his famous and powerful speech. This speech ultimately led to his election as the democratic, and populist party, candidate for the President. His speech revolved mostly around the "paramount" issue of the election, which was the gold and silver issue. He is in the support of the business men because he believes they deserve the wealth they earn. He is also a supporter of the common man. Some Americans feared that a Robespierre would emerge and he told them not to fear a tyrant, what the country needs is someone like Andrew Jackson who will "stand against the encroachments of aggregated wealth." He talks about the income tax, which is used to put the burdens of the government on the peoples backs. There is controversy which some people believe is unconstitutional, which he defends by saying the it was constitutional until some judge changed his mind. He also defends other parts of his platform like opposition to the national bank currency, opposition to life tenure in office, and above all, the coinage of silver. He believes that the coinage of silver will lead to growth that will not mess with the nations richness. He ends his speech with his famous quote "you shall not crucify man kind upon a cross of gold." This deeply moved people and displayed the views of the democratic and populist party.
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