5 SEPTEMBER 1896, Page 2

Mr. Bryan has unbosomed himself to the special corre- spondent

of the Daily Chronicle. He believes that America, by adopting a silver policy, may drive the rest of the world to bimetallism. England will never voluntarily use both metals, and the rest of Europe follows England. His silver policy, he declares, is not dishonest or an attempt to repudiate obligations. America must be independent of England, and the only way to accomplish that is to adopt a monetary system suited to the needs of the country, regardless of what other nations want. It is on this line that he is conducting his campaign. He is appealing to what he terms patriotism, and is arousing an anti-English feeling. Considering that nearly half the present Cabinet are bimetallists, it is rather hard of Mr. Bryan to insist on crucifying us on a cross of gold. But, in truth, the whole statement strikes us as wild and uninformed. Mean- time it is curious to see how this country, which is either hopelessly puzzled on all the questions at issue, or else en- tirely indifferent, is made a bugbear of by both parties. The Protectionists say that they must have Protection to save them from the tyranny of English commerce, and the Free-traders and Silverites say that they must be freed from the tyranny of English gold. And all the time the poor tyrant is conscious of nothing except bearing herself abused very roundly.