William Jennings Bryan's makes the Populist Party's beliefs known, predominantly their view on using both gold and silver as currency, in his 1896 "Cross of Gold" speech. Bryan begins his argument by asserting that he does not to worsen controversy on the matter by presenting his argument, but instead express the ideas of the working class and the common man. After, he emphasizes the notion that Democrats hostile attitued towards the Republicans is inneffective and only deepens political hatred. After making this point, Bryan attacks the Republicans himself by claiming that the Republicans view on bimetalism (it would interfere with their business, which opposed silver coinage) was flawed. He points out that such Republican ideas and practices are a detriment to the "common man's business", hurting everyone who is not a major power in big business. Bryan then defends the Democrats in their supposed "unconstitutional" income tax law. He states he supports it because it epitomizes democracy (which has apparently been erased from the upper class' minds) by allowing citizens of all distinctions to have some equality in economic protection. Bryan also notes the Republicans attack on the Democrats negative viewpoint towards bank currency, which He compares to Andrew Jackson in his plight against the Bank of the United States - which arguably "saved America." Bryan further continues his assault on the Republican Party by pointing out its flaws: he recognizes that McKinely supported bimetallism, although the group denies it. Bryan then alludes to Britain want to a gold standard, showing that Republicans simply agree to European ideals. In his conclusion, Bryan delivers the finishing blow to the Republican Party by claiming that "You shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold."
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