GRASSROOTS APPRENTICESHIP 



Jacksonville in the 1880's mirrored the concentra- 

 tion of American politics on organizations and gadg- 

 etry. Although the town was predominantly Re- 

 publican, a lively rivalry existed between the organi- 

 zations of both parties. There was little fundamental 

 difference between Republicans and Democrats, but 

 competition was keen on superficial matters. Both 

 parties achieved a high level of organization during 

 election campaigns, with ward clubs, political march- 

 ing societies, brass bands, and ladies' political clubs. 

 Within the parties, each ward tried to outdo the others 

 in the skill of its marching club, the beauty and color 

 of its uniforms, the color and profusion of its political 

 decorations, and the enthusiasm of its demonstrations. 

 Both parties held elaborate ceremonies, as their 

 ladies presented handmade political banners to the 

 local marching clubs. During the presidential con- 

 test of 1884, the Ladies' Republican Club of Jackson- 

 ville held an elaborate ceremony to present two 

 "elegant and handsome" banners to the "Plumed 

 Knights" marching society.-^ Some time later in the 

 political season, the home of one of the leading Demo- 

 cratic ladies was elaborately decorated with flowers 

 and lights for the presentation of a magnificent banner 

 to the first ward Democratic Club. Speeches were 

 given, fireworks displayed, and the ladies expressed 

 their sympathies for the great cause. Numerous 



words upon the power of the people. He said that the hope 

 of the Nation was not in the strength of its army and navy but 

 in the happy homes of the great middle class. He pointed out 

 the dangers which were set like thorns along the pathway of a 

 Nation. He said that it must not be forgotten that eternal 

 vigilance was the price of liberty ; that we must have economy 

 in the administration of public affairs; that love of country 

 must be above love of self. He said that thousands of miniature 

 liberty bells should swing from the trees ... in the land where 

 this great day was celebrated. He instructed and entertained 

 his audience. He received wrapt attention and his handsome 

 face lit up with the fire of enthusiasm and patriotism shone 

 out upon that immense audience in all the grandeur of a great 

 Patrick Henry, or a Clay or a Webster. After Mr. Bryan's 

 address, Miss Poppleton, of Mulberry Grove, rendered in an 

 excellent manner a very pleasing recitation entitled 'The 

 Matilda Bird,' or 'The Secrets of Woodcraft' which brought 

 down the crowd." A balloon ascension and parachute jump 

 and two ball games finished the day. According to the account, 

 "The merry-go-round, dancing platform, sideshows and eating 

 stands furnished entertainment for the crowd and were kept 

 busy." Bryan probably spoke at hundreds of similar gatherings. 

 2« Jacksonville Daily Journal, October 3, 1884. 





Figure 3. — .\ vigorous speaker, Bryan em- 

 phasizes a point during one of his campaign 

 tours during the 1890's. The town is 

 probably somewhere in Nebraska. {Courtesy 

 Nebraska State Historical Society.) 



other presentations, ceremonies, and political demon- 

 strations occurred during the campaign.^" 



William Jennings Bryan served his political appren- 

 ticeship in this active, competitive environment. A 

 leading member of the liveliest Democratic club in 

 Jacksonville, that of the fourth ward, Bryan marched 

 in party parades, attended mass meetings, and spoke 

 briefly during one Democratic "jollification." ^' 

 During the campaign of 1884, he served as a secondary 

 speaker for the county Democratic Committee, pair- 

 ing off with other Democrats to tour the country 

 hamlets — Buckhorn, Chapin, Hartland School House, 

 Franklin, and other communities.'- At Concord he 

 spoke to a good crowd, including 60 members of the 



31 Ibid., October 15, 1884; Jacksonville Illinois Daily Courier, 

 October 15, 1884. For other descriptions of political rallies, 

 see the Daily Journal, October 17, and the Daily Courier, October 

 18 and 29, 1884. 



31 Jacksonville Illinois Daily Courier, .September 13 and 

 October 23, 1884. 



32 Ibid., September 30 and October 22, 1884. 



54 



BULLETIN 24 1: CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND TECHNOLOGY 



