But many of the Republicans who acted with the Democrats on that occasion could not see their way clear to remain in that party, though some of them were not willing to return to the ranks of the Republicans.  So they decided to cast their lot with the Populist party, which in the meantime had made its appearance upon the field of political activity.  While the Democratic party remained the minority party in the State, it was seldom that the Republicans could poll more votes than the Democrats and Populists combined, and since, under the then leadership of the Democratic party in the State, that party and the Populist stood practically for the same things, it was not difficult to bring about fusion of the two parties against the Republicans.  This gave the Fusionists control of the State Government for a number of years.

In the meantime a brilliant, eloquent and talented young man had come upon the stage of political activity.  This man was William J. Bryan.  His first entry into public life was his election to Congress as a Democrat from a Republican district.  While a member of the House he made a speech on the tariff question which gave him national fame.  As a speaker William Jennings Bryan has always been plausible and captivating.  He can clothe his thoughts in such beautiful and eloquent language that he seldom fails to make a favorable impression upon those who hear him.  It was this wonderful faculty that secured him his first nomination for the Presidency.  His name was hardly thought of in connection with the nomination by that convention.  In fact his right to a seat as a member of the convention was disputed and contested.  But, after he had delivered his cross of gold and crown of thorns speech before that body, he carried the Convention by storm.  His nomination was then a foregone conclusion.

It was under the leadership and chiefly through the influence of Mr. Bryan that the fusion between the Democrats and the Populists of his State was brought about.  But for his advocacy of Free Silver and his affiliation with the Populists, he might have reached the goal of his ambition.  The result of the election showed that while he commanded and received the support of not less than eighty per cent of his own party, the remaining twenty per cent proved to be strong enough to insure his defeat.  In fact the business interests of the country were almost solid against him; and it is safe to say that no man can ever hope to become President of the United States who cannot at least divide the substantial and solid business interests.  The business men were apprehensive that the election of Mr. Bryan would bring about financial and commercial disaster, hence they, almost regardless of previous party affiliations, practically united in an effort to defeat him.