William Jennings Bryant: People Profiled in Banking

Executive Summary

• William Jennings Bryant was one of the most vociferous and effective critics of both private banking, private central banks, and the gold standard.

Introduction

Bryant aggressively opposed private banking interests. He made a speech at the Democratic Party’s convention about how he called the gold standard a type of crucifix for the population. This quote is taken from that speech.

“We say in our platform that we believe the right to coin money and issue money is a function of government. Those who are opposed to this proposition tell us that the issue of paper money is a function of the bank, and that the government outright to go to borrow to get out of the banking business. I stand with (Thomas) Jefferson, and tell them as he did, that the issue of money is a function of the government, and that the bank should go out of the government business governing business. You shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns, you shall not crucify mankind upon a gold of a cross of gold.”

Source: The Web of Debt

https://www.amazon.com/Web-Debt-Shocking-Truth-System/dp/0983330859

Such a speech is unthinkable in the modern age. All US presidents are expected to accept a private central bank and to accept the false assertions of private bankers. However, Williams Jennings Bryant was incorrect about supporting silver as money. Silver is better than gold, as it cannot be monopolized by bankers, however, the best money is debt-free fiat money in any form, be it paper, or tally sticks.

How the Private Bankers Tricked William Jennings Bryant

Paradoxically, William Jennings Bryant, for all of his opposition to a private central bank, was tricked into supporting the Federal Reserve Banking Act of 1913 that created the Federal Reserve.