William Jennings Bryan: “Cross of Gold” Speech

Glossary

• bimetallism the use of gold and silver as the standards of value, within a fixed ratio to each other
• counsel attorney
• encroachments trespasses or transgressions
• entreaties pleas; requests
• free coinage the system by which the government coins either silver or gold into money at no charge or at cost.
• instructions in a political convention, binding orders to a delegation to vote for a candidate or platform plank
• magnates important business leaders
• presumptuous too bold or forward
• protection the policy of encouraging industry through customs duties on imported goods