Page "Cross of Gold speech" Paragraph 12

Bryan had long planned to run for president.

Although he would only be 36 years old in 1896 — one year above the constitutional minimum — he believed the silver question could carry him not only to the nomination, but to the presidency.

He traveled widely, speaking to audiences across the nation.

His speeches impressed many ; even some of his opponents later conceded that Bryan was the most compelling speaker they had ever heard.

Bryan's speeches evolved over time ; in December 1894, in a speech in Congress, he first used a phrase from which would come the conclusion to his most famous address: as originally stated, it was " I will not help to crucify mankind upon a cross of gold.