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.