Russell was one of the most active opponents of free silver during the 1896 presidential election . He announced his candidacy for President in April 1896 , and garnered support and convention delegates in many states across the eastern United States , but he was harmed by lackluster support given by outgoing President Cleveland . In contrast to the eastern states , many midwestern and western states chose free silver delegations , dimming his prospects for the nomination . Russell categorically rejected the idea of becoming the nominee if the convention adopted a silver platform , and had to be coaxed into attending the 1896 Democratic National Convention . At the convention , after the silver platform was adopted , he refused to be considered for a third-party candidacy . He gave an impassioned speech in favor of the gold standard , which was immediately followed by William Jennings Bryan 's famous Cross of Gold speech . Bryan 's nomination for the presidency was seconded by a Massachusetts delegate George Fred Williams , who had bolted to the silver side after becoming a delegate , and was a prominent state intraparty opponent of Russell . Russell received two votes for President on the first ballot
1896 Democratic National Convention
1896 Democratic National Convention
William E. Russell (politician)