In the final days before the convention , McKinley decided , after hearing from politicians and businessmen , that the platform should endorse the gold standard , though it should allow for bimetallism by international agreement . Adoption of the platform caused some western delegates , led by Colorado Senator Henry M. Teller , to walk out of the convention . However , Republicans were not nearly as divided on the issue as were Democrats , especially as McKinley promised future concessions to silver advocates . Democratic President Grover Cleveland firmly supported the gold standard , but an increasing number of rural Democrats , especially in corn belt and western states , called for a bimetallic " free silver " system . The silverites took control of the 1896 Democratic National Convention and chose William Jennings Bryan for president ; he had electrified the delegates with his Cross of Gold speech which became famous for its closing phrase , " You shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns , you shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold . " Bryan 's financial radicalism shocked bankers , as many thought that his inflationary program would bankrupt the railroads and ruin the economy . Hanna cultivated the backing of these bankers , giving Republicans a massive financial advantage that allowed McKinley 's campaign to invest $ 3.5 million for speakers and distribute over 200 million pamphlets advocating the Republican position on the money and tariff questions
1896 Democratic National Convention
1896 Democratic National Convention
Presidency of William McKinley