What does bryan say about the importance of farming in the cross of gold

Bryan basically says that farming is essential to the well-being of the nation as far as the United States is concerned.  Cities would never form or be able to withstand without the backbone and heart of the United States, which is farming.  Agriculture founded this country and the United States depends on it for its livelihood, so if the currency of gold would hurt the farmers, and the farmers would lose profits, then, therefore, it would in return hurt the overall growth of the country itself.  The country would not thrive or profit without farming, which is why Bryan explains that farming is extremely significant in his speech.  

punish germany and keep it weak,

answer-the island had airfields that the u.s. military needed.