The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-07-16
"Here | Read My First instruction IN
That Democracy That Recog-
nizes the Brotherhood
of Man."


came TO this quiet town from the sur
rounding country to-day TO participate
in the demonstration in honor TO Nm.
T. Bryan The exercises were TO be
held this morning in the court house
square. but as the hour approached
a terrific rain storm broke and necessl-
tated postponement of the parade.
1t was after one o'clock before the
rain ceased. Then the crowd came out
from the stores. tayerns and places OF
shelter and again began to gather be-
Meath the trees in the court house
ward. The numerous country bands
that had come from the neighborlng
towns with Bryan clubs began to play
such inspiring tunes as white Wings,
Comrades Marching Through
Georgia. and Dixie
A banner. upon which was fastened
a portrait of the Democratic nominee
was placed upon the platform. Be-
meath it was the motto: Bryan brings
silver and success" When it was
brought forward the crowd indulged
in some enthusiastic cheering. \ big
banner was then posted, bearing this
inscription: Our Billie made his first
political speech under campaign flag
III 1880 at Salem. This occaSioned
another burst of applause. BY this
time the number of people packed in
the court house yard had increased un-
til 1900 people were there. Half
dozen bands were scattered about, all
playing at once, and each playing a
different tune. ihe din was appalling.
During the intervals there would be IA
lull and then the enthusiastic multi
tude let off steam by giving cheers for
Bryan, free silver and Democratic sue
cess.
Although Governor Altgeld had been
advertised to speak, he did not come.
This afternoon word was received that
the Governors health was such that
he could not come. He was greatly
exhausted after the Chicago conyen-
tion and has not yet fully recovered.
When this fact became known to the
throng of Democrats there were general
expressions of disappointment.
At 2:15 it was announced that the
distinguished son Of Salem" was APP
preaching. All the bands started IN
afresh, the crowd howled like mad
This was kept up until Mr.. and Mrs.
Bryan We're seated on the platform.
When quiet was restored the Hon. l..
Nj. Kagy introduced the Rev. f. b.
Young, who prayed for the blessing of
the God of Washington, Jefferson. Jack
son and Lincoln.
Mr.. Kagy then said that he was
happy TO be able to present his old
class-mate who had been made famous
by being chosen to lead the Democratic
party. Mr.. Bryan needed no introduce
ton. 1t was not only in Bryan's
honor that the assemblage had come
it was to honor principle dear to all
Democrats. He concluded by paying
an enlogy to Mr.. Bryan At each
mention of Bryan's name the crowd
cheerd yociferously.
Mr.. Bryan began to speak amid up
roarous applause.
"Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentle
men, felow-citizens: | have no DISPOSE
tion TO talk politics to-day. | shall
leave the discussion of party questions
to those who shall follow.
Returning to the scenes which sur
round my early home, the memories
of other days crowd out all thoughts
of subjects upon which we may differ.
Il remember with such grateful APP
probation the kindly feeling which
has abounded regardless of church and
party lines that l shall not say one
word to divide upon any subject those
who are assembled here to-day.
This is the home of my birth, of
my boyhood and my early manhood.
Three blocks south, | first saw the
light of day. A mile to the northwest
/ lived until was % and / shall never
cease TO be grateful to the parents who
took me to the farm and there allowed
me to develop the physical strength
that is needed in the campaigns which
we have to pass through. Tt was in this
court house that / first gained the am
bition to be lawyer. 1t was in this |
court house that | made my first poll |
tical speech. 1t was in the fair grounds |
near here that / spoke for the first |
time on the Fourth of July. Tt was
to this city and to the parental roof /
that [ brought her, who had promised /
10 share life's joys and sorrows with |
me. All of these happy associations !
arise to-day before me and leave me |
no deire to think of other things. 7 |
cannot forget Salem. / cannot for |
get those whose kindly faces smiled
upon me before fortune smiled. can
not forget this spot near by, the ST.
lence of the dead, where the ashes of