Evening journal., 1896-07-16
Bryan ralks to old NeIghbors.

SALEM, us, July 16.-The demonstra-
tion given in honor Of William J. Bryan
.by his former neighbors and associates
surpassed in extent and enthusiasm any
Abing that has ever occurred In this part
of the state Ii was not of partisan or
poliucal nature but sincere tribute 30
the man by those who had known him in
earlier years.
In reuly to adorinal address Of congratu-
lation, Mr.. Bryan said
MI. CHAIRMAN, LADIES AND GENTLE
MEN, FELLOW CITIZENs-I have no dispo-
sition to talk politics. / shall leave the
discussion of party questions TO those who
shall follow. Returning to the scenes
which surrdand my carly home, the mem
ories of other days crowd out all thoughts
of subjects upon which we may diifer.
remember with such grateful appreciation
the kindly feeling which has abounded
regardless of church and porty lines that
1 shall not say one word to divide upon
my subject those who are assembled here
today
This Is the home of my birth, of my
boyhood and my early manhood Three
blocks south first saw tho light OF day
A mile to the northwest 1 lived until
was 23, and l shall mover cease to be CRATE
ful to the parents who took me to the farm
and there allowed me to develop the physi-
cal strength that is needed in the cam
pnign which we have to pass through. It
was in this courthouse that ! first gained
the ambition to be a lawyer. lt was in
this courthouse that / made the first po-
litical speech l ever tried to make. It
was In the fair grounds near here that l
spoke for the first time on the Fourth Of
July. 1t was TO this CITY and to the pa
Rental roof that 1 brought her who had
promised to share life's joys and SORROWS
nvith me- Aye, and all Of these happy asso-
Citations arise today before me and leave
me no desire to think of other things 1
cannot forget Salem / cannot forget
those whose kindly faces smiled upon mo
before fortune smiled 1 cannot forget
this spot near by, the silence of the dead,
where tho ashes of the father whose up
right life has been an inspiration and
whose counsels fingered in my ears when
he was gone; the spot where rest the ashes
of a mother as tender and true, as patient,
as gentle, as loving as God in his infinite
Hove ever gave to man. 1 cannot forget
this home nor these people. And ! can
say no more today than TO express in
words, which, if not elaborate, will be sin
core, the deep and heartfelt thanks for
these tokens, these manifestations OF good
will
An Ideal Plane In Politics.
There is an ideal plane in politics, and 1
believe we stand upon it here today. We
differ in opinion We differ as TO party
policies. But we meet today, recognizing
these differences and yet each feeling a
lcharity toward each other. We ore all Inn
loued with the same spirit. We all possess
the same ambition. We are all living TO
carry out the same great purpose. We
want a government 'of the people, by the
people and for the people, " and, though
we differ as to the means OF carrying is
out, we can differ as honest citizons-dif-
fering in Judgment and agreeing In pur-
pose.
/ thank the Republicans who have as
sembed here. thank the Prohibitionists.
] thank the Popuiists as much AS &c. tue