Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1896-07-18
SALEM'S HOLIDAY.
Tho Little Town Gives William ].
Bryan q Warm Welcome.
THE REPUBLICAN HEADQUARTERS.

Tho National Executive Committee Decides
to Locate Them at Roth New YORK
and Chicago-sfany Objec-
lions TO Now York.
SALEM, ILL.,, July 16-It Is doubtful
II the natives OF tho town ever before
allowed their enthusiasm to bubble
over to such IN extent rs 1t did ycstcr-
day. The scorching July sun had
scarcely appeared above the horizon
when the town was shaken by thun-
derous cannonading OF anvils, which
were fired Off at regular intervals
from sunrise until noon. In response
to the proclamation issued by the
mayor. all business houses In the city
were abundantly decorated with hags
and bunting and the portrait OF the
distinguished son OF Salem.
Nearly all the vehicles that ran
through tho streets were adornedeath
stars and stripes, and some OF the more
enthusiastic drivers OF teams dragged
out from the dust and corners OF barns
strings OF slcighbclls which had hung
there since the snow melted away and
fastened them to the horses The
merry tinkle Of these bells In the
scorching rays Of the hot July sun was
cruel reminder Of tho cold, bracing
air in which they originally were In
tended to he used. Ladies OF the town
and the surrounding country displayed
their loyalty for the presidential nom
ince by appearing in white dresses,
with red and blue sashes and white
caps, and over the visor of each was
printed In silver letters "William j.
bryan"
People began to gather in the court.
house square, where big stand had
been erected for the speakers ut the
cele bration, fully two hours before the
time for tho demonstration to begin.
It was In this courthouse that Mr..
bryan years ago made his first political
speech, and II was in this courthouse
that his father for IL years presided
over the circuit court On the plat
form, along with the speakers who
had been invited from all over the
state to come and participate in the
rejoicing of the people OF Salem, were
the mayor and council Of the city and
other distinguished citizens. +. NJ.
Kagy, who graduated. in the same class
with Mr.. Bryan at Illinois college,
Jacksonville, presiding ut the meet
ing.
While hundreds were assembling In
the courthouse yard big black cloud
doomed up In the northwest. It ap-
preached with frightful rapidity.
There were terrific peals Of thunder
and there was scattering OF people
in every direction to get out OF the
fast approaching rain. In the space
of ten minutes, buntings, flags and
drnpings of buildings, which had
looked so attractive in the morning,
were bedragglcd and almost ruined.
As tho storm continued the darkness
increased until it was almost impossi-
bic to SEQ across the streets and In the
houses lights became necessary. 1t
wns after one p M before the rain
ceased. Then tho crowd came out
from tho stores and other places OF
shelter and again began to gather
beneath the trees in the courthouse
yard.
Although Gov. Altgeld had been ad-
vertised to speak, he did not come. lie
was greatly exhausted after the Chi
cago convention and has not yet fully
recovered.
Al 2:l5 1t was announced that the
distinguished "Son of Salem" was ap-
proaching. All the bands started
afresh, tho crowd howled like mad.
This was kept up until Mr.. and Mrs.
Bryan were seated on the platform.
When quiet was restored L. NJ. Kagy
said he was happy to be able to present
his old classmntc, who had bccn made
famous by being chosen to lead the
democratic party. He concluded by
paying n eulogy to Mrs. Bryan. At
each mention OF Mr.. Bryan's name tho
crowd cheercd vociferously. Mr..
Bryan was then presented to the au-
diencc amid uproarous applause and
made q speech in which he recalled
the memories of the days passed in
Salem.
THE REPUBLICAN HEADQUARTERS
CLEVELAND. o., July 16.-The repub-
lican national executive committee
Yesterday afternoon decided to locate
the national headquarters at both
New York and Chicago. Tho commit
tee adjourned at four p. m. until 10
o'clock this morning. All the MEM
bers OF the national republican execu-
tive committee were present when
Chairman Hanna called the meeting to
order for the purpose of organizing
and TO formally open the repub-
lican campaign. Tho committee
met behind closed doors. Ten
days ago 1t was generally conceded
that all indications pointed TO the
headquarters remaining in New York,
but within the lust two or three days
there has been q decided change In
sentiment developed, not only among
the members OF the committee, but
throughout the country ms well,
against New York. At least one-half
of Mr. Hanua's mail for the past week
has been made up from prominent poll
ticians protesting against the head.
quarters being located in New York,
in the midst OF the strife OF the en-
pire state factions.