The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-07-17

tiaI nominee to the crowd All the
while there was a furOre of cheering.
throwing UP of hats, waving of hand
kerchiefs and flourishing OF banners.
Mr.. Bryan on being introduced, ad-
dressed the asSemblage at length. After
speaking of the nations government
ana its administration he said: Par
ties are but the instruments by which
we carry out these policies which we
believe in They are not to be wor-
shipped. They are to be made effec-
tive means through which we can serve
our country. These parties adopt plat
forms and upon those platforms the
candidates stand. The candidate is of
far less Importance than the platform.
There were many from whom the
standard bearer might have been cho-
sen.
If the lot had fallen upon that dis
t1ngu1Shed citizen of this state whose
name is known the world around, whose
name is linked with honesty and abil-
ity in the public service-Richard P
Bland prolonged applause and cheer
ing)-I would have been to him his
most loyal supporter. Enthusiastic ap-
plause.) But I am glad, am gratified
beyond measure, that when the lot by
chance fell upon me. have no truer
friend than that same Richard P.
Bland
At the conclusion of Mr.. Bryan's
speech there was the usual rush of en-
thusiastic admirers who desired to
shake the hand of the nominee. AS
Mr.. Bryan's arm was by this time al
most paralyzed by constant shaking,
he called to the crowd saying: Every
body throw up your hands," at the
same time throwing up his own. Now
then shalxe.'' he exclaimed and there
was a loud laugh and everybody cheer
ed as the train pulled out of the sta
ton.
Just before the train left SedaIia Mr.
Bryan received a telegram announcing
the death of VIM. E. Russell of Massa-
chusetts Both Mr. and Mrs Bryan
We're greatly, shocked at the news and
Mr. Bryan at once indicted the fol-
Mrs. ". f. Russell, Cambridge.
Mass.-I have just learned of the sud
den death of Governor Russell and has
ten to express to you my profound sym
pathy. Your husbands friends were
legion and they all share your sorrow.
(Signed) w. J. BRYAN"
There were several 1nimportant sta
tions where Mr.. Bryan shook hands
with the citizens at the depOts. The
next place where he spoke was at War
rensburg, where 1000 people had as
Semb1ed to see and hear the nominee.
The usual amount of cheering was par
ticipated in and Mr.. Bryan answered
the demands for a speech as follows:
Ladies and Gentlemen: I do not
care to make a speech, and I do not
know that you care to listen to a
speech, but am very glad to have this
opportunity of seeing so many of you
in this vicinity.
Are you going to be at the polls on
election day? cloud cries of You bet,
yes, yes.) All doubt has passed away
If all the people who have been crowd
ing along the railroad this afternoon
are as enthusiastic on election day as
they seem to be now, I have no doubt
as to the result in November. All I
can ask of you is, when you have
studied the questions, when you have
made up your minds. that you do just
as you please. If I am elected well
and good; if some one else is elected,
1 shall support the government until
can help to change it, Great applause
and cheering.)
At Warrensburg Mr.. Bryan was met
by a committee of citizens from Kansas
City, who had come out to escort him
was headed by Senator CockrelI At
each of the smaller towns the train
passed there was a booming of old
army cannon and anvils.
The enthusiasm and excitement in
creased in geOmetrfcaI progression as
the train approached Kansas City.
The entire population of Holden sur
rounded the depot at that village when
the train came in. Everybody shouted
for Bryan. Then there was a booming
of anvils, while a few exuberant citf-
zens discharged firecrackers that had
been left over from the Fourth Of JULY
Mr. Bryan addressed them briefly
The enthusiasm continued to increase
until every platform at every station
no matter how small. was crowded
with people, and even at the water
catch a glimpse of the free silver can
didate for president
When Kansas City was reached there
were four or five thousand people pack
ed in and around the depot to greet Mr.
Bryan. They were there in spite of
the fact that it had been announced
that he would not speak at the depot
AS ne and his wife and children left the
train three policemen parted the crowd
and led the way to the carriages in
waiting for the distinguished party AS
they passed through the crowd cheered
and shouted until the great halls of the
depot reverebrated with the deafeninsy
sound. The committee of citizens es-
corted Mr.. Bryan and his family to the
Coates House. where rooms had been
prepared for their reception.