The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-07-14
TRIP OF TRIUMPH
Bryan Goes From Chicago to
His Old Home.
Crowds Assemble to See Him at
Every Station.
HE SPEAKS OFTEN.
Farmers Build BOnffres Along
Railroads In the Country.
Yell "Bryan and Free Silver"
as Train Passes.
HE SPEAKS OFTEN.

Salem, Ill. July 14.-Never before in
its history has this quiet little town Of
1000 people been so ablaze in glory as
it was last night. Ordinarily the citi-
zens retire for the night by o'clock
At 10 it is as quiet as a country church
yard at midnight.
But last night it was different. W. J.
Bryan, the leader of the Democratic
campaign, a native Of the place, return
ed here. The whole town was out to
meet him. There were sky rockets and
Roman candles, red fire was burning
all along the route by which Mr.. Bryan
was conducted to the home of his sis
ter. He will remain for the next two
days. When the train pulled up to the
Salem depot there were many people
on hand ready to welcome Mr.. Bryan
from all over Marion county.
Mr. and Mrs. Bryan were escorted
to a carriage by the local reception
committee and taken to the home of
Mr. Bryan's sister, Mrs. James Baird.
Awaiting them at the house were Mrs.
Mary Van Antwerp, Mrs. Davenport,
Mrs. ZadOck Jennings, all relatives of
the hOnOred guest, and his sisters Misses
Fannie and Mamie Bryan 1t was not
,
bration here at this time. But two
short weeks ago he was called here TO
attend the death bed of his mother.
She was buried here by the side of
Judge Bryan, who passed away sixteen
years ago. But the people in their en-
thusiasm and desire to honor the man
who went away from here scarcely a
score OF years ago. unknown to fame,
gave vent to their feelings.
When the "a vViaora reaoba6 the homo
of his sister, his former fellow towns
men were there by the hundreds. They
cheered and shouted, while bands play
ed and anvils doomed They demanded
a speech and Mr.. Bryan acquiesced.
As he stepped out upon the little vine
covered porch in front of the house of
his sister, in response to the calls of
his friends he showed by the twitching
Of the muscles of his face and the husk-
mess of his voice that he was deeply
affected. He needed no introduction.
Every one knew him as he came for
ward and the noise and hubbub ceased.
AS soon as he could control his voice
he spoke as follows:
BRYAN SPEAKS.
Fellow citizens: I don't know what
to say more than to thank you. There
is no spot 1 think that can ever become
so dear to a man as the spot about
which cluster sacred memories of early
childhood. I have come back to Salem
every few months since left here and
no spot on earth will be so dear as Sa-
lem. (Applause)
I asure you L appreciate the friend
~ interest which you manifest and
more SO because in this there is no
party and I see here friends in all par
ties, persons of different faith, as we'll
as those who agree with the principles
which have advocated and I am deep
" touched with this manifestation of
your esteem and confidence.
Il wish 1 could have with me tonight
the gentleman who occupies the place
with me on the national ticket. I wish
you could sec and become acquainted
with Alr. SewaI, who is our candidate
f''r vice president. Although my ac-
quaintance with him is not long [ think
great deal of him. I thing him
manly man and I wish he could come
here and greet you and become ac-
quainted with the enthusiasm that has
been manifested tonight
IF elected my fullest hope will be
gratIfled. I have but one desire and
that - 20 briI & back to our people orr
government as our fathers intended it.
a government which shall be conducted
on principles of equality before the law
which shall protect the rights of life
and liberty. (Applause) Which shall
plest citizen and the grea test citizen in
the land, a government which shall be
no respecter of persons but shall, like
heaven, treat all alike. (ApplauseD
That is the ideal government which
learned from my father, and if I. as
{. man can administer government on
the Democratic theory that my father
taught me, I believe that my conduct
will meet with the approval of a great
mass of the people, who ask no privi-
lage but simply demand justice to all.
CApplause.)
L don't believe that a candidate for
office has any right to ask people to
vote for him as a personal favor, but
he has right to claim the vote of all
who believe that through his election
they can best protect their own inter
ests and serve their country CAp-
plause.) That is the only theory upon
which you can obtain support. Your
votes are your own to use according to
your own judgment. I can simply ap-
peal to you to take the issues and
study them as citizens upon whom rest
grave responsibilities and when you
have decided all 1 can ask of you is
that you allow your vote to register
your own wish. Let your ballots reg
lister a free mans will, and then no
matter who is elected we will be sat
dshed.
Il can only say here, over and over
again that I am deeply gratified for
this very. cordial reception at the place
of my birth and you will accept that
until I can thank you personally for
your consideration
When he had ended his talk there
was loud and enthusiastic applause.
Then the assembled citizens formed in
line along the walk in front of the
house and beneath the huge trees and
Mr.. Bryan passed along in front of
them and gave each a hearty hand