The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1896-07-15
SALEM STIRRED UP
Over the Big Demonstration In
Honor of Bryan.

Honor of Bryan.
SALEM, ILL.,, July 1.-THE citizens Of
Salem have been in a state Of activity
all day today in preparation for the
grand Bryan demonstration to be given
tomorrow. Every tree on every street
and in every yard is being white
washed in response to proclamation
issued by the mayor of the city which
was pasted on all the dead walls of the
town and circulated among the resi-
dences. The proclamation bears the
likeness Of Mr.. Bryan at the head and
reads as follows:
Whereas, Hon William J. Bryan, a
former resident of this city, has been
nominated for the presidency of the
United States; and
Whereas, He Is about to return here
for a short visit to his relatives and
friends; therefore, I, John Lakin,
mayor of the city Of Salem, do most
respectfully request that all business
houses and residences be suitably deco
rated in his honor during his stay in
our midst John H. Lakin,
Mayor
When Mr.. Bryan had finished his din
ner today he took his three children
and went down to the house in which
he was born and had his photograph
taken He then returned to the home
train time The taking Of his photo
graph caused considerable excitement
in Salem and men and women gathered
about to watch the proceedings. When
1t was over they all shook hands with
Mr.. Bryan and some of the old men
took occasion to tell him how they had
watched him from his youth up and
how they always did believe he was
bound to be great.
Every time Mr.. Bryan comes to his
old home he attends services at the
Presbyterian church where the Rev.
DR., Sprouts has been pastor for a
score Of years. Last Sunday his old
pastor announced to the congregation
that he had taken 1t upon himself to
send a telegram, in the name Of the
congregation, congratulating their fell
low brother in Christ upon the honor
he had received. Then he pronounced
a few words of praise and commenda-
ton upon the character of Mr. Bryan,
briefly reviewing his career from the
time he left Salem until he was nomi-
mated for president
Mr.. and Mrs. Bryan like the inhabi-
tants of the town, were weary this
morning. They rested till after o
o'clock. With them at breakfast were
J. w. Baird and his wife, Mr.. Bryan's
sister and Misses Mamie and Mamie
Bryan, two attractive looking young
women who have just finished their
college education. After breakfast
Mrs. Bryan remained at home while
Mr.. Bryan went to the court house to
attend to some business of his moth
er's estate. At dinner time, Mr.. Bryan,
his wife and two unmarried sisters.
went to the home of their aunt. Mrs.
D. S. Marshall, and in the afternoon
he drove about town, and out to the
old farm upon which his father lived
during the last years Of his life Mr..
Bryan himself is a member of the
Presbyterian church, but his father
was Baptist, and, according to Col
Thomas Z. Merritt, who in the early
days stumped the country with him.
believed there was no salvation for
a man unless he was baptized by i'm
mersion. But there was not enough
Baptists in the town to support a
preacher regularly, and so it was that
| services were only held in the Baptist
church twice a month, and in that
way 1t came to pass that William J.
Bryan attended Presbyterian services
and finally became a member of that
church.
1t was Mr.. Bryan's wish to remain
quiet today, but the people of Centralia
had made all the arrangements for a.
display in his honor, and he finally
| consented tc go. A big demonstration
will be held here tomorrow and tomor-
row night Gov. AltgeId has been ad-
vertised as one Of the principal
speakers.