The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-07-16

| l.
Ordinarily the citizens retire at 8 o'clock
at 10 it is as quiet as country church.
yard; at midnight there is nothing to
compare with the stiffness that prevails
But tonight it was different. VIM j.
Bryan, presidential nominee. a native
of this place, returned home and the
whole town turned out to greet him.
There were fireworks and bonfres burn
ing along the route by which Mr.. Bryan
was conducted to the home of his sister
Here he will remain for the next two
days.
Salem, Ills, July 13.-There was no os-
tentation or display made by William
j. Bryan, the Democratic presidential
nominee today on his trip from Chicago
to this, the town of his birth. He bought
tickets for himself and wife at the Hi
nois Central depot and there was no spe-
cial car provided for the man upon whom
the Democratic party thrust the great
est honor in its gift.
There was no demonstration at the
Park Row depot when Mr.. Bryan and
his wife left Chicago. Mr.. and Mrs.
Bryan rode to the depot in cab few
minutes before time for the train to de-
part. A few people recognized Mr.. Bry-
an and exercised the privilege of all
American citizens toward candidates or
public officers by shaking his hand. The
first stop after leaving Chicago was at
Kankakee. Fully 1000 citizens had as
sembled around the depot and were
eagerly waiting for chance to catch
glimpse of the Democratic nominee.
The state insane asylum band was play
ing 'The Star Spangled- Banner" when
the train pulled into the depot. There
was general rush from all sides, as
every one seemed determined to grasp
the Democratic leaders hand. The train
only stopped five minutes, but in that
time Mr.. Bryan WAS Il decidedly busy
man. Just before the train started there
were cries of speech" from all parts of
the crowd and some enthusiastic indi-
viduals carried a huge dry goods box
they intended to place Mr.. Bryan that
he might talk to them all, but before they
reached him the conductor called "all
aboard" and the train pulled out. much
to the disappointment of the assembled
citizens.
Mrs. Bryan was an interested specta-
tor of all that went on.
The little town of Paxton was the
next stop, and as Mr.. Bryan alghted
from the car Il stalwart veteran with
long gray hair and flowing white beard
pressed his way to the front and grasped
the presidential candidate by the hand.
Il knew you would come to this some
day, Bill, " he said, in gruff voice. Il
knew your father before you was born,
and | have watched you from the time
you used to kick up that dust in the
streets of Salem with your bare feet.
And | have always said that you would
be Il great man some day."
The people at Rantoul were given but
three minutes in which to shake hands
with the new leader of the Democratic
party. The town only boasts of 1000
them, men, women and children, were
at the depot to greet Mr.. Bryan, and he
was enthusiastically cheered. AS Mr..
Bryan boarded the train he turned about
the platform in response to loud calls
for a speech. He raised both hands and
instantly all was silence.
IF you will only vote as Industrious
ly next November as you shouted |
would be sure to be elected" The bell
on the engine began to clang, the train
moved away and the assembled citizens
roared with delight
Champaign gave the greatest demon
stration of the trip. The streets were
blocked with vehicles and people in every
direction from the depot. There was
military parade and nearly every one
of those who had come to do honor to
the Democratic nominee carried flag
A committee composed of j. H. Wolf.
Col. j. S. Busy, Col. w. II. Purcell and
w. J. Lord representing the citizens of
Champaign county and city. were at the
depot to meet the distinguished man from
Nebraska.
Mr.. and Mrs. Bryan were escorted to
temporary platform which had been
erected on Il floor which stood on side
track. 1t was draped with bunting and
flowers. There was an ovation of hand
clapping and cheers when Mr.. Bryan
stepped to the front of the platform. He
was introduced to the throng of citizens
by Col J. $. Wolf. venerable old gem
tleman bearing strong resemblance to
Gladstone. When quiet was restored
Mr.. Bryan said:
"Fellow Citizens-I believe | have not
visited this city since about 1879. Cries
of good boy, Bryan, and appausel. In
that year | was student in The Illinois
college and we had contest which was
held in this city and it was my good for
tune to be present and meet some of your
people. and that is the last time and |
believe the first time. | have been here
or passed through. / am not going to
make a political speech this afternoon.
| have just been talking some at Chi
cago and | am rather tired of speech
making. l am glad to talk to you for
awhile and | am gratified to see that so
many people here have shown their in
terest in this campaign. In my judg-
ment it is the most important campaign
through which this country has passed
in times of peace during our existence as
Il nation. (Applause). A campaign in
which great issues are to be settled, is
sues which affect every man. woman and
child in the nation: and beg of you that
you shall realize and appreciate the most
important part which you bear in this
campaign. This is the greatest nation on
earth. 1t is in advance. in my humble
Judgment, in all that makes Il nation
rrnot in advance of all M films That live