The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-07-18
Lincoln Gives Mr.. Bryan q Most
Warm Welcome Home.
Twenty Thousand Shouting
People Show Their Joy.
NO POLITICS IN 1T.
Cannon Boom, Bells Ring and
Whistles Scream.
A Big Reception Is Held In the
Capitol.

roar of booming cannon, pealing church
bells, screaming steam whistles and the
shouts Of 1000 people VIM. J. Bryan, the
Democratic nominee for president en-
tered this, the capital city of Nebraska,
last evening. 1t was an ovation, the
like of which the people of this part of
the country never before witnessed.
Half of the population of the city was at
the depot to welcome him home. 1t was
a nonpartisan reception. The mayor of
the city, the city council and disting-
guished citizens of every political be-
lief, were at the train.
As far as the eye could reach were
thronged streets, crowded windows and
enthusiastic shouters on the roofs of the
houses. There were bands of music,
men carrying banners with notices
complimentary to the Democratic lead
er and flags and bunting hung from the
fronts of the business houses and dwell
ings. All this enthusiastic display oc-
Cured in spite of the fact that the sky
was overcast with a dull heavy cloud
and a drizzIing rain was falling. All
day long excursion trains brought in
people from the surrounding country
and by night the whole town was in a tur-
mOil of enthusiastic delight From the
time Mr.. Bryan and his family left
Kansas City until they reached home
there was a continuous ovation.
AS soon as Mr.. Bryan and his family
aiighted from the train they were
driven to their home where friends and
aeighbors had prepared a feast for
them. The house had been deliberately
Decorated with flags and bunting and
the lawn was hung with electric lights.
From their home they were driven in a
carriage escorted by Bryan marching
clubs ana military bands to the state
house, where they received the citizens
Of the capital city. The great corridor
beneath the dome OF the capitol was
3 banked up with ferns and tropical
plants.
Mr. and Mrs. Bryan stood be-
meath the dome and the thousands of
enthusiastic citizens passed through
from north to south ana were presented
TO them When the reception was over
MIR. Bryan went to a platform erected
at the north end of the state house,
where he addressed what is said to
have been the largest Congregation of
people ever assembled in Lincoln. His
speech was short, for there was a most
unpleasant drizzling rain falling. There
was no Introduction speech Mr.. Bry--
an was among his own people and
needed none. When he came forward
he was received with thunderous ap-
plause. Mr.. Bryan said:
Ladies and Gentlemen-I am proud
tonight to be able to say of those who
are assembled here: These are our
neighbors.' beg to express to Repub-
ncans, Democrats. POpulists, PrOhibi-
tiOnistS and all parties the gratitude
which we feel for this magnificent COM
pliment- I say we she who has shared
my struggles deserves her full share Of
all the honOrs that may come to me.
The scene tonight recalls the day nine
years this month when by accid lent rather
than by design, 1 first set foot within
the limits of the city of Lincoln. I re-
member the day because I fell in love
with the town and then made the re-
solve to make it my future home. I
came among you q stranger in q strange
land and yet no people have ever treat
E0
have treated me.
But I desire to express tonight, not
only our grateful appreciation of all
the kindness, social and pO1t1Cal, that
you have shown US. but to give to you
this assurance that If by the SURFACES
of my cOuntrymen for short time
occupy the most honorable position
within the gift of the people, that
shall return to the people who first
took me in their arms. This shall be
my home when earthly hOnOrS have
passed away and I shall mingle my
ashes with the dust of this beloved
state
This is no political gathering. 7 see
here the faces of those who with hearts
as honest as I hope my own is, diff
fer from me on all the issues of the
day but I am so glad that love can
leap across party lines and abide in
the holy friendship with those whose
judgment go apart. thank the mayor
of this great city for the charity which
he has shown today thank all OF
those of all parties who have been will
ling for the moment to forget the diff
ferences that exist between US and
join in celebrating the fact that at
last the nomination for president has
crossed the Missouri river.
I'VE are glad that the Prohibition
party came to our city for its candidate
and if the great Republican party
which for so many years has DONNA
ted in the councils of the nation had
selected a Nebraska man for the head
of the ticket. I would have led you in
doing honor to him regardless of what
his opinions might have been. I am
glad that the states of this Union, east
west and south will have their atten-
ton turned towards this great prairie
state and toward this capital city We
beltVe, my friends, that when our fell
low citizens in other sections of this
land shall become acquainted with the
people of this state and the people of
this nation that they will be brought
nearer to US and that it will be a tie to
bind us all in a common love for the
greatest nation on Gods foOtstOOl to-
day and now until can see each one
of you personally and express my
thanks by pressure of the hand or by
my voice, permit me to bid you all in
behalf of my wife and myself. good
night"
At the conclusion of his address the
crowd sent up a shout that fairly made
the old state house tremble. Cheer af-
ter cheer went up and the enthusiastic
pOpuace almost went mad in it's effort
to demonstrate its admiration. Upon
their return home after the demonstra-
ton at the state house Mr.. and Mrs.
Bryan held a reception at their home
in honor Of the visiting Tnemb ers of the
press The joyous uprOar in the way
Of blowing horns, ringing bells and dis
charging fireworks, was kept up till
long after midnight. Mr. and Mrs.
Bryan viii so to Omaha today where
in the evening there will be a demon
stEation ia their honoEs