The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-07-14

All the People of Salem Greet MIR.
Bryan, Who Replies I'm n Speech

SALEM ILL.,, July 1S.-Never before in its
history has this quiet little town of two
thousand people been so ablaze i'm glory
as it was tonight. Ordinarily the citizens
retire for the night by 3 o'clock At 10 il
is quiet a country churchyard; at
midnight nothing left with which to COM
pare the stiffness that prevails. But to-
night it was different. w. ]. Bryan, leader
of the Democratic national campaign a ma
tive of the place, returned here. The whole
town was out to meet him. Then there
were skyrockets and Roman candles and red
fire burning along the route by which Mr.
Bryan conducted to the home of his
sister. Here 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. The reception committee
was composed of the following citizens:
Gen. ]. S. Martin. Hon. T. E. Merritt. S. L.
| Smith, Thomas s. Marshall, DR.. W. II.
| Young, Dwyer Evans. b. G. Martin, Rev.
| S. 2. Young, j. d. Telford, Gilbert Williams
and j. u. Kagy. Mr.. and Mrs. Bryan were
escorted to "a carriage by the committee
and taken to the home OF Mr.. Bryan's sis
ter. Mrs. Baird. Awaiting them at the
| house were Mrs. Mary Nanantwerp. Mrs.
Davenport, Mrs Zadock Jennings. all rela-
| tives of the honored guest and his sisters,
| Misses Mamie and Mamie Bryan.
| 1t was not the wish of Mr. Bryan TO
| have celebration 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 enthusiasm
| and desire TO honor the man who went
away from here scarcely a score of a
years ago, unknown to fame, gave vent
to their feelings. When the carriage
reached the home of his sister his former
fellow -townsmen were there by the hun
dreds. They cheered and shouted. while
bands played and anvils doomed. They
! demanded a speech and Mr.. Bryan ac-
quiesced. AS he stepped out upon the little
vine covered porch in front of the home
| of his sister in response TO the calls of his
friends, he showed by the twitching OF
his face and the huskiness of his voice
that he was deeply affected He needed
no introduction. Every one knew him
he came forward, and the noise and the
| hubbub ceased. AS soon as he could con-
| troll his voice he spoke as follows:
Fellow citizens-I don't know what 10
| say more than TO thank you. There is
spot, / think, that can ever became so
1
| cluster sacred memories OF early childhood.
| have come back to Salem every few
| months since 1 left here. and no spot on
earth will be so dear as Salem. (Applause.)
| / assure you / appreciate the friendly in
| terest which you manifest, and more so be-
cause in this there is no party for see
here my friends in all parties. persons OF
| different political faith well as those who
agree with the principles which / nave ad-
| vocated. / am deeply touched with this
manifestation OF your esteem and conn-
dence. i wish / could have with me to-
| night the gentlemen who occupies the place
with me on the national ticket. | wish you
could see and become acquainted with Mr.
| Sewall. who is our candidate for Vice
President. Although my acquaintance with
| him is not long. i think a great deal of
| him. l think he is manly man. and /
wish he could come here and greet and be-
/ come acquainted with the enthusiasm that
has been manifested here tonight.
IF elected my fullest hope viii be graft
| fed / have but one desire and that is to
| bring back TO our people our government
| as our fathers intended II, a government
which shall be conducted on principles of
| equality before the law; which shall pro-
| tect the rights of life and liberty zap
| plause) which shall know no difference
| between the simplest citizen in the land.
| ment which shall be no respector OF per-
sons, but shall. like heaven, treat all alike.
| which / learned from my father. and if /.
| as man, can administer government on
the Democratic theory that my father
| taught me. believe that my conduct will
| meet with the approval of great mass OF
the people. iAppiause.) I don't believe that
| "A candidate for office has any right to ask
! the people 10 vote for him as a personal
| favor. but he has a right TO claim the vote
| of all who believe that through his cleo
ton they can best protect their own in
terests and serve their country. (Ap-
| plause.) That is the only theory on which
| a man can obtain support. Your votes are
| your own 10 use according 10 your own
Judgment L can simply appeal to
| you TO take the issues and study
| them as citizens upon whom rest grave
| responsibilities, and when you have decid-
| ed all / can ask of you is that you allow
| your vote 10 register your own wish Let
| your ballot register a free mans will. and
then. matter who Is elected. We viii be
satisfied.
Il can only say here. over and over
| again. that / am deeply gratified for this
| very cordial reception at the place of my
| birth and you will accept that until
thank you personally for your consicera-
| tion.
| 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 handshake. There were no other
speeches. The people retired TO their
homes and Mr.. Bryan and his wife went
to rest. weary and worn from the excite
mept Of the day.
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