The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1896-10-31

Republican Torchlight Procession At
tackled by Some of His Adherents-Ex-
plains His Position on the A. p. A.
Question.
Appleton, Wis.,, October 30.-The towns
visited By VIM. J. Bryan In the Badger
State this morning were literally be-
decked with yellow. Not since he left
the Ohio river valley has he encountered
crowds so antagonistic to his views.
There were large number of white
ribbons worn by his hearers, but the ma
jority Of the people addressed by him at
the first stop this morning did not hesi-
tate to ahow their preference for the
yellow metal
At Green Bay Mr.. Bryan addressed a
crowd Of several thousand people.
Short stops were made at Depere and
Kaukana and there was also a liberal
quantity of yellow ribbons displayed.
Mr.. Bryau's speeches were along the
same line as those made by him at Green
Bay.
About six thousand people composed
the gathering that greeted Nr. Bryan at
Appleton. They showed considerable
FenthuSiasm.
Fond du Lao, Wis, October 30.-The
nsighboring towns OF Neenah and
Menasha held joint demonstration in
honor of the Democratic candidate at the
latter place. Gold badges were again in
evidence among the 1000 people whom
Bryan addressed.
Fond du Lao Wis, October 30.-W ith
fifteen thousand expectant faces gazing
at him as he stood on the rear platform
OF the car Mr.. Bryan made speech at
Oshkosh that brought considerable
warmth of feeling from his supporters.
A fair amount of enthusiasm was shown.
A numDer Of prominent Wisconsin poll
ticians joined Mr.. Bryan at points along
his route.
Gen. Bragg, leader of the gold Demo-
Gratis in Wisconsin resides at Fond du
Lac and apropos Of that fact Bryan had
something to say of the gold movement
to nearlya10, 600 of Gen. Bragg's fellow
townsmen.
A short stop at Oakfield was utilized
by Bryan in shaking hands with a small
crowd. Short talks were given to good
crowds at Chester, Juneau and Water
town. good sized gathering heard
Bryan at Jefferson. Then came Fort At
* inson where wagon covered with yell
low was conspicuous.
A large crowd heard Bryan at Zanes-
Vile Just at dusk. AS ne was about to
make speech Mckinley torchlight pro-
oession attem pied to march through the
thickly gathered people about the plat
form of the "Idler." Much confusion
could be heard. Some of those who tried
to hear the candidate became excited at
the confusion and made objections to the
interruption. Then trouble began.
Energetic Democrats began to rush at
their political opponents. The scuff1e be-
came general and the pictures of McKin-
| ley were torn down. The battle was over
in minute and as the disturbance quieted
down Bryan made some comments on
the interruption. The Mckinley club
had marched to the station to take q
train. 1t Is claimed it could reach the
train only by marching through the
crowd.
Madison was reached at 6.10. Two hun
dred people only were at the station.
The machine clubs did not get there un-
til after Bryan started for the gymnasi-
um, where he made his first speech. At
$50 Bryan left to carry out the Iowa pro-
gramme.
Bryan tonight made the following
statement: IL find that Republicans are
circulating among Catholic citizens, the
charge that am or have been member
of Ane lean Protective association. I
have, also learned that l have been ac-
oused OF being a member of a society,
which | think is known as the Junior
order of American Mechanics. At the
same time ! have been accused in other
quarters of being opposed to the public
school system and of having voted
against teaching the English language
in the public schools of New Mexico.
+%av I'D IN M
my discussion of public issues to ques-
t1ons raised by the platform and have
considered the money question as para
mount to all others, take this opp0rtu-
nifty to explain my position upon the reli9-
lous controversy which has been raised
l am not and never have been a membe
OF the American Protective association
or Junior Order of American Mechanics
or any other society hostile to any church
pr religion nor have ] ever applied for
mem bership in any such organization.
While l am a member of the Presby-
terlan church, I have always believed
there should be no religious test applied
In the holding of public office. l am a
believer in the public sch ool system.
attended public schools and my chill
dren are now attending public school.
While l recognize the right OF parents
70 SEND their children to private schools
or colleges believe the free public school
must remain part OF our system OF
government in order that means of edu
cation has been within the reach of every
child in the land.
The Democratic members of Congress
voteo against proposed amendment to
the constitution of New Mexico which
compelled the teaching of the English
language In the public schools, not be-
cause the Democrats were opposed to
public schools or the teaching of the Eng
llHh language in such schools, but be-
cause they did not deem it necessary or
wise to require pledge from the people
OF New Mexico which had not been re-
CURED Of the people of other territories
- trust that those who support the
policies set forth In the Democratic plat
form Will not allow themselves to he
allenated from my support by any aff1-
davis which may be circulated by politi-
cal enemies. have tried hard as far
az could to conduct this campaign in
an open and honorable way, and have
lnslsteo that those who are with US should
@ relraln Irom personal criticism OF my
opponent, and leave the people to pass
Judgment upon the principles we rep re