The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1896-07-16

SALEM, Ill, July 15.-The scorching
sun had scarcely appeared above the
horizon today when the town was
shaken by thunderous cannonading of
anvils, which was repeated at regular
intervals until noon. Wagons loaded
with farmers from the surrounding
country began to arrive az daylight.
| Crowds came on excursion trains from
neighboring towns and adjoining coun-
ties to take part in the great celebra-
ton this afternoon and evening in
honor of William J Bryan, the Demo-
cratic nominee for president who was
born here thirty-six years ago. In
response to a proclamation issued by
the mayor yesterday all business
houses were abundantly decorated
with flags and bunting and the por.
trait of the distinguished citizen of
Salem Nearly all the dwelling houses
are decorated with patriotic emblems
and flowers and Sprigs of evergreens.
Nearly all the vehicles that run
through the streets were adorned with
THE STARS AND STRIPES
and some more enthusiastic drivers
utilized strings of sleigh bells to make
a noise.
The ladies generally wore white
dresses with red or blue sashes and
white caps over the vizors of which
was printed in silver letters: William
j. Bryan"
| People began to gather on the court
house square where a big stand had
been erected for the celebration, fully
two hours before the time for the de-
monstration to begin. The great elm
trees which surrounded the court house
| had been freshly whitewashed and
were decorated with bunting and flags.
In this court house Bryan made his
+ first political speech and here his father
for twelve years presided over the cir
cult court. On the platform, with the
I speakers invited from all over the
state, were the
! MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF SALEM
and other distinguished citizens. Hon.
M. F. Kagy, who graduated in the
& same class with Bryan at Illinois col
lege. Jacksonville, presided.
1t was well on towards the middle of
the forenoon when Mr.. and Mrs. Bryan
breakfasted. Both were tired out last
night They drove from Odin to Salem
in a carriage on their return from
Centralia, and it was midnight when
they reached the home of Mrs. Bryan's
sister, Mrs. Baird. AS soon as they
finished breakfast, they began to re-
ceive calls from friends and relatives
who had come in to attend the de-
monstration. 1t was entirely informal.
Any one so desiring could walk into
the house and grasp the nominee and
his wife by the hand Just before din
ner-everybody takes dinner at noon in
this place-Mr. Bryan excused himself
and went down to the little barber
shop and was shaved. He then re-
turned to his room to dress for the
demonstration. Mr.. Bryan's right arm
is almost paralyzed today. The un-
accustomed strain of handshaking in
which he has been vigorously engaged
is beginning to be felt by him. His
right arm and hand were badly swol-
len. The strain has been worse since
coming to Salem. The great brawny
farmers in this region have a fashion
OF
SHAKING HANDS WITH A VIGOR
that causes men of less muscular power
to vince. Mr.. Bryan hopes to be able
to rest from the handshaking business
after leaving here tomorrow, until he
reaches Lincoln, Neb. He expects tc
leave here at 5:35 in the morning and
go to st. Louis, thence to Kansas City
and then to Lincoln.
While the hundreds of people wht
came from all over this part of tht
state to attend the Bryan celebration
were assembling in the court hous,
yard tonight, a big black cloud loome(
up in the northwest and approached
with frightful rapidity There were ter
rife peals of thunder. At length TIL
rain broke and came down in torrents
and in two minutes the bunting. flag
and draDeries which looked so attrac
tive in the morning were almost ruin
ed. The darkness increased until i
was almost impossible to see across tn
streets. 1t was an ordinary thunde
storm, but of unusual violence, AM
owing to the darkness caused a grea
deal of alarm.
Tt was after l p. m. before the rail
ceased. Then the crowds came out from
the stores taverns and other place
of shelter and again began to gathe
beneath the trees in
THE COURT HOUSE YARD.
The numerous country bands that ha,
come in from the neighboring town
with Bryan clubs began to play sue
inspiring tunes as White Wings,
Comrades s'Marching Through Geor
gia," and Dixie The hustle and ex
element that prevailed in the earl
morning was renewed. Bryan banner
were everywhere. By this time tn
number of people packed in the cour
house YARD had increased until a
least 5000 people were there. Half
dozen bands were scattered about, a.
playing at once.
, Although Governor A1tgeid had bee
advertised to speak, he did not come
This afternoon word was received tina
the governors health was such tina
he could not come He was greatly eX
l1austed after the Chicago convention
and has not yet fully recovered. A
2:15 it was announced that the
DISTINGUISHED "SON OF SALEM
was approaching. All the bands starte
in afresh, and the crowd howled Xix
mad. This was kept up until Mr.. an
Mrs Bryan were seated on the plat
form. When quiet was restored, tn