The herald., 1896-07-14


Park Row depot, when Mr.. Bryan and
his wife left Chicago. Mr.. and Mrs.
Bryan rode to the depot ina cab a few
minutes before the time of the train to
depart. A few people recognized Mr..
Bryan and exercised the privilege of
American citizens toward candidates or
public officers by shaking his hand
The first stop after leaving Chicago
was at Aankakee. One thousand citi-
zens had assembled around the depot
and were eagerly waiting for a chance
to catch a glimpse of the Democratic
nominee. The state insane asylum band
was playing the Star-Spangledl Banner
when the train pulled into the depot.
There was general rush from all sides,
as every one seemed anxious to grasp
the Democratic leaders hand. The
train only stopped five minutes, but In
that time Bryan was decidedly busy
man. Just before the train started
there were cries of "Speech!" from all
parts Of the crowd, and some enthusi-
astic individuals carried q huge dry
goods box over the heads of the people,
upon which they intended to place Mr..
Bryan, that he might talk to all of them.
But before they reached him the conduc-
tor called "All aboard" and the train
pulled out, much to the disappointment
of the assembled citizens. Mrs. Bryan
was an interested spectator Of all that
went forward on the depot platform.
The little town of Paxton was the next
stop, and as Mr.. Bryan alighted from
the car a stalwart veteran, with long,
gray hair and flowing white beard, made
his way to the front and grasped the
presidential candidate by the hand. "I
knew it would come to this some day,
Bill" he said, in, gruff voice; "I knew
your father before you were born, and
have watched you from the time you
used to kick up the dust in the streets of
Salem with your bare toes. And 1 have
always said that you wouldlne,a 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 in
habitants, and at least two-thirds of
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 on the platform in response to
loud calls for a speech. He raised both
hands, and instantly all was silence
III you will only vote next November
as industriously as you shout uow,
will be sure to be elected"
The bell on the engine began to clang.
the train moved away, and theassem-
bled citizens roared with delight.
Champaign gave the greatest demon
stration of the trip. The streets were
blocked with vehicles and people in all
directions from the depot. There was
merry band, and nearly every one of
the thousands of people who had come
to do him honor as the Democratic nom
inee carried flag. A committee repre-
senting the citizens of Champaign coun-
ty and city were at the depot to meet
the distinguished man from Nebraska.
MI. and Mrs. Bryan were escorted to q
temporary platform which had been
erected on fiat car which stood on
sidetrack. 1t was draped with bunting
ana flowers. There was an ovation of
hand-clapping and cheers when Mr..
Bryan stepped to the front of the plat
FORM. He was introduced to the throng
or citizens by Col. J. s. Wolfe, a venera
Bile old gentleman bearing striking re-
semblance to Gladstone. When quiet
was restored Mr.. Bryan said:
"Fellow citizens: believe 1 have not
visited this city since 1879. (Cries of
Good boy, Bryan and great applause.
...-ll. Continued on Second Page.