The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1896-07-18

IL WAS IN congress, however, that
Mr.. Bryan made the reputation which
has swept him into his present promi-
nence. In 1890, when only 80 years of
age, he was elected a member of the
house from the First district Of Ne.
braska, where he located Immediately
after his admission to the bar. Dur
ing the consideration of the several
tariff bills, which were brought before
the house during the first session of
that congress-, Mr.. Bryan electrified
his colleagues by the force and vigor
of his u~tterances, his intimate knowl-
edge of economic matters, the grace
fulness of his oratory, and his ability
to sustain himself with credit against
the ablest debaters upon the republic
can side of the chamber. His time, on
that occasion, was repeatedly extended
and he spoke in all several hours.
He awoke the next morning to find
himself famous. Nor was it an ephem-
eral fame. He became from that
day a conspicuous figure in a house
which included such giants of debat-
ers as Breckenridge, of Kentucky;
Bourke Cochran and John R. Fellows,
of New York; Dingley and Reed, of
Maine; Springer, of Illinois: Lodge,
of Massachusetts,; Oates, of Alabama,
and VIM. l.. Wilson, of West Virginia,
who now holds the office of postmater-
general.
While Mr.. Bryan was o n free
trader he favored the lowest tariff
consistent with the necessities of the
government, and he was placed by
Speaker Crisp upon the ways and
means committee-an unusual honor
for a new man.
When the Fifty-third congress met,
Mr.. Bryan had also achieved a reputa-
ton as a stanch supporter of free sill
yer, and when President Cleveland
convened that congress in e~xtraor-
binary session in the autumn of
1893 Mr.. Bryan was Mr.. BANDS
efficient lieutenant in leading the
opposition to the repeal of the
purchasing clause of the Sherman act.
He continued in that congress as a
member of the ways and means COM
mlttee. He was Il of the subcommit-
tee which had in charge the internal
revenue schedule of what was sub
Ecquently known as the Wilson tariff
bill. and he shares with Mr.. McMillin
OF Tennessee, the distinction of being
the first to suggest the Incorporation
in that measure of an income tax.
Mr.. Bryan added to his laurels as Q
brilliant and ready debater during the
discussion of that measure in the house
and his influence was also exerted in
favor of the income tag which he re-
garded as one of its most essential
lea lures.
With this congress Mr.. Bryan's con-
gressional career ended, and he re-
turned to Omaha to accept the editor
ship of the World-Herald of that city,
although his home for many years has
been at Lincoln, the state capital.
Mr.. Bryan Is about the medium in
height. His face is clearly shaver and
in appearance he resembles the great
Pennsylvania commoner, Samuel j.
Randall, who, at Mr.. Bryan's age,
might readily have passed for the lat
ter's twin brother. He is a strict
church man, and on several occasions
during his residence in this city adj
dressed the Young Mems Christian as
ISOLATION and other religious bodies.
lie is earnest and enthusiastic in what
ever cause enlists his sympathies and
it is not doubted that his personality
will largely influence the approaching
campaign.
Mrs. Bryan has 4 great liking for
politics, and accompanies her hus band
on many of his Nebraska jaunts. Her
tastes are essentially literary, and she
has written much for various causes.
Sho is a charming woman, and is as
great a favorite in Lincoln as her hus-
band. She was one of the organizers
of Sorosis, the leading woman's
club of Lincoln, and is also a leader Of
the w. e. L. U. and other societies.
Mr.. Bryan says she is invaluable to
him in suggestions and the prepare
OF material, and in advice as to
points and methods. The children are
very bright and very pretty and well
bred.