Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-07-14
WELCOMED TO HIS OLD HOME.
Mr.. Bryan Received by His Former
Neixhbors mt Salem, III.

Mt. bryan received Oy HIS Former
Neixhbors mt Salem, Ill.
Never before in its history has Salem,
ILL.,. little town of 1000 people, been so
ablaze in glory it was last night. Ordi-
Earily the citizens retire for the night by 0
o'clock. At 10 1T Is as quiet as a country
churchyard; at midnight there is nothing
left with which to compare the stiffness
that prevails. But last night it was diff
ferent. w. j. Bryan. leader of the demo-
cratic national campaign, a native of the
place. returned. The whole town was out
to meet him. Then there were sky rockets
and roman candles and red fire burning
along tie route by which Mr.. Bryan was
conducted to the home of his sister.
When the train pulled up to the Salem
depot there were many persons on hand
ready to welcome Mr.. Bryan from all over
Marion county. The reception committee
WAS composed of the following citizens:
Cen j. S. Martin. T. E. Merritt. S. ]. Smith.
Thomas S. Marshall, DIR. W. H. Young.
Dwyer Evans, b. G. Martin. Rev. S. p
Young. j. D. Tilford, Gilbert Williams and
j. d. Kagy.
Mr.. and Mrs. Bryan were escorted to a
carriage by the committee and taken to the
home of Mr.. B-yans sister. Mrs. James
Baird Awaiting them a the house were
Mrs. Mary Van Antwerp. Mrs. Davenport.
Mrs Zaock Jennings, all relatives of the
guest, and his sisters, Misses Fannie and
Mary Bryan 1t was not the wish of Mr..
Bryan to have a celebration 81 this time as
but two short weeks ago he was called to
Salem to attend the deathbed of his mother.
She was buried by the side of Judge
Bryan, who passed away sixteen years ago.
But the people in their enthusiasm and de-
sire to honor the man who went away from
them scarcely a score of 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 hundreds. They cheered and shouted
while bands played and the anvils doomed
day dn1
acquiesced.
As he stepped out upon the little vine
covered porch, in response to the calls of
his friends. he shov ed by the twitching OF
the muscles OF his face and the huskiness
of his voice that he was deeply affected.
He needed no introduction. (. As soon as he
could control his voice, he spoke follows
Fellow Citizens-I don't Know what to
say more than to thank YOU, No spot, I
think can ever become SO dear to a man
as the spot about which clusters sacred
memories of early childhood have come
back to Salem every few months since 1
SO dear as Salem. CApplause.t. assure
you / apprecia tie the friendly interest
which you manifest, and more so because
In this there is no party. l see here my
political faith. as we'll as those who agree
with the priI ciples which / have adyo-
Gated. and / am deeply touched with this
manifestation of your esteem and conf
dence.
Il wish 1 could have with me the gem
tlenan Who occupies the place with me
On the national ticket. ] wish you could
see and become acquainted with Mr. Sew
all, who is our candidate for Vice Presi-
cent Although my acquaintance with
him Is not long / think a great deal of
him 1 think he is a manly man, and I
wish he could come here and greet Won
and become acquainted with the enthu-
slesm that has been manifested tonight.
II elected my fullest hope will be gratified.
l nave but one desire, and that to bring
back to our people the government as our
1atters intended 1t, government which
shall be conducted on principles of equality
before the law; which shall protect the
rights of life and liberty. Applause
Which shall know no difference between
the simplest citizen in the land and the
greatest citizen in the land: a government
wbich shall be no respectcr of persons,
plause)
Il don't believe that candidate for Of
nee las any right to ask people to vote
Tor him as a personal favor. but has q
right to claim the vote of all that believe
that through his election they can best pro-
tect their own interests and serve their
country. That is the theory upon which a
man may obtain support. Your votes are
your own, TO use according to your own
judgment 1 can simply appeal to YOU to
take the issues and study them as citizens
upon whom rest grave responsibilities and
When you have decided all i ask of Won ia
to let your vote register your wish Let
your ballots register free mans will, and
then. no matter who is elected We will be-
satisfied. 1 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
can thank you personally for your consid-
eraticn."
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 be-
meath the huge trees. and Mr.. Bryan pass
ed along in front of them and gave each q
hearty hand-shake. There were no other
speeches. The people departed to their
homes. and Mr.. and Mrs. Bryan went to
rest. weary and worn from the excitement
Of the day.
The train bearing Mr.. and Mrs Bryan
from Chicago stopped at many stations
where the democratic candidate spoke
briefly.