Birmingham state herald., 1896-07-18

neighbors and friends were waiting to give them a hearty welcome. At S:30 o'clock MT. Bryan went to the Lincoln hotel in carriage to take his place inthe parade. Mrs. Bryan and a number of friends proceeded directly to the legisla- tive building. It had begun to rain by this time but the ardor of the people was not diminished, and when MT. Bryan drove up to the hotel he was greeted with a repetition of the enthusiasm, ex- pressed by lung power and by the in struments of torture, that he had en- eountered on his arrival. Then the pro- cession was started for the state house, led by platoon of police. First came F. A. Miller, chief marshal, and his staff, followed by the Second Regiment band and the Lincoln Light Infantry. MT. Bryan came next, and after him Com pany D of the First regiment, Nebraska national guard,
 State county and city officials follow ed in turn, and the rest of the procession was made up of civic organizations of every character. The Bryan home guards bore fiambeaus and discharged rockets, while many of the other paraders also indulged in pyrotechnic display.
 Packed in the rain outside the state house were people by the thousands And their enthusiasm was something wonderful. Nearly every young man and young woman was armed with tin iAOAii, anu iAty SpditQ uOl liltlf luISS. But the cheers drowned out all other at tempts at expressing feeling. When MT Bryan was introduced the shout that went up was 8 mighty one, and it was repeated over and over. A temporary platform had been erected at the corner of the building, and from this MT. Bryan spoke as follows:
 Fellow Citizens: I am proud tonight to be able to say to those who are as sembled here, these are our neighbors (Applause). l beg to express to republi- cans democrats, populists and prohibi- tionists and all parties the gratitude which we feel for this magnificent demonstration. I say we, because she who has shared my struggles, deserves her full share of all the honors that may come to me. (Applause). l desire to ex- press tonight, not only our grateful ap- preciaton of all the kindness, socially and politically, that you have shown to us, but to give to you the assurance that if by the suffrageS of our countrymen for short time occupy the most honor able place in the gift of the people, that l shall return to the people who first took me in their arms. (Applause).
 This shall be my home. And when earthly honors have passed away shall mingle my ashes with the people of this beloved state. (ApplauSe) I thank those of all parties who have been willing for a moment to forget differences that ex- ist between us and join in celebrating the fact that at last the nomination for president has crossed the Missouri river. And now, until can see each of you per sonally and express my thanks by the pressure of the hand, or by my voice, permit ne to bid you all, in behalf of my wife and myself good night" Uong and continued applause)
 After the speech Mir. and Mrs. Bryan, standing in the rotunda of the state house, received a vast concourse of peo- pie. They were assisted in receiving by MT. and Mrs. M. D. Welch, Dr. and Mrs. c. r. Ladd, MT. and Mrs. S. G. Hudson. MT. and Mrs. k. P. R. Miller and Mir. and Mrs. A. E. Hargraves.