Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-10-30

mass OF human beings, who might nave
lifted the great car from the tracks.
with "A fellow journalist 1 succeeded IN
forcing my way from the rear end OF
the car, leaving Mr. Bryan to be con-
viewed to the carriage, which awaited him
By the committee ana the police. We
gained the steps leading up TO the street.
bur. for the time, to proceed further was
impossible.
At the head Of the steps we took our
stand At their foot a line OF police
struggled to keep back the mad crowd
below. Through the crowd the strong
men of the force had strlven to MAINTAIN
a narrow lane from the car hither. but
II was beyond human power They dared
not use their clubs, 1t might have cost
them their lives.
anon. far away amid the turmoil. de-
scrlbed Bryan; gigantic policeman hda
him by one arm. committeeman not less
staiwart BY the other. Bryan himself y
a man Of immense strength. But those
three came on live leaves tossed on the
surface OF a boiling stream.
feared for their lives. a misstep would
have been fatal. The mob in which
they struggled was itself dashed help
lessly 20 and fro. The police rallied
and fought their way with desperation,
swung hither and yOn yet advancing
With a sudden rush they gained the
steps: the police formed a line behind
them; for an instant they he'd the
throng; then all gave way. ana up came
the rush on Bryan's heels.
As he was borne toward me he ever
looked backward with great anxiety no
wonder Mrs. Bryan was somewhere in
that awful press behind. 10 was terri
bic moment. DO what he might, he could
not get back TO ner one inch Methinks
he would gladly have forfeited the presi-
dency 10 have had her safe.
But onward must he go. In another
moment he was on the Top OF the steps
and was whirled onward 10 the carriage,
and then for the first time ! saw Mrs.
Bryan close behind pale and broathless,
but self possessed and secure. II was
welcome sight. and we'll nigh a miracu-
lous preservation.
The organs were in the carriage, drawn
by four white horses. ! reached the street
by p side door In front and along the
thorouehfare. as far as the eye could
reach, were the people OF Chicago. They
were damned along the sidewalks on
either side. and on the pavement. leaving
barely space for the procession TO get
through.
The dingy buildings that hemmed In the
living river were themselves alive with
forms and faces a narrow strip Of path
way was left behind the throng, through
which ] edged my way, iostled and jost-
ling The long procession had already be-
gun 20 march. / hoped 20 get down some
side street and reach d Battery betimes
but everything was blocked: IL was inn
possible 70 90 otherwise than along the
line of march.
II was a long march down 10 the lake
front-perhaps a mile and a half. Nehi-
cles in the streets were blocked as far
az l could see. Il was one solid double
column Of shouting people from one end
/ OF the Journey 10 the other.
The procession advanced briskly, their
heads and banners alone visible above
| the thronging crowd I kept getting
| glimpses Of Bryan; much Of the time he
stood erect I'm the carriage his head up.
/ confronting that amazing concourse with
an expression grave almost 20 grmness.
! Not twice in a lifetime. not once I'm most
! lifetimes. has such a scene been beheld
| or imagined. I can say that the chief
figure I'm it looked worthy Of the occa-
| sion-a man OF iron nerve and uncon-
| querable dignity. Certainly this is a man
/ Of men.
There is no need for me 10 draw any
! conclusions from this reception al the
! Lake City. But no one can deny that
| there was manifested I'm Chicago to-day a
| remarkable lack OF apathy regarding Mr..
| Bryan.