The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1897-01-06
BRYAN CANCELLED HIS CONTRACT
Because Of the Sensational Manner of Ad.
vertising It.

| lA$oSaooo VI th0 Sohbo1oAAAeA ~ >~~-
vertising 1t.
| The Journal can give with positive
authority the actual facts in connec-
ton with William J Bryan's lecture
tour contract. Although the first and
last lecture at De Gives opera house,
in Atlanta, brought receipts amount
ling to 81, 800, Mr.. Bryan was induced
to cancel his contract by the actions
of his managers, who insisted on max
ling a hippodrome of his appearances.
Rather than depart from the dignifed
position he maintained throughout
the campaign, he decided to return to
his home in Lincoln.
MIR. Bryan was led to believe from
the very start that his tour was to
have been of the most non-sensation-
al. He understood that he was to be
taken strictly on his merits, and that
the most formal and modest method
of billing was to be used in announc-
ing his coming. Instead of this, he
was confronted in Atlanta with huge
posters stuck indiscriminately through
out the city and picturing him in
most vulgar and distateful manner.
One bill showed him in lithograph
standing beside Jackson. Jefferson,
Lincoln and Washington. This par
ticular bill was most obnoxious to the
defeated candidate and most inimical
to his sense of judgment. he was so
disheartened at the course display
that had been made of him that he
was tempted to refuse to enter the
opera house. Kindly consideration
for the enthusiastic audience booked
for the house only deferred him from
refusal.
However, when he went upon the
stage, he had fully determined to
speak no more under the contract he
had made. He so announced himself
to his managers, Roache, and Com
stock, next day.
It had come to Mr.. Bryan's ears pre-
vious to his entry into Atlanta that
Roache and Comstock had quarrelled
| in an ugly manner over the notoriety
that each was to get out of his affilia-
ton with him. This he was willing
TO pass over, as it had not then be-
come public, but the vulgar display
of posters and the wording OF the ad-
yertisements offended him to the soul.
Here is a copy of the original tele-
gram sent to Mr.. Bryan by V. E. Nc.
Bee, who was the financial backer of
the lecture tour and with whom he
was induced to enter into the con-
tract:
Congratulate you on your magni6-
cent endeavor. Will you entertain
non-sensational business proposition
for 80 lectures for $50, 000"
Mr.. Bryan answered by telegram in
the affirmative. Mr.. McBee was
about to close contract on this basis
with Mr.. Bryan when he was told that
there were not enough bouses south
Of Washington big enough to hold
the people who would want to attend.
He then arranged with Mr.. Bryan
to pay him $4,000 cash in advance
for 10 lectures, and to plan for the fu.
ture on basis satisfactory to both.
This was agreed to after MIR. McBee
had sent Mr.. Bryan this letter:
ATLANTA, Ga, Nov. 9, 1896.
"Hon. William j. Bryan, Lincoln,
Neb.: .....
referring to the telegraphic CORE
spondencs in regard to your lecturing.
This is quite a departure from my
regular vocation, but, being both per
sonally and politically interested in
your most magnificent campaign,
am prompted to make the offer.
I'm reply to your telegram of Nov.
IL I wired you last night, giving q
number of references as to my bust
ness qualifications and social standing.
It may not be improper for me to give
la brief statement of who I am, that
you may satisfy yourself by making
further inquiries outside of the gentle
men named in my message. My office
lis at Portsmouth, Va, am general SUI
perintendent of the SeabOard Air Line
Railway. Have been prominently
connected with railroads in the South
for the past thirty years. See bio.
graphical directory OF railway officials.
lHave extensive acquaintance through
Iout south and east. First, I wish to
assure you that the element OF adml-
ration enters into the motive that
prompts the offer referred to. There
lis, of course, a speculative idea, but
only from the standpoint of legitimate,
honest and sincere endeavor belong
ing to the highest class OF work IN
presenting you before the people on
the lecture platform. This work shall
most emphatically be free from all
advertising of any personal interests
or enterprise whatever, and in this
connection I am agreeable that con.
tract shall be most explicit.
i "Offer in brief. detailed, to wit:
You select territory and subject for
so lectures. Will deliver you certi-
fled check for ten thousand dollars on
signing contract. This is to be pay
ment for the first ten lectures, other
lectures paid for on delivery, which
Ishall be guaranteed. Entire details
of tour arranged to your satisfaction,
mot more than three lectures q week
expected. Urgent that tour should
begin within fortnight. Wire me here
at Kimball house as to particulars,
and if further entertained will send
my attorney and representative to
Lincoln to close matter at once.
i V. E. McBee."
II MIR. Bryan had the close advice OF
friends before he shut off his tour af-
ter the lecture in Atlanta. and they
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