The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-02-19
BRYAN IN TOPEKA
The Champion of Free Silver
Welcomed by Thousands.
Arrives Shortly After l O'Clock
and is Driven
To the National Hotel Where a
Big Crowd Cheers.
MAKES A SHORT TALK
To the People Gathered About
the Hotel.
He Kisses His Namesake VIM.
Jennings Bryan Young.
The Infant Makes a Face, But
Both Stood 1t.
BRYAN'S LITTLE JOKE.
When Told to Put ON His Hat
By the Crowd.
He Says People Don't Care If
They Do Catch Cold
And Die While Living Under a
Single Gold Standard.
BRYAN'S LITTLE JOKE,
When Told to Put ON His Hat
BY the Crowd.
He Says People Don't Care If
They Do Catch Cold
And Die While Living Under a
Single Gold Standard.

A crowd of 5000 people pushed each
platform this afternoon for glimpse
of w. ]. Bryan. There was never a
more exciting time in Topeka over the
arrival of an individual.
1t was supposed Mr.. Bryan would
come on the Union Pacific, and a large
crowd was at the North Side depot long
| before 1870, but the arrangements were
changed at the last moment, and the
party arrived in a special Rock Island
car at 1920 p. m, the train having been
held in Kansas City for the arrival of
| the Bryan party from Lincoln.
A few members of the Free Silver
FIambeau club, in full uniform, were at
the depot when the train came in, and
they struggled with the police to keep
the crowd back.
Mr.. Bryan appeared at the rear door
of the car with Mayor c. A. Fellows,
| and a great shout went up from the
throng.
a few shouted speech, but Mr.. Bryan
bowed and shook his head.
Mr. Bryan came to Topeka directly
from Lincoln, Neb.,- He was met at
Kansas City by a reception committee
holder and Stocks, Representatives
Rothwei1er, Harvey and McKeeVer.
Speaker Street Of the Kansas legislature
and Mayor c. A. Fellows.
Mr. Bryan is accompanied by Mrs.
Bryan and their daughter, Grace.
They came to the door of the special
car soon as it stopped a the Rock
Island depot.
Two policemen and the members of
the Flambeau club tried to clear the
way to take Mr.. and Mrs. Bryan to the
carriage which was waiting for them.
but the crowd Surged forward until it
looked as if the party might go down
in the crush, but Mr.. Bryan held his
own manfully, and shook hands with all
who got near enough while a pleased
smile played on his features. He has
been in crowds before. 1t was intended
that Mr. and Mrs. Bryan should ride
to the hotel in McCurdy's open rocka-
way, but the crowd frustrated the plan
and the party was compelled to take
refuge in the first carriage to be found.
David Overmyer rode with Mr. and
Mrs Bryan and carried Grace Bryan
0he 6 year old daughter) in his lap.
At the National a crowd of about 1000
people had gathered. They came as ear
" as IL O'Clock and waited patiently I'M
til the carriage came in sight, when
their enthusiasm found vent in cheers.
Mr. and Mrs. Bryan and their little
daughter were escorted to their suite of
rooms on the second floor and several
stalwart men succeeded in keeping the
people from entering the hotel. But the
crowd was not satisfied with q slight
glimpse of the man they had heard so
much about and kept their places shout
ing Bryan! bryant
A friend of Mr.. Bryan asked him if he
would not at least show himself on the
balcony and he said certainly" AS he
went out on the balcony he removed
his hat and walked to the iron railing
Nothing could be heard but the shouts
of the people. He waved his hand for
silence and some one shouted: Put on
your hiatt"
Il suppose it is just as we'll to put on
my hat" said Mr.. Bryan, but in these
gold standard times people have come
not to care much whether they live
not and consequently do not take as
should loud laughter)
L would like very much to talk to
you, that is if you care to hear me. eve
want to hear yOu) shouted many voices.
Well the committee has decided that
I may talk to you from this balcony for
short time at o'clock, 50 those who
desire to hear me may come at that
hour I am glad to see YOU
Mr. Bryan then returned to the house
where people crowded around him TO
shake hands. EX-GOv. Lewelling was
I have had the pleasure of meeting
you before" said Senator Lewelling.
Yes, I believe 1 met you when 1 was
here in 1895" replied Mr.. Bryan.
Just then a man named Young came
forward. He shook hands and told Mr..
Bryan that he used to live in Lincoln.
Mr.. Young then retired and appeared
with small child in his arms.
Look at this, Mr.. Bryan. We named
this boy on the day you were nomi-
mated and his name is William Jen-
He is nice little fellow said MIR.
Bryan, even if he is my namesake"
Il think you ought to kiss your
namesake," said some one.
Mr.. Bryan hesitated for a moment.
but only a moment and then he bent
| forward and kissed the child. The
baby made a face and tried to get
away, but it was kissed fairly in the
mouth in spite of its protests.
In q short time Senator Harris ap-
peared at the door of the room in which
Mr.. Bryan had disappeared, and vas
admitted.
He was trying to arrange for din
ner hour. While Senator Harris was in