Evening star., 1897-03-01
Mr.. BRYAN KEPT BUSY
In 0enfsrenos To-day With Dsnooratis 0lub
officials.
Many Friends and Political Admfrers
Pay Their Respects to Him
and His Wife.

This has been a busy day for Mr.. and
Mrs. W. j. Bryan. The Bride residence
on Capitol Hill, where they are guests,
mas been crowded nearly all day with their
personal and political friends and ad-
mirers. Mrs. Bryan spent the morning
receiving those who called, while Mr
Bryan held a confidential conference in the
dining room behind closed doors with
Chauncey Black. Lawrence Gardner and
Representative Benton McMillin. Mrs.
Bryan's appearance was. as usual, charm
ing. Dressed simply and attractively she
greeted all who came with gracious dignity
and entered heartily and genuinely into all
the varied chat of the scores of different
callers.
Among those who called this morning
were Representative and Mrs. E. f. Mere
dith. Senator and Mrs. John L. Mitchell.
Mr.. and Mrs. Isaac r. Hill Rev. and Mrs.
Alexander Kent, Mr.. A. E. Harvey of Lin
coin. Neb.; Mr.. Roy Hassler of Alexandria.
Va; Rev. Father Hannah, Mr.. and Miss
Fletcher Dennis. Mr.. and Mrs. Robert L.
Va: Mrs Mary s. Jones, Miss Stitt. Miss
Befdelman. Mrs. NJ. l.. Welfiey, Mr.. J. w.
Rinchela, Mrs. William Lee Pratt, Miss
Nining. Mrs. NJ. L. Marshall, Miss Casey.
Mr.. and Mrs. Watson. John Miller. Colonel
j. A. Bradshaw, Mrs. George W. Blake.
A Political Conference.
AS most of those who called desired to
see Mr. Bryan well his wife. the par
lors of the Bride house gradually filled
with callers. AS the meeting with Mr..
Chauncey Black, the president of the Ma
tional Association of Democratic Clubs
and Mr.. Lawrence Gardner, the secretary
of that association, was the main business
which called Mr.. Bryan to Washington
the conference was not disturbed for two
hours. 1t is believed that the object of the
meeting between Mr.. Bryan and the. OFF,
GERS of the Association Of Democratic Clubs
is to begin vigorous campaign of organ
ization and education. in which Mr.. Bryan
Is to take part as speaker wherever occa-
sicn calls him.
While the gentle buzz Of conversation
continued in the parlor, now and then there
could be heard from the dining room the
loud, hearty laugh of Mr.. Bryan. and the
deep, receSSive chuckle CT Mr.. Gardner.
Then again was heard the steady baritone
of the recent candidate of the democratic
party evidently in serious explanation and
argument Of some party situation or issue.
All the while from upstairs was heard
the low grooming Of little Oracle Bryan, as
she played with her doll. After a time she
abandoned the doll and devoted herself to
pretty little Scotch terrier. the gift Of
Mr. John r. Mclean. Over and over she
sang to it, II will like you baby, If you go
to Sleep" and finally. In great delight. hug
ging her doll, she came down stairs to an
nGunce to her mother that She mad put the
little dog to sleep.
Why SOutherners Like Bryan.
There were large number Of southern
ers among the callers, and Mrs. Bryan
more than once expressed the pleasure she
felt in the friendship and devotion of the
southern people to her husbands political
interests. About half-past IL Mrs. Bryan
invaded the privacy of the dining room
conference and suggested to her husband
that there were number of friends wait
ting to see him. He promptly arose, eX-
cused himself and In moment was greet
ing the numerous visitors who had been
waiting anX,ous1y to see him.
To The Star reporter Mr.. Bryan said he
wanted to keep the afternoon and evening
today free to knock about and do as he
pleased He will return with Mrs. Bryan
to Nebraska next week, stopping for a
brief visit at Salem, ILL.,, on the way. To-
morrow Mr. Bryan goes to Dover to de-
liver an address Mr.. Bryan said he was
feeling perfectly well and enjoying himself
thoroughly.
At the Press Gallery.
Mr.. Bryan called at the press gallery of
the House OF Representatives this after
noon. and paid visit to some of his old
newspaper friends there. He received quite
an ovation. and remained for some time