The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1897-09-11

there, with many other thousands OF
their wives and children, and those
who did not care to march, they spent
the rest of the day and evening in vari-
GUS sports and in listening to speeches.
William Jennings Bryan was their
piece de resistance, and the celebrated
Nebraskan could certainly find no
fault at the manner of his reception,
which amounted almost to an ovation.
1t was q Bryan gathering. The
multitude was not confined to the
sturdy ions and daughters of toll. The
announcement that the brilliant silver
orator was to deliver an address served
to attract persons from every walk of
life-bankers, business men, laborers,
with their mothers, wives, daughters
and sisters-all who could take advan-
tage of the new American holiday,
were there in splendid numbers.
Political affiliations, for the nonce,
were set aside, and all united to make
the occasion memorable in the annals
of St. Louis trades unions, and one
long to be remembered in the eventful
career of the distinguished Nebraskan.
The only drawback to the success of
the celebration was the weather. 1t
was uncomfortably hot.
1t was four o'clock when Mr.. Bryan
mounted the stand and began his adj
dress. He spoke one hour. His first
gesture was the signal for a ire
mendous burst of applause. He spoke
with the accustomed d~eliberateness,
e~nunciating pungent paragraphs with
telling effect. His articulation was
perfect, and very few among his thou
sands OF listeners missed a syllable. His
talk was prolific of epigrammatic say
ings, apropos of the occasion. The
applause with which he was
greeted at every period testified to
the crowds appreciation. Frequently
he was interrupted with shouts from
enthusiastic admirers, such as That's
right, Billy, give it to him hard" Good
for you, old boy; hit him again.
You're all right; w always thought
you were"
As he finished his exordium Mayor
Ziegenhein approached the platform.
The speaker stopped, and Uncle
Henry" for q moment, monopolized
the attention of the assemblage.
When interrupted for any cause and
addressed by one of the crowd, Mr..
Bryan would pleasantly reply. His
democracy was at all times in evidence,
and the fact seemed to be fully under
stood and appreciated. When he con-
cluded his address he was given three
rousiup cheers and a tiger.
Mayor Ziegenhein followed him. His
honor welcomed the laboring men in 3
few fitting remarks.
Ex-Gov. Stone delivered a brief and
dignified address, and was heartily ap-
plauded. Congressman Bartholdt was
the last speaker. He won the plaudits
of the crowd by saying that he had
voted for the bills to create an arbitra-
ton commission and a labor commits
sion. Furthermore, he pledged him
self hat when the senate measure re-
stricting the powers of courts in the
matter of injunctions came up in the
house he would cast his ballot for it
This statement vas vociforously ap-
plauded.
1t was $50 when the speaking was
finished. The committee arose to es-
cort Mr.. Bryan to his carriage. The
crowd assembled the frail platform and
flocked abont him for a hapdshake,
and it was with difficulty that way
could be made for the distinguished
guest to reach his carriage.
At $50 MI. Bryan received another
cordial reception at the jefferson club.
Then again there were more admirers
to be greeted at the hotel. 1t was late
when the apostle of free silver vas at
length able to turn off the lights in
his chamber and WOO the drowsy god
of peace.
Taken all in all the days celebration
was q grand success and, thanks to the
untiring efforts of the leaders, no dis
turbances marred the festivities.