The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-01-08
nKiAN BlfoEH ms LtLGUE.
The Mention of His Name Greeted with
Ilsitering Enthusiasm.


CHICAGO. Jan. William j. Bryan
was the guest of the Bryan League ar
10 big banquet given tonight az the Tic-
mont House. i'm celebration of the anni-
versary OF Andrew Jackson's birth. -Four
hundred Democrats. who believed i'm the
Chicago platform assembled in the large
dining hall. With few exceptions. they
were residents Of Chicago. Their en-
thusilsm when tho name of Mr.. Bryan
was mentioned was unbounded, and u
rattcriug display of admiration followed
his rising 10 speak to The toast. Andrew
jackson To a man, each banquettr
arose and waved anything available, ace
"cOmpanyiug the demonstration with No-
c~ifcrous cheers of Bryan The late
candidate Of his party was fully az ms
ease. and, although tired from his long
travel and days work of receiving friends,
Dee met all expectations when he spoke.
The decorations of the hall consisted
OF "a liberal draping OF American flags,
with crayon pictures of Mr.. Bryan, as
well as jefferson. but none OF Jackson.
For nearly twO hours before the pro-
Cession to the banquet han was formed,
Mr.. Bryan held a reception i'm the par
lors of the hotel. lie had previously
spent several hours with his publishers
and remained seated in an easy chair,
while a line of admiring Democrats Med
past him and shook his hand.
The spoech-making began after mid
night purposely. Carter II. Harrison,
president of the Bryan League. acted as
tOastmaster. He introduced Mr.. Brayn.
His speech. which dealt largely with
the issues Of the past campaign, opened
with the following remarks.
I'm view OF the fact that the club under
whose auspices We meet has done me
the honor to take my name,-l feel that It
is only just TO the club and TO myself
10 repeat here what I nave said elsewhere.
namely: That my judgment disapproyes
of the use Of my name in connection
with Democratic or silver clubs. Ny OBJ
lection IS a two-fo,d one In the first
place. I believe that = cause is SO much
greater than and individual that it should
not Dee burdened by any mistakes which
he may make. While a man lives he L.
liable to err. and his errors are apt 20
iniure any cause with which he is closely
identified. During a campaign "a cause
must bee identified. for the time being
with candidates for pubic office, but
when the campaign is over and the cam
didate no longer stands in a'eprcsenta-
tive capacity. ] believe # is wise 20 dis
associate him from the cause as far as
possible I'm order that public attention
may be centered upon principles and
practices rather than upon men.
1.-THE other objection IS a personal one.
] do not want TO stand for four years i'm
the attitude Of a candidate for the presi-
dency. / do not want Jealous friends 10
be continually alarmed lest / should 10
something 10 ALLEVIATE some of those who
have given me their confidence ana sup
port. In the past | have spoken out
upon public questions which IN my
judgment needed 10 be discussed and I de-
sire 10 occupy the same position in the
future. When the next campaign opens
10 Will be time enough 10 select a candi-
date and we can then select a candidate
suited 10 the conditions then existing
and tit for the work then 10 be done.
Fully approaching the high compliment
paid me and deeply grateful therefor. !
stlll repeat my suggestion that my name
lie no longer connected with the names OF
clubs"
Hon. John W. T%omlinson. OF Alabama.
spoke with typical southern eloquonce
and favor to the toast Memories of He
rOic Conduct
Ex-Postmastor r. NJ. Ridgolv Of Spring
field. ILL.,. who was dismissed from his
office by President Cleveland for O%fiiciou@
pa%rtisanship IN advocating free silver
coinage. spoke pointedly about civil-ser-
vice reform.
George ". Ambrose. Of Omaha. spoke
OF the Past and Future of the Allied
silver Forces.
The concluding address was delivered
bv Governor John =. Altgeld. of Illinois.
on "rhe Character and Mission of 70
Minority Party
Mr.. Bryan left for Omaha at 2.i5 a. ~.
on the Northwestern Fast Mail.