The times., 1897-04-07
If he could accept it. but would be able
TO announce his determination today.
BRYAN AT THE WHITE HOUSE.


Meeting Between the Democratic
Leader and Mr.. Mckinley.
Hon William Jennings Bryan called at
the White House yesterday and paid his
| respects TO President Mckinley The meet
ing between the Democraticleader and his
| successful opponent was very cordial. In
deed, it might be said that MIR. Bryans
visit To the Executive MaDsion amounted
to an impromptu ovation. Senators and
Representatives, many OF whom had fought
him bitterly during the campaign, for the
| nonce forgot party issues and crowded
about To shake his hand.
1t was few minutes after the hour Of
10 when the Nebraska statesman was
ushered into Secretary Porter's private
office, Immediately adjoining that of the
President He was accompanied by Hon
Benton McAIillin of Tennessee and At
torney General Snythe, OF Nebraska. The
party drove to the White House in an
open carriage.
Scarcely had MIR. Bryan passed through
the portals OF the Executive Mansion before
he was hesieged by an anxious crowd, who
wanted to salute him. Even the office
seekers who were present in large numbers
eagerly awaiting a chance TO reach the
President, temporarily forgot the object OF
their visit and pushed and jostled each
other in their mad efforts To do homage
to the Democratic leader. Many, indeed.
were permitted TO gaze upon Mr.. Bryan
for the first time.
The silver champion was attired in
slit of black, the coat being cutaWay
frock and the vest exposing a generous
eY panse of shirt front on which sparkled
modest dianTnd stud. A turn-down collar
held in place plain black silk tie. The
large trimmed hat. which was such con-
spicuous part of his apparel during the
late campaign, completed his apparel.
The enthusiasm with which Alr. Bryan
was greeted would have been compliment
tary to any man. He bore ii an, however
with characteristic dignity.
Senator Hanna who happened to be in
the White House at the time of Mr.. Bryan's
visit, was one of the first to greet the
Democratic candidate. The meeting he
tween the two distinguished men would
never have Indicated that there had been
any political animosity between them
They chatted pleasantly for several
minutes. No aliusion, however, was II ade
by either to politics, and the result of
Senator ThuTston, of Nebraska, who
waged such bitter fightagainst Mr.. Bryan
ia his own State. seemed none the less
eager to salute him. Mr.. Bryan was
escorted into Mr. McKinley's office by
Secretary Porter. An introduction be
tween the two distinguished men was
not necessary
Mr. Bryan imme ediatcly extended his hand
AMI said:
How do you do, Mr.. President, am
glad to see you.''
Mr. NcKinleys salute was none the
less cordial
The conversation then turned to general
topics Mr Bryan inquired as TO the Pres
ident's health, as well as that of Mrs Nc
Ki1ley.
The Democratic candidate remained with
his Republican rival for several minutes
Mr.. Bryan appearance IN the ante-room
after leaving the Presidents office was
the signal for another demonstration. Men
and women alike cTaned their neCks and
many pressed forward to grasp the hand
of the man who waged such a memorable
campaign.
Questioned by The Times reporter as to
what he had talked about with the Presi
dent, Mr. Bryan said: We discussed every
thing but politics.
Asked about the Ohio elections. the silver
champion politely remarked that he would
not discuss politics in the White House.
Mr.. Bryan was then shown around the
White Rouse by Doorkeeper william Du
bois One of the visitors loosely re-
marked that Bryan wanted to see what
changes he would have made when he
came into power four years hence.
Mr. Bryan was shown through the East,
Blue, Green, and Red Rooms in turn. As
Mr. BRYAN stocd on the portico OF the
White House, waiting for his carriage, he
was again surrounded 10y an eager crowd
Men lifted their hats and women waved
their handkerchiefS as he drove away.
Mr. Bryan, just AS he was leaving the
White House, said with fine irony; The
result of Mon days elections in Ohio shows
that confidence has been entirely restored"
HAS the result any direct bearing On
the silver question:" he was asked.
Il would not like to say, at present"
said Mfr. Bryan. las i have not yet had
an opportunity to study all the conditions
in these elections