The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-09-19

n they have in the past"
The next speaker vas NJ. l.. Lock-
wood, president of the American anti
trust league. He was followed by Mr..
Edward Keasley, Of New Jersey, who
gave figures OF the number Of trusts
and called New Jersey their home.
At a meeting Of h committee on
resolutions, Ex-Governor Luse, of Mich
igan, was elected chairman and the fol-
lowing subcommittee appointed to re-
ceive resolutions: Edward Keasly.
New Jersey, chairman; Cecil Smith,
land; s. H. Greeley, Illinois, and Ed
ward ROsewater, Omaha.
BRYAN DECLINES THE JOINT DE-
BATE.
The exciting joint debate looked for
tonight between William J. Bryan and
Bourke Cochran on trusts did not take
place. Central Music hall was packed
with an eager audience, but the people
had to content themselves without the
Oratory of the famous Nebraskau, who,
however, occupied a seat on the plat
form.
Mr.. Bryan reached Central Music
hall early in the evening. He yer di-
| rect to a room up stairs where he was
greeted by Chairman Franklin Head,
| Congressman Gaines, Ralph NJ. EaSIey
cAAAN ctAAC ~ IN pAOoA ~
committee of the Civic Federation con-
ference on trusts.
I MIR. Bryan surprised the committee by
| declining to speak at the night session
with w. Bourke Cochran, in accordance
! with the programme previously arrang-
ed. He explained that he did not wish
to let the impression go out that he
vas to enter into a debate with Mr..
Cochran. For that reason he said he
would not speak with Mr.. Cochran at
the same session. Mr.. Cochran was sent
for and he and Mr.. Bryan discussed the
situation. The committee withdrew &C
allow the two orators to settle the dis
pute amOng themselves. Mr.. Cochran
wanted ito talk at the same session with
the noted Nebraskan and offered to
flip a coin to determine who should
have the privilege of delivering the
closing address.
/ Mr.. Bryan would not accept this
| proposition. Mr.. Cochran then agreed
/ to appear at any time the committee de-
, sired. The programme was ther
/ changed to meet Mr.. Bryan's wishes
Mr.. Bryan said he was anxious to a d
dress the conference and repeated that
his only reason for changing the pro
gramme was ito avoid any indication OF
a public debate with Mr.. Cochran. Mr.
I Bryan will speak at tomorroW's session
Though disappointed in failing to. SEE
such a spectacle as Bryan n Cochran
pitted against each other, the audience
nevertheless enjoyed a rare treat, as Mr.
Cochran vas at his best, and his speech
was punctuated with frequent n pro
longed applause.
When Mr.. Bryan made his appear
tance at the entrance it was h sigma
for tumultuOus cheering which lastet
until the Nebraskan had taken his sea-
on the speakers stand Mr.. FOulke, o
Indiana, who was in the middle of a.
address when the Outburst occurred pu
the audience in good humor by remark
ink: II guess you came here tOnlgh
to hear somebody else speak"
Mr. Foulke was followed by Hon
Edward Rosewater, of Omaha, who's
address received notably close atten
tion from his hearers.
The chair then introduced HOr
Bourke Cochran, of e York.
At the close of his speech the Ne7
Yorker won the hearts of his listener
by paying Mr.. Bryan a we'll chose
compliment, which the democratic lead
err b%lushingly acknowledged.