Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-02-23

The Virginia Democratic Association
Of the District of Columbia celebrated
Washington S birthday by a largelyyat
tended ahanquetsat the National Rifles
Armory The banquet hall was beau
tifuIly decorated for the occasion with
flags, BUNTING and flowers. Hon. Will
liam ]: Bryan was the. guest of honor,
and among those present were Senators
Daniel and Martin, of Virginia; Stew
art, Of Nevada; Representatives Bailey.
DeArnond, Cooper, of Texas; Lent,
Greene, of Wisconsin; Bartlett of
Georgia; SuIzer and Swanson. In the
centre of the stagesto the rear of the
hail was an immense floral design pre-
lsented tosMr: Bryan: by his admirers.
Patriotic speeches were made and songs
sung while the bands played a medley
Of popular airs. Mr.. Bryan was given
an enthusiastic reception and every
reference to him by the speakers was
received with strenlend ous applaus.
Robert N. Harper, the president of the
association welcomed the guests and
introduced the speakers.
Senator Daniel, of Virginia, was the
first speaker responding to the toast
George Washington, we celebrate his
birthday anniversary for his worth as
warrior, statesman and patriot"
He warmly eulogized the memory Of
Washington and said he was the sln-
crowned king of universal liberty, en-
! lightenment and progress.
Democracy S Mission was respond
ed to by Representative Bailey, of
| Texas. In the course of his speech, Mr..
Bailey referred to the organization of
the Democratic party and referred to
the faithful manner in. rwiaiehsait has
performed its nlission. Tlhe sInen whose
virtues we celebrate to night did not
teach their children to exchange prin-
ciples for success, he said. They taught
us that u in this world a principle is
worth infinitely more than a triumph
and if the principles are followed out
our triumph will follow out our fidelity
| to them. II crave success" said Mr..
Bailey, "as sincerely as any man, but
know there are things worse than
| a defeat. We welcome the cooperation
of all men who will join us in rescu-
| ing our beloved country from the peril
Gus situation into which it has been
led, but will brook no deception of any
man. We will tell them now that we
will go into the next canvass with no
apologies on the last one we made. AS
certain as the years go by and the
great national convention reassembles,
we will rig up the platform made in
1896, and in his (pointing to Mr.. Bryan)
unsullied name will give the banner as
stainless as his life (great applause) !,
and then the great commanders will
give the orders for forward, march.
and it will be a march to victory y
Hon. Elliott Danforth, sof 3 New York,
responded to the toast The State of New
York" He declared that the Democrats
of the entire State are anxious to- give
their votes to the next Democratic NOM
inee for President, and in that contest
the standard bearer of the party is with
| us Tonight
Hon. RssAs DeArmond responded to the
toast, THE Demoeratic Party; it cannot
die while the public lives. The speaker
made one of his characteristic speeches,
which was heartily received
When he had concluded the president
introduced Hon. w. J. Bryan, who re-
sponded to the toast, Americas Mis-
sion.'
Mr. Bryanss address was a. denuncia-
ton of the Republican expansion and
imperial policy
Mr.. Bryan, was accorded an enthusiastic
reception and his remarks were fire.
quentIy plnctlrated with applause.