The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-02-16
BRYAN IN MASS-ACHUS ETTS.
Republican.

BRYAN IN MASSACHUSETTS,.
Springfield Republican.
-Four years ago, when William j. Bry-
an was here as Presidential candi-
date, III the fall Of 1896, an enormous
crowd heard him in Court Square. But
it was Thought that yesterday he would
have comparatively Il small audience.
There was some reason for believing So
The excitement of the political campaign
is not yet on us, and he was not present
this time as the acknowledged represen,
tative OF Il party. Moreover. the meet
ing came at an awkward time I'M the
afternoon, and with a certain Indefinite
ness as to keep away many people. As
a matter of fact, however, there was a
great gathering in City Hall to hear him,
and it heard him to the end! For an
hour and 20 minutes the eyes OF the
crowd We're fixed closely ON the figure
on the platform-a middlesized. rather
teshy man, in an absurdly Western,
black cutaway suit, baggy trousers, coat
vest, with white studs in the eXpansc
OF shirt front, q very low COLLAR, and
the black string tie of the Western coun-
try lawyer. No man could owe less to
the articles of the tailor, and his oratO-
ry and his manner are as simple as his
clothes. He is a cunning and ;lccom-
Dlished orator, TO be sure, hut ms
strength is in his simplicity and his sim
cerity; his smiles, his language and his
thoughts are simple and direct, and ON
this foundation he builds a speech that
is nAasterful and impressive. HIS au-
dience yesterday, Notwithstanding his
appeal ITO Republicans who might be
lurking in the hall. was largely composed
of synlpathizing Democrats. But even
from this standpoint his success in en-
gaging its attention and enthusiasm
To the end was remarkable. Few speech
es ever given in City Hall have held
an audience for 50 long a time, with
practically no teserteuS, or secured SUCH
u unanimous verdict Of approval from the
crowd leaving the building at the close
Of the meeting.
Account for it as YOU Will .dGpreclat@
this man as YOU please, he appeals to
the masses and they hear him gladly. No
one can watch his progress through New
England without recognizing that Col.
Bryan is very much in the Thought of the
voters. 1t was interesting to note yes
terday that many Democrats who have
DtAtn Ttppltu UI the lOctGlilc Vi ~ W L
are coming around. and i'm fact did what
they had vowed never to do-elve and
and co,mtenance to Bryan. They are
impelled TO This by causes outside OF Col.
Bryan, the new departures and dangers
which the embracing of imperialism in
Washington have preciptated. The de-
Tense of liberty as vital TO the UNITED
States, was the portion of Mr.. Bryan's
speech that evoked the warrnest applause.
What has come to be known under THE
word Hannaism is also playing its part.
Il begin TO think" writes New loT'k
editor unfrienIly 10 Bryan, that Han
ma is going to elect this Nebr2skan
President of the United States" In
any event the man who spoke TO Spring
field yesterday is Displaying qualities
such as the country has not seen for
years in Il minority personality. in that
he is in close, magnetic ttouch with the
common run of people. MIR. bryan mas
assured President Mckinley that great
crowds do not always mean Endorsement
of the NAN the people turn out TO see.
But it will at least be admitted that Ii
is remarkable fer q MAN not III ofhc2
TO command popular attention IN the WAY
Yesterdays, orator is doing. To parallel
it we must so back long years to INA
the man.