The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-07-17
BRYAN'S MILITARY START.

Lincoln, Nab., Letter in Chicago Record.
Colonel Bryan is by no means so popular at
home as he was in 1896. When he was a simple
private citizen he was very popular, and when
he was first elected to CoEurcss a large part #
his support came from his Republican ncighbors,
but since he has become famous little things
have occurred to alienatc many Of his Cld
friends, and his behavior in connection with tie
late war with Spain cost him the friendship and
support Of a large number Of young men in this
city and throughout the state, whose families
and friends partakc uf their hospitality. The
circumstances are likely to be published and re-
published during the coming campaign, CopC-
cally in Nebraska. where they have a local
flavor, and as related to me, are as follows;
At tho University of Nebraska, which is sit.
uated here at Lincoln, there is military do
partment in charge Of an officer Of the United
States army detailed by the secretary Of war
During the last ten or twelve years five or six
thousand young men Of this state have received
the rudimcnts Of an education in military tac-
tics, which was intended to qualify them for cf-
flcent service in defense Of their county when
ever they night be needed The war with Spain
was the first opportunity Of these young gentle.
men to make Of the military education which
has been furnished them by the state, and they
raised regiment Of fourteen hundred men com.
posed almost exclusively OF graduates Of the
university. The command Of the regiment was
offered by them to Captain Dudley, of the reg
ular army, who had been their most popular in
structor, Captain Dudley came down from Fort
Smelling, MINI. where he was stationed, accept
ed the command, subject 10 the approval Of the
secretary OF war, and a banquet was given in his
honor at which Colonel Bryan, who had enlisted
as a private, was POSTMASTER and made the prin-
cipal speech.
In this speech as reported in the papers, he
said he claimed only the privilege Of marching
in the ranks, Of sharing the hardshps, the dan
gers aud the iaigues of the men, and drinking
| from the same cautocn. lie declared that the
! University Of Nebraska had educated these men
for this emergency; he predicted that they would
| do honor to the state and pledged himself To
| use his utmost influence to secure their accept
| ancc by the governor as a part Of the quota
| which Nebraska had heon rskOd by the secretary
| of war 10 furnish for the volunteer army. Short
/ ly aftcrward, when the several companies pro,
| cccded TO elect their officers il turned out that
| Colonel Bryan was a candidate for the captainCy
| of the company that wSs raised in Lincoln, snd
| other aspiTants were asked to withdraw in hi,
| favor One of them declined to do so on the
| ground that he had already secured sufficient
| pledges TO elect him, which a contest with Col
| onel Bryan proved TO be true. Then, having vim
| dicated himself, the young man declined the elec
| ton and asked the members OF his company Il
| elect Bryan in his place. Mr. Bryan, however
declined to play sacoId fiddle and withdrew
from the company
| When the company officers met TO elect field
! officers they decided unanimously to tender tn,