The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1900-09-26
WAS A GREAT SPEECH
Political Situation Is SquareIy
Met and Discussed.
ROOF ENTHUSIASM
Aroused by Burton at the
Auditorium Last Night.

Auditorium, Actual Attendance 1922
In respect to the crowd, the enthusl-
asm, decorations, music and political eff
1icaicy the melting at the Auditorium
last evening goes down as memorable in
the history of Wichita.
1t was thrilling affair, brilliant in ora
tory, in the salvos Of applause that rang
and rang again against the roof, bril-
liant in hundreds of flags which went up
and swirled in red, white and blue at
every point made by Mr.. Burton.
The appearance the Mckinley and
Roosevelt club of veterans made was
magnificent, and when they marched into
the han, the crowd inside and outside
cheered them to the echo.
Those present would have liked to have
heard a joint debate, but the local Dem
ocratic committee would not allow it,
putting up the thin excuse that Davis
didn't have the time. when he had from
7:30 to 10 o'clock that is two hours and
a half Yesterday the Democratic state
committee and Mr. Davis had tele-
graphed repeatedly urging joint debate.
Mr.. Burton and the state Republican
committee kept urging it, and the local
Republican central committee wanted It,
But the local Democratic management
for some unaccountable reason, probably
because they were doubtful Of Davis
ability in a joint discussion, refused to
permit it.
Wichita missed one treat but gained
another-a splendid Republican rally, en-
Unused by a strong Republican talk, a
talk that glorified patriotism, the flag,
growth, prosperity and good govern
ment.
Mr. Burton has spoken in Wichita re-
peatedIy before. Davis had never spoken
here before. That Burton had the crowd
signified several thipgs-a Republican IT,
dal wave is on; that the citizens of
Wichita in the matter Of the joint de-
bate don't approve of lodging; that the
Republicans can give the Democrats
scores Of their number curious to see
public man, and have a bigger audience
left TO hear Republican orator familiar
to everybody in town.
The Republicans - the streets last
night were wild with enthusiasm: the
Democrats blue and cast down The old
soldiers were out in full force They
assembled at the corner Of Main ana
Douglas where six special trolley cars
were waiting. These they boarded and
proceeded through the main streets Of
the city giving cheers for Mckinley and
Roosevelt.
Before 7:SO o'clock hundreds Of people
were thronging to the Auditorium. The
~
the old soldiers. gathered in the street
by the Carey hotel. With the band play
Ing and many drums beating loudly, this
great mass of humanity escorted the
speaker for the evening from the hotel
TO the Auditorium. The old soldiers
hundreds strong, went first, followed by
Mr.. Burton.
Long before Mr.. Burton and his imme-
date party could enter the first floor was
filed and the aisles blocked In their
anxiety to see the distinguished speaker
the people were now standing on their
seats and waving flags enthusiastically.
while shout after shout made the Audi
forum ring When finally Mr. Burton
appeared, the crowd went wild. and it
was some time before the people could
be seated. When quiet finally reigned.
the entire audience arose and sung
America" Then the Orpheus Male
Quartet rendered two Of their Mckinley
patriotic songs.
Mr. Claud Stanley was chairman of the
meeting He presented Mr.. Burton as
the most brilliant speaker of Kansas.
When Mr.. Burton stepped to the edge
OF the platform the great audience
cheered voiciferously. The opening part
OF his address was in part as follows:
I came TO Wichita expecting 10 have
a joint debate with Mr.. Davis, fbut he is
not here Cries OF where is Davis?")
Either Mr.. Davis himself or the local !
committing representing the opposition, /
Tor some reason unknown to me. has
prevented the. meeting. l had expected /
TO put some questions 10 Mr. Davis. and
VIII proceed 10 do so now. that he may /
have the opportunity Of discussing them. I
If he wants TO, in other speeches he de- /
livers in this state:
First, ! would ask Mr.. Davis If he (
can point out anything that his candi- /
date or the Democratic party has ever
ssDAINTY FOOD"