The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1900-07-26

Bryan" g. -
With these words Webster Davis
Joined the Democratic party.
His declaration was made in the
Kansas City convention hall in the
presence of 10000 people.
He was given an ovation second
only to that which greeted the pre-
sentation of the name of William Jen-
nings Bryan for president.
The delegates became fairly de1ir-
ious with JOY when in tones of tri.
umph, as though he had fought bat
tie within himself and won. he ex-
claimed:
II stand upon this platform and
support with you William Jennings
Bryan"
Missouri started the demonstration
Her guidon was raised high and be-
meath it such stalwarts as William j,
Stone, Dave Ball, John A. Knott.
Thomas T. Crittenden, Jr., Ed. Butler
and John A. Carroll gathered. They
gave an oldtime Missouri yell. and
then the demonstration began. Ban
ners were hurled from side to side.
flags by the thousand fluttered, 10000
people cheered and cheered and
cheered. The band also joined in. 1t
played America" and the people who
had tired of cheering joined in singing
the grand old patriotic hymn. Mis-
souri's guidon was rushed from one
end of the arena to the other. 1t was
followed by the guidon of every other
delegation. Prince David of Hawaii
became as excited as his American
brethren. He shouted, he cheered, and
no doubt cried, SO great was his en-
thusiasm.
The demonstration continued for five
minutes.
1t was revived moment later when,
with a great burst Of feeling, he ex-
claimed:
The masses Of the American people
stand for the blessed idea of liberty.
justice and equality of rights"
This time the delegates rose to their
feet in mass. There was not lag
gard to be seen. All frantically waved
flags and shouted until their voices re-
belled.
This time the band played Dixie"
The spectators apparently became as
frenzied as the delegates. Among the
latter Richard Croker was conspicuous.
First he Waved his flag. Then he
clapped his hands together, and finally
he shouted and cheered Justify.
Throughout the demonstrations Mis-
souri's gifted son stood like statue
although his eyes flashed and the
muscles of his face twitched convul-
sively. Once he raised his hands in
an attitude of duplication, bowling his
head in unison with the gesture.
Then came the magnificent perora-
ton. Again the convention went wild.
The Missouri delegation rushed to the
platform and at it's steps waited for
him. The great men of the Democrat
ic party on the rostrum were welcome
ing him into the fold. He was finally
pulled away from them and to the
arena he was hurried. Hon. William
j. Stone, Missouri's greatest Demo-
crat, seized him in his arms. "Well
done, my boy, well done!" he ex-
claimed, his voice filed with emotion.
God bless you!"
Tears coursed from Mr.. Davis eyes
and down his cheeks.
Another delegate pinned a Missouri
delegates badge upon his coat.
Again great cheer went up. The
Missourians danced about like Conan
ches on the war path. The band struck
up "The Star-Spangled Banner" and
10000 people Joined in singing the
apostrophe to liberty.
Then the Missouri delegation, with
Mr.. Davis in the van, headed a process
sion. Up and down the arena they
marched to the music alternately of
THE Stars and Stripes Forever" and
Dixie"
At last nature demanded rest, and
as the last exultant cheer died away
Webster Davis sank into a chair in
the space reserved for the Missouri del
egation.
"A Democrat at last" he said. Chat
platform is good enough and strong
enough for any true American to
stand upon"