The age-herald., 1902-05-04
Two Hundred in Dining Room When ME T0mIinSon
 Wrapped for Order
EVERY PRINCIPLE MUST
 HAVE UNDERLYING MORAL
The Keynote of Mr. 5ryan's Speech. Distinguished Leader Will Spend Today in Birmingham as
 Mr. Tomlnson's Guest.

William Jennings Bryan has often hon ored Birmingham with his presence, but his visits have usually been during ex- citing campaigns when the city was in a political uproar. Yesterday was Bryan day again. but the coming of the popular Democratic leader this time was under social conditions rather than political. He came on the personal invitation of the Hon. John w. Tomlinson, to be a guest at the home of his friend until tonight
 But. the representative Democrats of Birmingham had no idea of allowing Mir. Tonlinson to have MT. Bryan all to him. self and as soon as they learned that the former standard bearer was to be here they promptly arranged to give him a banquet. Committees were appointed and invitations were sent to prominent party men throughout the state: and when the hour for the banquet arrived there was a gathering of the clans that suggested an old time political occasion.
 Banquet at HilIman.
 The banquet was heldslast night at the Hillman. The tables were set in the large dining hall on the second floor and cov- CTS were laid for exactly two hundred. By S:30 o'clock party or at least 150, including man ladies, had assembled in the palm room, which overlooks the lobby. MT. Tomlinson,s who acted as mas- ter of ceremonies. escorted Mir Bryan from room No. to the place of recep-
 ton, and for nearly three-quarters of an
 hour the guest of the evening shook 1 hands and oonversed with those who had come to do him honor. The statesman never looked more the statesman. and be never appeared happier. He wore the reg ulation dress suit, and white rose was pinned the lapel of his coat. MT. Bryan has not aged but his head is get ting bald. Before o'clock the company almost numbered two hundred. and then there was quite a crush. It was truly a Democratic gathering. Few of the men present wore spike tails and nearly every walk of life was represented. While lawyers and other professional men were
 
 large numbers. and artisans were also numerous. The occasion was enlivened by music from Memolis orchestra.
 In the Dining Room.
 At twenty minutes past MT. TomIin- son and Mir R. r. Wetmore led the way to the dining room. Immediately behind them came MT. John Pugh, the toast master, escorting Mr Bryan and Cover | inc of fdz I9oxr Dv | McFerrin, Mir. Rufus N. Rhodes. MT. | Tennent Lonlax and former Governor Jo- seph F. Johnston followed.
 Then the company entered promiscu- ously The utmost decorum prevailed and in less than three minutes 197 banquet ters were standing at the tables. | MT. Tomlinson rapped for order, and in a few well-chosen words announced the | purpose of the banquet. He then called upon Dr. McFerrin to lead in prayer. A more fitting invocation was perhaps never heard ir Birmingham. At the amen the party was seated. Just after the first course MT. Tcmlinson introduced MT. l Pugh as the toastmaster. who made a | brief but felicitous speech. After an elo- quent reference to MT. Bryan MT. Pugh said.
 We have fought with him; we have listened to his instructions. we have fol- | lowed his advice, and though 1t is trait | that the truths which MT. Bryan spoke in two campaigns will never die 0oud | applause) I introduce Mir Rufus N. Rhodes, who will respond to the toast, welcome to Our Distinguished Guest MT. Rhodes.
 MT. Rhodes said:
 ''The hedges. which mark the dividing lines in the political garden of the United States in the heat of campaigns. seem hfaf h nFaflfIO IO between times they blossom with flowers. whose beauty and fragrance it is both | pleasant and profitable to enjoy. The l perpetuity of free institutions is largely dependent upon the intellectual vigilance. | which Is developed by sharp antagonisms l as to governmental principles and poli | cies The man is not wise in his day and 1 generation who thinks his brother that l disagrees with him in politics or religion 1 is of necessity, either a fool or lxnave | There have been, and will always be-. | differences of opinion public issues; | there never have been and never will be differences on the proposition that in l telligence. ability and eloquence that | courage, morality and patriotism, rightly | and justly command respect and admira- 1 ton. The distinguished guest of the 1 evening is the ebodiment of those great | qualities and gifts and virtues, and speak ing not only for the splendid cohorts which have ever been his enthusiastic | political partisans. but for all others of every party, condition and creed, I bid | most cordial welcome to Birmingham tH | the intrepid leader and the masterful ora tor William Jennings Bryan. (Great ap- l plausA).
 | Other speeches in response to toasts | came in the following order: Gov: W. L. | Jennings of Florida. Our Neighbors; | Mr. Tennent Lomax. ''rhe Philippsnes''; | Mir J. Thomas Hefiin The Politician'' l MT. F. A. Hood of Chattanooga, "A Good l Democrat" There were a number of other toasts on Mir. Pugh's list. but when MT. Hood took his seat the hands of the clock pointed to 11:so. MT. L. w. Johns | of West End rose and said: MT. Toast master, it is getting late. Many of us have | to leave at l2 o'clock in order to catch