The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-09-22
Lizzie Stories found
During the Bryan Visit

had done the Stunt with malice afore-
thought" smiled broadly. Mr.. Bryan, who
had heard the music and words, turning
In the direction of general gaze, removed
his hat and smiled broadly. This was the
cue for another uproar, and for a few
minutes, pandemonium reigned unsup-
pressed.
All during the parade there were cheers
for 'Iigdon," mingled with those sent
up for the distinguished guest in whose
honor the general holiday was ordered.
Colonel Higdon, who was recently de-
clared the nominee for sheriff of Jefferson
county, rode In carriage shortly to the
rear Of that occupied by Mr.. Bryan, and
he ACKNOWLEDGED the compliment by often
removing his hat.
| Mack Rittenberry, blind but patriotic
member of the reception committee, was
mingling with the crowd at the station,
and his welcome to the great COM
moner" was none the less heartfelt be-
cause he was unable to see
Mr.. Rittenberry, with his hand touch
ing the arm of his brother, DIR. Baxter
Rittenberry, moved whenever and wher-
ever the crowd moved, and he was near
the train when Mr.. Bryan dismounted.
While nothing of this was seen by the
faithful ex-city warden, the varying ex-
preston of his face revealed the fact that
he was mentally aware of every move
that was made, that experience had taught
him to know by some transmission of
| thought and to take notice of every
passing detail.
! Mr.. Rittenberry was greeted cordially
| by hundreds of warm friends, and no
presence was more appreciated no COM
pliment of the many received pleased the
! leader of the people, more than did
| that of this well known and strong citizen
of Birmingham.
| Many distinguished Alabamlans were in
Birmingham yesterday TO do honor to the
| probable bearer of the standard of democ-
racy when next 1t is hoisted. Five con-
gresham, more than a score of state SEN
ators, and possibly hundred represent
tatives were on hand. The congressman
were Messrs. Clayton Hefin, Richardson,
Bowie and Underwood. Among the state
senator's present were Messrs. Max Ham
berger of Mobile, Frank S. Moody of Tus-
caloosa, Wlmberly of Pickens and Sum-
ter, William M. Hayes Of Limestone and
Lauderdale, Nathan L. Miller of Jefferson,
and numerous others. Three of the four
candidates for speaker of the house of
representatives were present. They were
Messrs. Tyler Goodwin Thomas Bulger
and w. L. Matin, the first and last being
from Montgomery, and the second from
IdlldpDOSds JuuSt HoHldS hC<lldll,
nominee for the supreme court bench,
was another prominent public citizen pres
emit Stephen J. Touart Of Mobile who
led the fight against the senatorial am
bitions of Hon. Max Hamburger, was
among the prominent visitors from South
Alabama, as was Bibb Graves, formerly
city attorney of Montgomery. President
| Abercrombe of the University of Ala
bama, Colonel Myrfee of the Marion Mill
tary institute Harry c. Gunnels. nominee
for superintendent of education, and Will
liam f. Feagin of that office were among
the eminent educators on hand.
The day was given over to those distin-
guished. Alabamians who had gathered to
do honor to MIR. Bryan, and in the sky
of their own and peculiar day there was
not single cloud.
After Mr.. Bryan, himself, 1t is probable
that the man who received more popular
| Bouquets than any other was Congress
man j. Thomas Hefiin, representing the
Fifth district of Alabama in the Congress
of the United States.
1t was Congressman Helm who intro
duced Mr.. Bryan, and it was he who re-
ceived the laudits of the multitude gather
ed before him. The only personal compli-
ment publicly paid by Mr.. Bryan, with the
exception of the tribute made to the
friendship existing between him and John
W. Tomlinson of Birmingham, was given
to Mr.. Hehin.
The address of the congressman was a
beautiful effort He is a talented orator,
and as Colonel Tominson said in present
ing him, "a man who has convictions and
who dares fight for them"
1t was typical democratic crowd, led
Ia. mas "A
fundamental principles Of democracy.
Not a silk hat was worn. Everybody
was dressed In most ordinary attire, and
nothing pretentious was seen.
The great commoner" himself wore
plain black suit, with sack coat, and
SLOUGH hat, of the soft felt variety. His
shoes were of gun-metal leather. The COM
mon fallacy, however, that Mr.. Bryan
does not press his trousers, was dis
proved, as neat and distinct crease was
visible. His tie was small bow, made
Of light silk with decoration, and on
the lapel of his coat was small and
white blossom. This completed the dress
of the distinguished citizen. There was
an absence of the Prince Albert coat and
the silk hat. He did not wear white
vest nor a hasky and conspicuous neck
tie, nor was there visible diamond, or
other stone, even of the smallest value.
His dress was of the simplest nature. He
appeared a thorough democrat
Bryan's swarthy complexion, and the
fact that he sits quiet and mmobile, with
no outward sign betraying his inward
thought, suggested a noble Indian chief
Someone In the parade compared Mr.
Bryan TO an Indian chieftain
In the ease and graceful manner Of the
distinguished guest, there Is really Moth
ing that betrays him. During the eulogy
of Congressman Helm, Mr.. Bryan did
not smile, nor frown. nor by other means
give notice Of any impression made. Yet
when he arose to speak, he announced
calmly and unostentatiously that the
compliments melted out so generously and
lavishly had somewhat embarrassed him.
He is a type of the natural orator 1t
does not take a strenuous effort on hlss
part to impress his hearers. There Is a
total absence Of the fierce gesticulatiops