The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1906-09-20
WITH THE VOTERS
Is Question of Government
Ownership, Says Bryan.
LOUISVILLE'S WELCOME
Advent Into South of Great Commoner
is Made the Occasion of Enthusi-
astic Outburst in Kentucky
Metropolis.

Entering the southland for the first
time in two years, Mr.. Bryan Wednes-
day received welcome in Louisville
which in warmth has not been sur
passed by any Of the greetings given
him since his return from his tour
of the world. His arrival in the city
provoked q great outburst of acclan.a-
tions from thousands of marchers and
yet more thousands on the streets.
His reception at the armory at night,
where he addressed a crowd Of 10000
reople, was nothing less than a vol
canic eruption of enthusiasm.
The mass meeting at the armory
constituted Kentucky's greeting on
behalf of the south. Mr.. Bryan was
welcomed by his whilom opponent,
Henry Watterson, who presided over
the meeting. The other speakers pre-
ceding Mr.. Bryan were Senator Car
mack of Tennessee, representing the
south, and Senator W.. J. Stone OF
Missouri, who introduced the guest
Of honor.
When Bryan entered the hall lean
ing on the arm of Mr. Watterson,
there was demonstration which last
ed ten minutes, thousands of flags
teing waved in union with the surges
of cheers that swept over the throng.
AS soon as the noise had subsided,
Mr.. Natterson began his address OF
welcome
Mr.. Watterson said in part:
81 recognize as our chieftain in this
approaching conflict the Hon. William
Jennings Bryan of Nebraska.
1--WE purpose to reform, not to rev.
olutionize the government. We pur-
nose to re-establish democratic insti-
tutions in the nations capital, return
i,.e to the voters What belongs to the
voters. We purpose to Grive from the
floor IF the senate those who sit there
not as servants of the people, but as
corporation counsel. We purpose to
drive from the floor of the house the
speaker and his rules committee who
have made an autocracy of that which
vas created a legislative body. In
word, we purpose to readjust the lost
balance between the people and their
lawmakers.
"Our jury is the nation; our proof
the record of the republican party;
our witness Theodore Roosevelt: our
attorney Mr.. Bryan Of Nebraska"
Mr.. Watterscn's speech touched off
the pent-up enthusiasm almost at the
start. and when at the close he point
ed to Mr.. Bryan and said: Here he
Is; God bless him and give him wis
dom," the audience yelled for five min
utes. Mr.. Watterson finally command
ed silence long enough to Introduce
Senator Carmack Of Tennessee.
Senator Carmack was followed by
Senator Stone Of .Iissouri, who, in
a few words, introduced Mr.. Bryan.
The demonstration which greeted Mr..
Bryan on his entrance to the hall was
renewed as the Nebraskan arose to
speak
In his speech which followed, he
made a more explicit statement as
to his position in the matter Of gov
crnment ownership Of railroads. In
dead silence he read lengthy state
ment celebrating his position, but de-
clared that ''the making of platforms
rests with the voters of the whole par
ty. and never have and never will
attempt to force my opinions or those
of any few men on the people,
While thus indicating that the doc
urine of government ownership is In
: the hands of the voters, Mr.. Bryan's
speech indicated plainly that nothing
has yet occurred to shake his BELIEF
in the ultimate efficacy and necessity
of it. He declared that he would gladly
make any sacrifice in exchange foT
the assurance that regulation instead
.of government ownership would an
swer the need Of the PEOPLE. He ex-
pressed grave doubts as to whether
regulation would eves suffice.
He also took pains to present ar
ruments to convince his hearers that
government ownership of trunk lines
and state ownership OF state lines,
~~not only preserve the rights of the
state, but will permit the people OF
each to adopt government ownership
when they are ready for it, A trs-
roendous veil arose when at the finish
of the statement Mr.. Bryan, with all
the emphasis he could muster re-
called to his hearers that
whenever l saw danger threaten
ing the people 1 have spoken out
without asking anybody's permission
o,orvinp what the effect might b.