Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-15
BIG CROWD TO HEAR HIM
Twenty Train Loads Of People Crowd
the Town of Radford.
WILL SPEAK AT FAIR GROUNDS
Gov. Swanson Said to Have Delivered
the Address of Welcome Under
Stress of Protest.

Special From STAFF Correspondent.
RADFORD, Va. September 15.-The en-
trance of Mr.. William Jennings Bryan into
the southland for the first time since he
tour abroad was today made specially
conspicuous by a gathering of the people of
southwest Virginia that has probably never
been larger in this section of the state. This
little town of 5000 souls was overrun by
the visitors coming on twenty long and
heavily loaded trains from every direction
of the country. People drove into the town
in wagons and carriages from radius of
twenty-five miles. The occasionn was the
last day of the Radford fair, but the attrac-
tons of that gathering were overshadowed
by the coming of the democratic leader. 1t
was just an .old-time political gathering,
such reception as was given Mr.. Bryan
in the south during his two campaigns.
His coming here was in response to
request by former Governor Tyler, to whose
home he was taken when he arrived last
evening, accompanied by Mrs. Bryan ana
his daughter, whom he will place in Hol-
Inns Institute, near Roanoke. Mr.. Bryan
will speak at the fair grounds this after
noon For that occasion he has not pre-
pared any speech, and it Is expected MS
remarks will be along the general lines OF
his former addresses since his return home.
Everywhere today he was received with the
greatest enthusiasm
Among the prominent virginians here to
meet him are Governor Swanson and Lieu
tenant Governor Ellyson.
In Slemp's District.
While Mr. Bryan has invaded the south
land, he is in the heart of the republican
section of the state. the district repre-
scented in Congress of Col. Slemp, the only
republican member Of the House from Vir-
sina, lying across the river which skirts
the town. In many respects the enthusiast
tic reception being given Mr.. Bryan here
Is similar to the sentiment entertained to-
ward him in his former campaigns for the
presidency Then there was the same out
ward exhibition of approving applause
coming from the people at large, with NUT
terings of satisfaction from a large body
of business men who could not approve his
views on free silver. Today the harmony
of outward applause is Slightly disturbed
by the comments heard in private CONVEX
sation, both among leading politicians and
among business men. on the subject Of
Bryan's view on the government owner
ship of railways. Very many men do not
approve government ownership, and many
of the politicians while adding their ap-
plause to that of the multitude for the
peerless one, regret that he has raised this
ISSUE which they declare can do little good
to the party, Wnlle tHey REGARD IL DIS VI
the same nature of the free silver in its
power for harm. But Mr.. Bryan in his
conversation with his. friends shows no dis
position to evade discussion of the ISSUE
of government ownership. now that its
prominence has been emphasized. i.
Going to Roanoke.
IT is likely that in view of the comment
that has been made upon his remarks he
will have a good deal more to say on that
subject in the near future. Mr.. Bryan will
leave for Roanoke after delivering his ad-
dress this evening and will speak there. On
Monday he will speak at Greensboro. N. c.,
and later at other places in North Carolina.
The presence here of Gov. Swanson is be-
ing commented on very generally. 1t is
known that the governor did not wish to
join in this ovation to the peerless one and
came only after his purpose not to do so
had been widely criticised. Gov. Swanson
is close political friend of both Senators
Daniel and Martin. who do not like Bryan's
views Of government ownership. Swanson's
meeting with Bryan today cordial
but they had little opportunity for an ex-
oh Of yiewS