Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1906-08-31

New York, Aug. 31.-Such a welcome
as seldom in this countrys history has
been accorded to a private citizen, was
given to William ]. Bryan at Madison
Square garden last night in celebra-
tion of his return from a years alb
sence, spent in foreign travel
AS the guest of the Commercial Tray-
elers' Antitrust league, Bryan was
greeted by more than 10000 persons,
who filled the great structure from the
floor TO the upper gallery. At the same
time the streets and avenues outside
the gaden were choked for blocks by
other thousands who stood patiently
for hours for the privilege of even a
feeting glance at the distinguished
visitor. The interior of the garden was
a waving sea of color. Every person
in the audience had been provided
with a miniature American flag, and
every cheer from the 10000 throats
was accentuated by the waving of 90
900 tiny staffs bearing the stars and
stripes.
Eight Minutes of Cheering.
When Bryan entered the hall the
proceedings, which already had begun.
were brought to 4 temporary pause,
while for eight minutes volley after
volley of thunderous cheers rolled
through the great building.
When Chairman Tom l.. Johnson in
his introduction of Bryan referred to
the guest of the evening as ''the first
official citizen, if not the first official
of the land, Bryan rose, and the great
gathering broke out in unrestrained
cheering, while the band played Hail
To the Chief
So touched was Bryan by the wei-
come that as he stood waiting for the
cheers to subside. his eyes filled with
tears and he strobe nervously from
side to side of the narrow platform.
When quiet was restored he thanked
the audience briefly. but in tones and
words that left not doubt that it
came from his heart
Series of OvatiOns.
Bryan's entry into New York in the
afternoon was a series of ovations, be-
ginning with his landing at the Battery
at O'Clock and reaching an early eli
max when he arrived at the Victoria
Hotel. 27th street and Broadway. an
hour and fifteen minutes later. Here
the Homecoming Nebraskan was
mobbed by thousands of per-
sons who had forced their
way into the corridors Finally an en-
trance was effected by the police and
he reached the lobby stairs. Here Bry-
yam was halted and called upon for a
speech and the crowd surged about
him. cheering Justify all the while. He
made few remarks. He expressed his
gratitude for his greeting and said he
was trying to get home but did not
know where home was. Some persons
in the crowd shouted "The White
House. Washington He then stepped
down TO shake hands with few per
sonal friends. The crowd rushed for
him and required score of policemen
to stem the tide and save Bryan from
being swept off his feet For an hour
he shook hands with all who came
along and then retired for rest before
the evening program began.
Crowds Come Early.
The doors of Madison Square Gard
den opened at $50 and by this time
there were hundreds of ticket holders
present clamoring for admittance. Po-
lice lines had been formed three blocks
from all Garden entrances In this way
the early corners were well handled
The immense auditorium filled rapidly
and as delegations arrived they were