Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1907-04-11
John Temple Graves
Springs Sensation at
Bryan Banquet.
NERVE COMPLIMENTED
But Nebraskan Declares In Re-
ply La Toilette Is the
More Deserving.

Chattanooga, Tenn, April l1.-Iheo-
dOre Roosevelt for democratic nominee
of the national democratic convention
in 1908 was a sensation sprung here
last night by John Temple Graves, the
Atlanta editor and one of the guests at
the dinner to William J. Bryan.
Mr.. Graves had his speech prepared
but was at first sidetracked by the ex-
ecutive committee of the banquet, the
members of which met him at the sta
ton and told him that such an address
gathering.
Copies Given Out.
Mr.. Graves acquiesced in their decis-
ion, so far as the banquet was concern
ed. but said copies of the speech al
ready had been given to the press and
that he would not recall it. Apparent
ly the action of the executive commit
tee did not meet the approval of all
of those who attended the dinner. for
Mr. Graves was induced TO return to-
the banquet hall at IL o'clock and de-
liver his speech
Issues ~ Statement.
Mr.. Graves planned 10 remain silent
ar the banquet after his interview with
the committee. and to leave early in
the evening In order TO make his po-
sition clear. however. he sent a letter
| to the president of the Bryan Anniver-
t-Sary club. F. A. Hood, in -which~he
: said:
, Il came to Chattanooga. yielding to
mo one in my profound and affectionate
regard for Mr.. Bryan and for the dem
Ocratic party and its principles. In
the course of my speech | tried to
make that plain in as warm and glow
ling sentences as my heart could fash
ion | am profoundly convinced that
in this period of tremendous economic
crisis the only man who can carry to
successful conclusion the reforms insti-
tuted in behalf of the people is the man
who is already intrenched in the pow
Ter and prestige of dauntless courage
and conspicuous success in the eXecu-
tive Office.
Held IL Manly Thing to Do.
Il have endeavored in my speech to
give my convictions, and these convic-
ltions are so earnest and sincere that /
cannot change them unless better rea-
sons are given than have been present
ed TO me up to the present time. My
reason for stating this conviction at a
Bryan banquet. with Mr.. Bryan pres
ent. was because | considered it the
manly and democratic thing to do
Bryan Compliments Graves.
, In beginning his address. after Graves
had finished. Bryan complimented
Graves in the highest manner for his
honesty and his boldness, and said if
there was any place in the world
+ where absolute freedom of speech
+ should prevail, it ought TO be in a dem
Ocratic gathering. He added that when
he heard Graves had retired from the
hall because there might be doubts
about the wisdom of what he had to
E say. he had sent for the Georgian to
return and insisted that his speech be
l. delivered. Turning directly to the
= Graves recommendation, Bryan said:
I "As at present advised, | shall not
; present the name of Theodore Roose
: welt to the national democratic conven
7 tiOn. Bear in mind, say as at present
advised
= Holds In Toilette More Suitable.
Bryan cOntended that If. after mature
consideration and reflection and pre-
: sentatiOn of arguments in the case, he
. should consider that his duty lay in
. that direction, he would present Roose
- Welt if it should prove the last act Of
his life. He went on to say that if any
;. republican was to be selected by tbs
- democrats to their national ticket. tn,
man should be Senator La Toilette O
v Wisconsin. Bryan then proceeded Will
his speech, presenting reasons why. il
- his opinion, Roosevelt was not tn,
proper man for the presidency.