The daily sentinel., 1907-02-02

u
in the history of Grand Junction oc-
CURED last night when the Hon. VIII
liam Jennings Bryan appeared at the
First Congregational church as an at
traction of the local lecture course
and delivered his lecture, THE Old
World and Its Ways"
Mr.. Bryan arrived in the city on
train No. c, from Salt Lake City. The
train was only twenty-five minutes
late reaching here about 7:O5 o'clock
The distinguished visitor was met at
the station by Judge Gustave Van
riage to the Van Hoorebeke residnece
on East Main street where he was
served dinner.
Long before eight o'clock the
church began to fill up and by few
minutes after eight O'Clock every seat
in the building was occupied and
many were standing. Extra seats had
been placed wherever possible. even
the large organ loft was filled with
chairs, all of which were occupied.
Many people we're unable to secure
tickets and were badly disappointed
great many who could not secure
seats stood up at the entrance of the
church determined at least to get q
look at Mr.. Bryan as he entered the
building.
1t was a magnificent audience, one
of the most representative audiences
that ever assembled in the city. In
the crowd were many people from
other, towns and cities and there
were many people from out in the
valley.
On the main floor and in the spac-
lous balconies n total of over 500
seats had been provided for the oc-
caslon. Had there been several hun
dred more seats available all could
have been disposed of easily.
Many people foiled in efforts to get
seats yesterday made no effort to
secure them at the church last night.
It was just $3.50 o'clock when Mr.
Bryan accompanied by Rev. j. E.
Weir and Judge Gustave Van Hoore-
beke entered the church. As the fam
Gus political leader, traveller and edi-
tor walked down one of the aisles
to one of the waiting rooms at the
side of the pulpit he was heartily
cheered and in his genial. gracious
manner. bowed his acknowledgement
Mr.. Bryan spoke from the high
organ loft. He was introduced, in n
short and well worded pointed talk
by Rev. j. E. Weir. of the Presbyter-
ian church. in n brief, pointed talk
that consisted OF worthy tribute to
the man. Rev Weir introduced No.
Bryan as "a Real Man" referring to
the old legend of philosopher GO
ing through Greece with a lantern
looking for real man. Bryan. -!
he said represented the typical man
intellectually, morally and spiritual
ly."
Declaring that he needed no intro
ductlon he stated that the speaker
was known an drespected not only in
the one state In which is his home. or
in the state of his nativity. nor not
only in every state of the American
union, but wherever the light of
civilization is shining.
Mr.. Bryan changes but little In
his appearance as the years come and
go. The strenuous life that he leads
seems to have no effect on his power
full physique and constitution. 1t isl
the same Bryan in appearance that
held the center of the political stage
of the world in 1896. His hair may
be getting little grayer and per
haps he is growing n little heavier.
A more commanding or dignified
speaker is not to be found on the
American platform. His oratorical |
ability seems to strengthen with the
years. When one looks into that
under the spell of the wonderful |
smile and realizes the influence and |
matchless power of the Bryan voice. :
listens to the clear flow of oratorical
eloquence. il is easy to understand
why he has worked thousands upon
tens of thousands of people every
year to the highest pitch of enthus-
iasm. why people so miles to hear
him. and why he is today and has
been for years one OF the command
ing figures on the historical and po-
litlcal stage of the world.
Mr.. Bryan was in fine condition
last night His voice was perfect and
he seemed to take the utmost delight
in addressing the large audience. He
made himself heard In every section
of the building and yet seemed not
to exert himself to the least extent