The Washington herald., 1907-04-17

New York, April 1e.-WnHam Jennings
Bryan, the guest of honor at the annual
dinner of the Brooklyn Democratic Club,
held in the ballroom OF the assembly, in
Brooklyn, tonight. did not get into ac-
ton with his speech until II.30 o'clock.
but, after appearing at the feast for a
half hour early In the evening. hurried
away TO lecture al the Baptist Taberna-
Gle. leaving the other guests to get on as
best they might. It was very much ike
the play, with Hamlet LEFT out
over 100 OF the Brooklyn Democratic
club members and their friends crowded
the ballroom to greet Mr.. Bryan. There
was an informal reception and handshak-
ing fest and Mr.. Bryan got a rOusing
cheer coming and going. yes. and coming
again. The ballroom had no decorations
except few American flags. and later
in the evening just blue cloud of smoke.
which, owing to defect In the ventilation
hung so low over the tables and galleries
that there was many watery eyes. There
was much music Of a cheerful sort. and
each diner had ieaflet with the choruses
printed on it, MY Country. 'Tis of
Thee" was followed closely by the stein
Song" but the song that they sung the
hardest TO Mr. Bryan was IT'S Nice 30
Have q Sweetheart"
Distinguished Guests Present.
Daniel Moynahan. president Of the club,
presided At the table of honor sat VIII
liam Jenning Bryan. Edward NJ Shepard.
ex-Gov. J. Hoge Tyler, of Virginia;
Augustus Thomas ollie James. of Ken
tuckyi A. H. 'Eastmond, Comptroller Her
man A. Metz John W. Tomlinson. of Ala |
bama; Attorney General ". s. jackson, !
Representative William Sulzer. and |
George Frederick Williams, of Massa- |
chusetts
Edward NJ. Shepard was first on the /
toast list with an address of welcome /
down to his credit Ex-Gov Tyler. of /
virginia, paid TOusing tribute 10 his 1
home State as the mother of Presidents. /
and announced that LIr. Bryan was most /
acceptable as grandson. He practically
pat AR Bryan in nomination for the /
Presidency.
Augustus Thomas made an eloquent /
speech on The power of.the poor man in
politics. He was about the only speaker
who didn't grow enthusiastic over Mr..
BTyan's qualifications as the Democratic
nominee
Error Causes Smiles.
When the speech of Representative
ollie James of Kentucky. was reached.
President MoyRahan made slight error
in introducing him to the audience as
Congress Ollie TeaIle." Nearly every one
realized the error. and the Congressman
was greeted with smiles as he arose.
laughing. to speak. His speech. like the
others, was more about the present great
-Bryan-than the past Demo
crat-Jefferson.
Gov. Warfeld, of Maryland, invited
the Democratic party TO hold its next
rational convention in Baltimore. and
announced that Mr.. Bryan is held in
great regard In that State as a prospec-
tive candidate.
Mr.. Bryan returned 10 the hall just
hs Comptroller Metz was about 10
speak. Mr. Metz then said there was
no use of his trying to talk, for every
one was waiting for Mr. Bryan. For
several minutes the hall rang with
cheers for Bryan. and the cry "Our
next President" was heard repeatedly.
Congressman Tomlnson. of Alabama,
spoke after the chairman had succeeded
IN quieting the cheers for Bryan.
Bryan Springs Surprise.
Mr.. Bryan frankly told those present
that he had not made up his mind yet
whether or not he would be a candidate
but that in the near future he expected to
make some announcement of his position
Then Mr.. Bryan took another radical
step forward, according to the ideas of
Eastern Democrats. and somewhat sur
prised his audience by declaring boldly
for the initiative and referendum as the
coming Democratic doctrine. He asserted
that it might be helped or retarded by
Eastern Democrats but they could never
defeat it, and then with great earnest
ness and IN an impassiOned name. he
shouted:
You may difer with me on many things
In reference 70 party doctrines. but il YOU
do not believe in the capacity of the peo-
pie to govern themselves, which is what
the initiative and referendum means. I will
drive you out Of the Democratic party. I
repeat that / will drive you out of the :
Democratic party, because if the Demo
cratic party does not believe in the rule
OF the people, it VIII have no trouble In |
driving me out
Il have not thought it yet time to set !
tie the question which your president and
so many OF the other speakers have so
suggested, as 10 what part I
shall feel called upon to play in the next
campaign. / thank you all for your
kindly references, but I wish to say that {
we should enter the next campaign with
the strongest candidate we can find. and !
with him sweep on TO triumphant vic [
tory / am not OF necessity a candidate }
for Office Of any kind.