Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1908-10-15
TAFT AND BRYAN SHAKE HANDS
BEFORE THOUSANDS At
CHICAGO BANQUET.
WAS 4 DRAMATIC MOMENT
spectators and Guests Join In Tumult
Of Applause Which Lasted Tor
As MInutes--epeeches
Nonpartiean.

States met Wednesday night at the
annual banquet OF the Chicago Associ-
alton Of Commerce..
Mr.. Bryan having been In Chicago
ali day was the first to arrive. Judge
Taft having delivered speech ct the
opening Of the deep waterways con-
yention in the forenoon. went TO
Galesburg and delivered another ad-
dress during the afternoon and re-
turned to Chicago Wednesday night
after the banquet was well under way.
Intense interest in the meeting had
been manifested since 1t first became
known that the two candidates were
to meet in public and every seat In
three banquet halls at the Auditorium
thrown together for the occasion, was
occupied when the first course was
served, save only commodius chair
reserved for Judge Taft.
At the speakers table when the
speech-making began there were the
following:
Lafayette McWilliams, H. N. Hig-
ginbotham, John v. Farewell, Walter
H. Wilson representing Mayor
Busse), DR.. Emil G. Hirsch, David D.
Forgan, Mr.. Taft. President Richard
c. Hall, of the Chicago Association
Of Commerce; Mr.. Bryan, A. G. Bart
lett, Gov. Deneen of Illinois, John g.
Shedd, Charles H. Wacker, President
Kavanaugh, of the Deep Waterways
association; Don Farnsworth and T.
P. Shonts.
An ear-splitting shout gave warning
of the arrival Of Judge Taft. Mr.
BRYAN, in common with every one
else arose and took a step toward
the entrance. A huge frame, moving
like a ship amongst swarm OF tugs
came slowly up the narrow aisle be-
tween two tables. Those at a distance
occasionally could catch glimpse OF
smiling face, acknowledging greet
ings.
Mr.. Bryan, who had ceased In the
destruction of some sort OF chop
suey masquerading under a French
name, turned his head slowly as his
political rival drew near, smiling
slightly. Il.
The dramatic moment which had
been anticipated with such deep IN
terest was soon over Mr.. Bryan's
hand awaited that Of Mr.. Taft. A
single lingering pressure, a word or
so which none could overhear, be-
cause of the tumult and the Republi-
can leader passed on to a chair at the
right of Mr.. Hall. The cheering con-
tinued for minute or so after those
at the speakers table had taken their
seats. At the first moment the noise
subsidized, Mr.. Bryan leaning to one
side, and smiling broadly, asked Mr.
Taft IL he had good day.
This display Of friendliness on the
part Of the two candidates stirred the
crowd to renewed cheering and words
being useless in the din, Mr.. Taft
stroked his throat for answer. Then
Taft laughed and the applause In
creased.
what is the matter with Btll?
cried some one in stentorian tones.
Hes all right"
who's all right?"
"Bill's all right"
II took music by the orchestra and
song by the guests to restore sem
blance Of quiet.
When talking in ordinary tones DO
came possible, the two candidates en-
tered into an animated conversation In
which President Hall Joined.
The speeches Of both Mr.. Taft and
Mr.. Bryan were not partisan. Thil
was In consonance with the wishes Of
the Chicago Association Of Commerce
which is a nonpartisan organization.
When the last course had beer
served, both of the distinguished
guests were kept busy signing menus
which were passed up over the mat o.
orchids In front Of their section Of
the speakers table. Meanwhile tht
banquet hall remained in good-na
tured disorder. The orchestra played
necessarily, but the music was almosl
drowned in the babel Of shouts ant
songs. And through It all the tw'
candidates labored with smiling for
titude, signing their names.
The tumult which began with thu
entrance of Mr.. Taft lasted practically
without cessation for IS minutes. Wit
absolutely impartial impulse.
President Hall. acting a. toastmaa
ter, began q speech Emphasizing tn
nonpartisan nature Of the occasion AM
referred to the banquet as an ennuA
event wherein the leaders Of the twl
great parties might throw aside dii
ferences Of opinion and meet I'm tn
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