The daily sentinel., 1908-10-08
HELL; II TAFT!
HELLO BRYAN!
Scene That Will Live in Political HistOryGreat Leaders
Grasp Hands While Crowds Give Three
Cheers for "BlT
IRv Associated Press. !


Chicago. Oct. S.=William ]. Bry-
an and William II. Taft, rival candi-
dates for the presidency of the Unit
ed States, met last night at the an
nual banquet of the Chicago Associa-
tion of Commerce.
Mr.. Bryan, having been in Chica-
go all day, was the first to arrive
Judge Taft, having delivered
speech at the opening OF the Deep
Waterways convention in the fore
noon. went to Galesburg and deliv-
cred another address during the af-
ternoon. He returned to Chicago last
night after the banquet was well un-
der way.
Intense interest in the meeting had
been manifested since it first became
known that the two candidates were
TO meet, and every seat in the three
banquet halls at the Auditorium.
thrown together for the occasion. was
occupied when the first course was
served. save only a commodious chair
reserved for Judge Taft
An earsplitting shout gave warn
ing of the arrival of Judge Taft
Mr.. Bryan. in common with every
one else, arose and took a step to-
ward the entrance. huge frame
tugs, came slowly up the narrow aisle
between two tables.
Those at a distance occasionally
could catch a glimpse of a smiling
face acknowledging greetings.
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 politi-
cal rival drew near smiling slightly
The dramatic moment which had
been anticipated with such deep in
terest was soon over Mr. Bryan
hand awaited that of Mr.. Taft. A.
single lingering pressure, word or
so which none could overhear be-
cause of the tumult. and the republi-l
can leader passed on to a chair at
the right of Mr.. Hall.
The cheering continued for MINI
ute or so after those at the speakers
table had taken their seats.
At the first moment the noise sub
sided. Mr. Bryan, leaning to one side
and smiling broadly. asked Mr. Taft
If he had a good day"
This display of friendliness on the |
pant of the two candidates stirred the |
being useless in the din Mr. Taft |
stroked his throat for answer. Then I
MIR. Taft laughed and the applause in I
ereased.
What is the matter with Bill?"
cried some one in stentorian TOMS
Hes all right
Who's all right?"
-'Bffl"
II took music by The orchestra and /
a song by the guests to restore
semblance of quiet.
When talking in ordinary tones (
was resumed the two candidates be-
gan an animated discussion. in whicn .
President Hall took part.
The speeches of both MIR. Taft and /
Mr.. Bryan were non-partisan.
When the first course had been
served both of the distinguished /
guests were kept busy signing menus
which were passed up over the mai {
of orchids in front of their section
of the speakers table.
Meanwhile the banquet hall re-
mained in good natured order The /
orchestra played necessarily. but the
music was almost drowned in the
babel of shouts and songs.
We're Here Because We're Here
was a favorite.
Dixie inspired shrieks which ap-
parently We're not from anybody but
merely "A symptom of the prevailing
excitement. and through it all the
two candidates labored with smiling
fortitude. signing their names.
the tumuit which began upon the
entrance of Mr.. Taft lasted practical
1y without cessation for forty-five
minutes with absolutely impartial i'm
pulse.
Bryan's Introduction.
On introducing Mr. Bryan Presi-
dent Hall said:
THE evolution OF politics has
brought TO a commanding place in
the eyes and regard of his country ;
men citizen of Nebraska. His life
has been an honorable progress from
the day he received his degree from .
his alma mater to the hour of his |
choice as standard bearer of one of {
the great national parties by legions
of enthusiastic counirymen.
with the principles of an Amer
ican he has sought and held leader
ship in career of courage. fidelity
CONTINUED on page ~