The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1908-07-07
CHAIRMAN OF DEMOCRATIC CON 4
vENTIoN PUMPS HAND cAR
THROUGH FLOODS.
BRYAN IS ANXIOUS
Damaging Ralnstorm IsoIates Rrvan,.
Horne And For 4 While Il was
Feared Man Who opens Convention
Today Would Be Unable rs Reach
Denver.

Fairview, Lincoln, Neb., July e.
Will Theodore A. Bell, temporary
chairman of the democratic national
convention at Denver reach the Colo
rado capitol in time to open the con-
vention tomorrow?
This was the question, which more,
than platform or vice presidency,
agitated William j. Bryan and local
democrats today. 13 s
Mr.. Bell, a passenger on a train
bound from California to the conven-
ton, was appointed by California del
egates to visit Fairview and notify
Mr. MT. Bryan that Nathan Cole had been
selected as national committeeman OF
| California, and that Cole and Bell,
after heated argument, much exag-
gerated in newspaper reports, had fin-
tshed BY agreeing to work shoulder
to shoulder in support Of the ticket
to be chosen at the capitol OF Colora-
do.
In pusuit Of this mission Mr.. Bell
journeyed without incident from Og-
den, Utah, to Omaha and from Omaha
with many difficulties, to Lincoln.
Meets Delays.
There hours were consumed BY Mr.
Bell In making the So miles between
Omaha and Lincoln. His train was
sidetracked at half dozen points for
other trains and was held at spot
| five miles from Lincoln for several
hours because OF a flood which had
all but put the Rock Island road out Of
business. 4saa-s<;-
The train was halted by washout,
and Bell, grips in hand, started to
walk to Lincoln. He encountered
half q mile Of track under water and
bravely waded through the lake, part
Of the time up to his knees IN water.
He walked to the Lincoln hotel. two
miles away, and after securing before
he started for Fairview carriage.
reaching that place exactly at noon.
Reaches Fairview.
The deluge Of rain which had fallen
for nine hours made the journey an
uncomfortable one and when the
driver Of the cab in which Mr.. Bell
was seated finally reached the subbur-
ban farm Of Mr.. Bryan his team was
all but exhausted.
The democratic leader had anticipa-
ted the visit Of Mr.. Bell, having been
in anxious consultation with railroad
officials all the forenoon. Consider
able apprehension had been tel by Mr..
Bryan regarding the arrival Of the tem,s
porary chairman because Of the foods
which resulted from the nights deluge
during which five inches Of rain had
fallen.
Short Conference.
Despite the fact that he had less
than q half hour in which to confer
with the democratic leader, Mr.. Bell
covered the questions Of his speech
and other matters he had in mind
when he left Ogden. Principal OF
these was his address as temporary
chairman, and particular attention was
given to the portion Of it which refer
red to the campaign publicity plank.
Mr.. Bell took occasion also during his
stay at Fairview to fully acquaint Mr.. 4
Bryan with the situation in California.
+ 1t was $3.50 this afternoon when Mr..
Bell reached the railroad station
where he found the hand car waiting
him. An elaborate supply Of edibles
had been piled on the car from diner
lying on an adjoining track held up
by the flood.
LaughabIe Scene.
The scene OF departure was full Of
comedy and drama. Standing on the
front Of the car. Chairman Bell dis
played his six feet OF height, prepara-
tory to start, while . dozen photo
graphers tried to snap the scene dur
Ii, !.
Ing downpour Of rain. The tempo
rary chairman IN the act Of propel-
ling a hand car out Of town In order
to reach the scene Of real activity
proved Of sumcient interest to bring :
crowd Of people to the little station
despite the weather and as he rested
his hand on the handle Of the car a
parting cheer was given By the mem
bers Of the reception committee who
had cared for his wants during the
lew hours Of his stay in this city. Hs
quickly adjusted himself to the condi-
ions. and with an invitation 70 tho
newspaper man to Ego thou and %
ikewise". gave an exhibition of athr
etics by his application to motivs
,ower.