The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-10-08
Ia1t and Bryan Meet and Ex-
change Greetings.
AT Banquet Board of the Com
MERGE Association.
BOTH MAKE SPEECHES
Each Address Is Entirely De-
void of Politics.
Much Good Natured Disorder on
the Part of the Guests.

Chicago. Oct S.-wm. j. Bryan
and w. H. Taft, rival candidates for
the presidency of the United States,
met last night at the annual banquet
or the Chicago association of COM
merce.
Mr.. Bryan having been in Chicago
all day, was the first to arrive. Judge
Iaft having delivered a speech at the
opening OF the Deepwater ways con-
vention in the forenoon, went to
Galesburg, and delivered another adj
dress during the afternoon and re-
turned to Chicago after the banquet
was well under way. Intense interest
In the meeting had been manifested
since it first became known that the
two candidates were to meet in pub
lie and every seat in the banquet halls
at the auditorium thrown together
Tor the occasion, was occupied. save
only a commodious 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. Farwell, Walter
III. 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. c. Bartlett.
Governor Deneen of Illinois, John G.
Shedd, Chas. II. Wacker. President
Kavanaugh of the Deepwater way,
Don FarnswOrth and T. p. Shonts.
An ear-splitting shout gave warning
of the arrival of Judge Taft. Mr.. Bry-
an, in common with every one else,
arose and took a step toward the en-
trance. a huge frame, moving like
a ship amongst a swarm of tugs came
slowly up the narrow aisle between
two tables Those at a distance oc-
casionally could catch a glimpse of a
smiling face. acknowledging greet
ings. Mr.. Bryan, who had ceased in
the destruction of some sort of a chop
suey masquerading under a French
name turned his head slowly as his
political rival drew near. smiling
slightly.
Dramatic Moment.
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 because
of the tumult and the Republican
leader passed on to a chair al the
right of Mr.. Hall. The cheering con-
tinued for moment 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 if he had had a 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.
whats the matter with Bill?"
cried some one in S entorian tones.
Hes all right"
Who's all right?''
"Bills all right"
It took music by the orchestra and
a song by the guests to restore sem
blance of quiet.
When talking in ordinary tones be-
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 non-partisan. This was
in consonance with the wishes of the
Chicago Association of Commerce,
which is a non-partisan organization.
When the last course had been served,
both of the distinguished guests were
kept busy signing menus. which were
passed over the mat of orchids in
front of their section of the speakers
table. Meanwhile the banquet hall
remained in good natured disorder
The orchestra played necessarily, but
the music was almost drowned in the
babel of shouts and'songs.
Were Here Because We're Here -
was a favorite.
Dixie inspired shrieks, which ap-
parently were not for anybody, but
merely a symptom of the prevailing ex-
element. And through 1t all the two
candidates labored with smiling fortf-
tude signing their names.
The tumult which began with the
entrance of Mr. Taft lasted practical
" without cessation for As minutes
with absolutely impartial impulse
President Hall. acting as POSTMASTER
began speech. emphasizing the non
partisan nature of the occasion and
referred to the banquet as an annual
event wherein the leaders of the two
great parties might throw aside diff
ferences of opinion and meet in the
kinship of patriotism"
Bryan Introduced.
In introducing Mr.. Bryan, President
Hall said:
Gas look upon my distinguished as.
sociates on right and left. 1 am forced
to resort to the familiar protestations
of the perpIexed lover. How happy IL
be with either. were 'tother dear
charmer away.
1.-THE evolution of politics has