The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1908-10-09

EXCHANGE GREETINGS

GACHANGE dReG ] gN6S
In Friendly. Fashion and Engage in
Mutually Animated Conversation
as Two Gentlemen Would Who Had
Met to Discuss Present Day Prob
lens With Mutual, Friends.
William J. Bryan and William IL.
Taft, rival candidates for the presi-
dency of the United States met
Wednesday night at the fourth an
lnual banquet of the Chicago AS
sociation of Commerce. The meeting
is said to have been the first of its
kind.
Mr.. Bryan, having been in Chicago
all day, was the first to arrive at
the banquet hall in the Auditorium
hotel. Mr.. Taft having delivered a
speech at the opening of the Deep
Waterway convention in the fore
noon, went to Galesburg, ILL.,, to de.
liver another address during the
afternoon, and returned to Chicago
tonight after the banquet was well
under way.
Intense interest in the meeting had
been manifested since it first be-
came known that the two candidates
were to meet in public, and eve:y
seat in the banquet hall was occu-
pied when the first course was served.
save only a commodious chair reserv-
ed for Mr.. Taft,
At the speakers table during the
speech-making were the following:
ILaFayette McWilliams, H. N. Hig5in-
botham, John V. Farwell, Walter Fl
Wilson representing Mayor Busse),
DR.. Emil G.. Hirsch, David R. Forgan,
Mr.. Taft, President Reinhardt c:
Hall of the chamber of commerce,
Mr.. BRYAN, A. C. Bartlett, Governor
Deneen of Illinois, Jorn G. Shedd,
Charles H. Wacker, President kav-
anaugh of the Deep Waterways as
sociation and Don Farnsworth.
An ear-splitting shout gave warn
ing of the arrival Of Mr. Taft. Mr.
/ Bryan, in common with every one
else rose and looked toward the en-
trance. A huge frame, moving like
a ship amongst a swarm of tugs, was
moving slowly up the narrow aisle
between two tables. Those at a dis
tance occasionally could catch s
tglimpse of smiling face acknowledge
ling. greetings. A policenp ban in uni
form and assistants in plain clothes
aided in the progress of the distin-
guished guest. Mr.. Bryan, who had
ceased on the DESTRUCTION of some
sort of chop suey masqueradins
under a French name, turned his
head slowly as his political rival
drew near, smiling slightly. The
dramatic moment which had been an
ticipated with such deep interest was
soon over Mr.. Bryan's hand await
ed that of MIR. Taft. A single ling
ering pressure, word or so which
none could overhear because of the
tumult, and the Republican leader
passed on to chair at the right
of Mr.. Hail. The cheering continued
for a minute or so after those a,
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 good day.
This display of friendly feeling on
the part of the two candidates stirred
the crowd to renew cheering and
words were useless in the din. Mr..
Taft stroked his throat for an answer
Then Taft laughed and the applause
increased.
What is the matter with Bill?
cried some in stentorian tones.
Hes all right"
who's all right"
"Bill's all right"
a song by the guests to restore Il
semblance of quiet. When talking
in ordinary tones became possible the
two candidates entered into an ami
mated conversation, in which Presi-
dent Hall joined. The speeches OF
both Mr. Taft and Mr.. Bryan were
nonpartizan. This was in conformi-
ty with the wishes Of the Chicago
Association of Commerce, which il:
a nonpartizan organization.
Besides Mr.. Taft and Mr.. Bryan
the speakers of the evening were
A. c. Bartlett and David r. Forgan.
Mr.. Bartlett was the first speaker
and Mr.. Forgan was sandwichcG ne
tween Mr.. Bryan and Mr.. Taft. In
introducing Mr.. Bryan, President
Hall said:
''As | look upon my distinguished
associates | am forced to resort to
the familiar protestation of the per
nicxcd lover. How happy could |
he with either, were t'other dear
cnarmer away The evolution OF
politics has brought TO command
ing place in the eyes and regard o.!
his countrymen a citizen of Ne
braska. His life has been an honor-
able progress from the day he re-
ceived his degree from his alma