Omaha daily bee., 1908-07-29
BRYAN GOES THROUGH MILL
Nebraska Presidential Candidate mi.
tiated at Ak.Sar-Beh Den.
BIG CROWD AT THE CEREMONIES
Preliminary Banquet at Omaha Club
After Open Air speech-Given
Insight Into All of
Mysteries.

Bryan night at the Den marked another
epoch in Ak-Sar-Ben's history. What was
probably the largest number of knights
ever assembled at the headquarters of the
king gathered early and stayed late, and
the ceremonial attendant on the welcoming
Of strangers and the initiation of aspirants
for the high honor were never more i'm
pressive nor more successfully carried out.
Head Artificer RENEE lad oiled and pol
ished the machinery until it fairly glistened
and the faithful crew put In its time so
thoroughly that the travellers were most
wonderfully impressed. Admiral Paffen-
rath and Mutt Thomas were in rare form.
and nothing could be said but praise for
the spectacular phases of the work. 1t was
the more important that it should be- for
among the guests were many from abroad,
including a number Of the eastern histori-
ans who are daily embalming for the edi-
f~ication of jewellers along the Atlantic
shores the events and happenings at Fair
view and vicinity. And they will have a
new story to tell now, both from observa-
ton and experience.
Mr.. Bryan and party did not arrive at
the Den until about s:45, having been de-
tained by the dinner given in his honor at
the Omaha club. In the meanwhile the
largest crowd of the season had assembled
and on Mr.. Bryan's arrival he was given
a most enthusiastic welcome, Another big
delegation had arrived from Lincoln, and
the entire party, numbering over 300. with
Mr.. Bryan leading. was lined up and given
a taste Of what 1t means to become a loyal
knight of Ak-Sar-Ben. The full working
crew was present and was letter-perfect in
all its parts.
Some Fentures of the Evening.
The interior Of the Den was appropri-
ately decorated with flags and bunting,
with a large banner surmounted by an
eagle with wings extended was placed
over the speakers stand and on which
was inscribed: kline Ak-Sar-Ben Bids
Welcome to Nebraska's Most Distinguished
Citizen
Owing to Mr.. Bryan's tendency toward
sea sickness he was excused from taking
a trip on Admiral Paffenrath's flagship,
the "Aquaris." Several new features were
introduced in the initiatory stunts and on
their conclusion a series OF moving pic
lures were shown, representing Mr.. Bryan
speaking at the Twenty-fourth and Lea
venworth streets meeting OF the early az
ternoon. The pictures were excellent and
showed Mr.. Bryan at his best. Calls were
made for him to speak louder, and none
enjoyed the pantomime better than did Mr..
Bryan.
brand Multi Thomas announced that the
paid membership one year ago Monday
evening was but &1, while last evening It
footed up lip, the announcement being
greeted with applause. The grand Mutt
then delegated Colonel II. ]. Penfold to
escort Mr.. Bryan to the speakers stand.
Taft" Opens the OratOry.
The first appearance of the distinguished
Ncbraskan was greeted with an outburst
OF applause which lasted for two or three
v-trV4aa A. 600, az 4h. ..-1,.,-. -
sided. Grand Mutt Thomas in a brief
Introductory inflicted a genuine surprise
on the audience by introducing William
II. Taft. At first It was thought that
in mentioning the name of Taft that Mr..
Thomas had made a slip Of the tongue7
and the big audience had all sorts of a
laugh on him. But the laughter subsidized
upon the appearance of a portly man
bearing a strong resemblance to the re-
publican candidate for president Of the
United States ascended the rostrum. Mr..
Taft" expressed his pleasure and gratifi-
cation at being present on this occasion,
intimAting that ne was "dee-lighted" at
this welcome given him.
Two years ago the republicans Of Ne
braska declared in favor OF my
nomination" said he, and take
this occasion 10 express my great
appreciation OF that honor, and of the
banquet being given me at the Auditorium
by the Mckinley club. My distinguished
friend at my right has not yet been IN.
formed OF his nomination. ! wish 70 add
that when l am elected that there Will
be no room In the White House for any
vice president, There will be no one there
TO greet you but myself" Mr.. Tat"
drIfted off into considerable good natured