Weekly Watertown leader. [volume] (Watertown, Jefferson County, Wis.) 1908-1909, 1908-10-09
TAFT and BRYAN
MEET At DINNER
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES CHAT
SMILINGLY AND EXCHANGE
Autographs.
BOTH GREETED WITRAPPLAUSE
Great Shout Goes Up as Nominees Clasp
Hands and Guests of Honor
Smile and Bow.
ARE HOARSE FROM SPEAKING

CHICAGO. H., Oct 5. - William
Howard Taft and William Jennings
Bryan not only ate at the same board
Turing the fourth annua, dinner Of the
Chicago Association Of Commerce last
evening but they chatted smilingIy,
tested about the strain of the campaign,
md even went 50 far as 10 exchange
autographs.
1t was the first time in eight years
hat the two had met. Away back when
Mr.. Bryan was running the second time
or the presidency he met Judge Taft in
California; and the renewal Of the ac-
Iuaintance was marked by Il strong
landclaSp.
One laughed with his eyes and the
other smiled with his lips. but if there
was any difference III the degrees of
warmth between the two it could not be
detected on the surface
a formal Introduction because Of the
occasion. was given by President Rich
ard G. Hall Of the association. at either
SIDE Of whom the candidates were seat
4d at the middle OF the long speakers
able: but it was not Il moment after
they had taken their places before they
were leaning across his knees to pass ii
word, or We're whispering behind his
pack rs he arose TO make an announce
nent.
Both Candidates Cheered.
Both Taft and Bryan were received
with enthusiasm upon their entrance into
he crowded banquet hall of the Audi
.orium hotel. The demonstrate was
made for Mr.. Bryan when ne was the
only hero on the scene while the rOus-
NJ cheers and hurrahS were shouted for
Mr.. Taft when he made a late entrance,
ana MIR. Bryan rose from his seat to
Ioin in the hand clapping.
The Republican nominee had had a
busy day. After delivering the opening
address of the third convention of the
Lakes to the Gulf Waterway association
IN the morning he had hurried down the
state TO GaleSburg and back. arriving at
the banquet hail just as the praised
Sweetbreads reached the tables
The first warning that he was nearing
the hall was the appearance of a detec-
tive who had been acting as one of his
bodyguard, and after he had whispered
his news it was not long i'll spreading
through the crowd.
The orchestra struck up an air that
sounded suspiciously like I'VE Won't
Go Home Till Morning the ban
quet could have been called a good fell
lowship dinner-as well as an annual"
and 1000 men, representing the Fl
nancial and commercial interests of the
Mississippi valley, were on their feet.
Taft Makes Appearance.
Through the wild throng, preceded by
1 burly person, who in football terms
would be classed as Interference" Mr..
Taft made his way to the speakers table
and passed down row of smiles and
extended hands to where President Hall
was waiting.
Mr@Taft was compelled 10 pass Mr..
Bryan's chair to reach his own, but
President Hall was waiting with Il pur-
pose. He grasped the former secretary )
aand and then passed him along"
Mr.. Taft-Mr. Bryan, he said with
.areful enunciatiOn.
The moment the hands of the two met
4 great shout went up that caused both
candidates TO smile and bow deeply.
Then another thunderclap of applause
eOared out
The two candidates bowed again and
laughed as they caught the twinkle OF
amusement in each others eyes.
Mr.. Taft went ON to his seat and the
noise had not died on before he leaned
across to his opponent for the presidency.
Perhaps you will understand" he
said. why it is that I don't talk loud
enough for you TO hear meY'
YES. indeed" replied the other.
"Some one asked me the other day how
my voice was and told him it was just
as good as yours.
Then they both enjoyed hearty
laugh.
Both candidates delivered speeches of
q non-political nature.