Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1908-03-26
TRIBUTE TO SOUTHERN DEMOCRATS
Great Commoner Speaks of the Loyal
ty Of the Voters of the South to the
Democratic Party and says He APP.
preciates Their Devotion to Him.
Governors Guest.
tBy Associated Press.)

RICHMOND. VA, March CIVIL
liam j. Bryan. under the auspices of
the General Assembly OF Virginia adj
dressed an audience of some 5000 in
The city auditorium tonight. Several
times as many more thronged around
the building in tho futile effort to
gain entrance. The members of the
legislature, state and city officials
and party leaders from all parts of
the state were seated on the rostrum
and Immediately around It, Back
of these special guests was great
sea of faces of business men and the
plain people.
Lieutenant Governor J. Tylor Ely
son, who is also Democratic state
chairman, presided and Governo.
Swanson introduced Mr.. Bryan,
\ His public address ended busy
DAY in Richmond for Mr.. Bryan. He
came East especially to accept the in-
vitation of the Virginia lawmakers
and upon arrival here early this morn
ing he was met by Governor Swanson
and taken to the executive mansion
where he was entertained while hSre.
Later he visited the capitol, held a
reception for members of the Senate
and House. and state officials.
lie was given luncheon at the
home of Lieutenant Governor Ellvso,;
and this afternoon took a drive about
the city.
Honored by invitation.
one in public life has much TO bear
mat is unpleasant" said Mr.. Bryan,
when he was permitted to sneak TO
night, but there are many compe1sa-
lions and great rewards. II Is un-
pleasant for one to have his motives
lmpuSned and his acts misrepresent-
cd. II is unpleasant to be made the
victim of editorial venom and abusive
speech, yet when one has added TO-
ge'her all that is unpleasant and
weighs against ii the rewards of pub
lie service that he can remember with
gratitude and delight il makes him
lose sight of that which stings and
burns. Among the rewards which
have come to ME shall treasure this
invitation extended TO be by the law
makers of this grand old common.
wealth. am glad to come from nv
distant home and assure them of nv
deep appreciation of the compliment
aud honor they have done me | want
10 taEe This opportunity TO tell the
people OF the South how my heart was
touched by the loyalty of ~ wears
which they have shown mo. not only
Tor me- personally. but as tho repre-
sentative CT the ideas for which I
stood Nowhere in all the lana have
] had more faithful friends than in
HE states south of the Mason nnd
Dixcn line. was born in the North.
lived in the West. but YOU of the
South became my champions. In tho
national convention when was only
10 yeas of age YOU did net ask where
was born; you simply asked the di-
fec'Ion was going. and YOU have
walked side by side with me-. have
no words to express my gratitude for
all this devotion
Nothing to Offer But Democracy.
I'VE been able to keep you. |
never had an Office to give or money
10 hrirc or power To !cr0r'Zc: ! had
nothing 10 offer but Democracy as I
hsd learned il from my father. aud
That has been sufficient for YOU.
don't known whether / will hold public
office cr not. That has caused mo no
concern but it would make my lite
sad if should lose the confidence and
affection OF those who have been my
friends these years. 1t Is reward
enough for me TO know that we still
cherish The same idca that we still
follow The same principles, and still
advocate the same policies In public
affairs. II is not necessary that the
Democrats shall agree on everything.
One of the teachings of our party Is
that men must think for themselves.
and when people think for themselves
YOU must expect differences among
them"
Mr.. Bryan's theme was Democracy
applied On the question of law
making he said: There is a differ.
ence between the individual, whof nets