The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-08
EVENT FIRST OF KIND SINCE THE LINCOLN
 AND DOUGLAS CAMPAIGN
Bryan Speaks Upon the Solution of the Worlds Great Problems While Taft Speaks Upon the
 Delays of the
 Law.


 w. II. Taft, rival candidates for the presidency of the United States, met tonight at the fourth annual banquet of the Chicago Association of Com merce. The meeting is said to have been the first of it's kind since the Lincoln and Douglas campaign pre- ceding the Civil war.
 Intense interest in the meeting had been manifest since it first became known that the two candidates were to meet in public and every seat in three banquet halls at the Auditorium hotel. thrown together for the occasion, was occupied, for the first course was served. with only commodious chair reserved for Judge Taft.
 At the speakers table when the speech making began, there were the following:
 IaFayette McWillams, H. N. Hig ginbotham John V. Farwell, Walter H. wilson Representing Mayor Busse) {, pr. Emil G. Hirsch, David R. For gan MT. Taft President Richard c. Hall of the Chicago Association of Commerce, Mir. Bryan, A. c. Bartlett Tn eodore P. Shonts, Governor Deneen of Illinois, John G. schedd, Charles H.. Wacker, President Kavanaugh of the Deep Waterways association and Don Farnsworth,
 Arrival of Taft.
 An ear-splitting shout gave warning of the arrival of MT. Taft. Mir. Bryan in common with every one else, rose and looked toward the entrance. A huge frame, moving like a ship amongst a swarm of tugs, was moving slowly up the narrow aisle between two tables. Those at distance oc- casionally could catch a glimpse of a smiling face acknowledging greetings. A policeman in uniform and assistants in plain clothes aided in the progress of the distinguished guest. MT. Bryan, who had ceased in the destruction of some sort of chop suey masquerad- ing under French name, turned his head slowly as his political rival drew near, smiling slightly. The dramatic moment which had been anticipated with such deep interest was soon over. Mr Bryans hand awaited that of Nil. Taft. single lingering pressure, word or so which none could over hear because of the tumult and the re- publican leader passed on to chair at the right of MT Hall. The cheer ing continued for a minute or so after those at the speakers table had taken their seats. At the first moment tn e noise subsided MT. Bryan, leaning to one side and smiling broadly asked MT. 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 were useless in the din. MT. Taft stroked his throat for answer. Then Taft laughed and the applause in creased.
 "BiIPs All Right.'
 whats the matter with Bill?n cried some one in stentoran tones.
 He's all right"
 Who's all right?'
 ."Bill's all right"
 It took music by the orchestra and a song oy the guests to restore semblance of quiet When talking in ordinary tones became possible the two candidates tered into an animated conversation in which President Hall jo ned. The speeches of both MT. Taft and MT. Bryan were non-partisan. This was in consonance with the wishes of the Chicago Associa- ton of Commerce. which is non-partsan organization.
 When the last course of the dinner had been served both of the distinguished guests were kept busy signing menu cards which were passed over the mat of orchids in front of their section of the speakers table. Meantime 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. Through 1t all tie two candidates labored with smiling forti- tude, signing their names.
 The tumult, which began with the en- trance of MT. Taft, lasted for 45 minutes.
 Tribute to Bryan.
 Besides MT. Taft and MT. Bryan the speakers of the evening were A. c. Bart lett and David R. Forgan. MT. Bartlett was the first speaker and MT. Forsan was sandwiched between MT Bryan and Mr. Taft.
 In introducing Mir Bryan President Hall said
 ''As I look upon my distinguished as- sociates on right and left, l am forced to resort to the familiar protestation of the perplexed lover how happy could l be with either were the other dear charmer away
 'The evolution of politics has brought to commanding place in the eyes and regard of his countrymen citizen of Nebraska. His life has been an honor able progress from the day he received his deGrec from his alma mater to the hour of his choice as standard-bearer of one of he great political parties by legions of enthusiastic countrymen.
 "Wtth the principle of an American he has sought and held leadership in ca