Los Angeles herald., 1908-10-08
BRYAN SHAKES
HAND OF RIVAL
AT A BANQUET
TAFT AND C0MM0NER ARE
HONORED GUESTS
COME FACE TO FACE AT CHICAGO
FEAST
Great Demonstration Occurs Under
Unusual circumstances at Meeting
of Two Presidential Cand-
dates in Windy City
[By Associated Press.1

[By Associated Press.1
NHICAGO, Oct. 7.-William Jennings
Bryan and w. Il. Taft, rival
~ candidates for the presidency of
the United States, met tonight at the
annual banquet of the Chicago asso-
citation of commerce.
Mr.. Bryan, having been in Chicago
all day, was the first to arrive. Judge
Taft delivered a speech at the opening
of the Deep Waterways convention In
the forenoon and went to Galespurg
and delivered another address during
the afternoon and returned to Chicago
tonight after the banquet was well
under way.
Intense interest in the matter had
been manifested since it first became
known that the two candidates were
to meet in public and every seat in
three banquet halls at the Auditorium,
thrown together for the occasion, was
occupied when the first course was
served, save only commodious chair
reserved for Judge Taft.
An ear-splitting shout gave warning
of the arrival of Taft as we'll as of
Bryan. Mr. Bryan, In common with
every one else, arose and took a step
toward the entrance.
A huge frame, moving like ship
among swarm of tugs, came slowly
up the narrow aisle between the two
long tables. Those at a distance oc-
casionally could catch a glimpse of a
smiling face acknowledging greetings.
Mr.. Bryan, who hao ceased in the
destruction of some sort of dish mas
querading under French name,
turned his head slowly as his political
rival drew near, smiling slightly.
The Dramatic Moment
a., -, <~,.,o,,f xr,b{ob n haaya
anticipated with such deep interest
was soon over.
Mr.. Bryans hand waited that of
Mr.. Taft. A single lingering pressure,
a word or two which none could over
hear because of the tumult and the
Republican leader passed to chair
at the right of Mr.. Hall.
The cheering continued for a minute
or so after those at the speakers table
had taken their seats.
At the first moment the noise sub
sided Mr.. Bryan, leaning to one side
and smiling broadly, asked Mr.. Taft if
he had a good day."
This display of friendliness on the
,art of the two candidates stirred the
crowd to renewed cheering, and words
being useless in the din Mr.. Taft
stroked his throat for answer. Then
Mr.. Taft laughed. and the applause in
creased.
What is the matter with Bill?" cried
some in in a stentorian tone.
Hes all right"
who's all right?'
big Bills all right"
(which Bill?"
Both Bills!"
The Band Played On
1t took music by the orchestra and
song by soloists to restore a SEM
blance of quiet
When talking in ordinary tones be-
came possible the two candidates en-
tered into an animated conversation in
which President Hall Joined.
The speeches of both Mr.. Taft and
Mr.. Bryan were non-partisan.
This was in accord with the wishes
of the Chicago Association of Com
merce, which is a non-partisan organ
ization.
When the last course had been served
both of the distinguished guests were
kept busy signing menus, which were
passed up over the mat of orchids in
front of their section of the speakers
table.
Meanwhile the banquet hall remained
in good natured disorder. The orches-
ira played incessantly, but the music
was almost drowned in the babel OF
shouts and songs.
the favorite Dixie inspired shrieks
which apparently were not for anybody
but merely a symptom of the prevail
ing excitement. And through it all the
two candidates labored with smiling
fortitude, signing their names.
Demonstration impartial
The tumult which began upon the
entrance of the candidates lasted prac-
tically without cessation for forty-five
minutes, with absolutely impartial i'm
pulse In introducing Mr.. Bryan Pres
ident Hall said:
"The evolution of politics has brought
TO a commanding place in the eyes and
regard of his countrymen citizen OF
Nebraska.
His life has been an honorable
progress from the day he received his
degree from his alma mater to the hour
of his choice as standard bearer of one
of the great national parties by legions
of enthusiastic countrymen.
"With the principles of an American,
he has sought and held leadership in
a career of courage, ability and kind
ness. Millions accept his captaincy,
the energy of his services, the purity
of his patriotism. Gentlemen, Mr..
Bryan"
Mr. Bryan was cheered to the echo
as he rose to speak. Cheers and laugh
ter followed his humorous touches
that characterized his opening remarks.
He said in part:
Sees Favorable Signs
"I think l can see signs of progress
in politics. When l first began to run
for president there were no occasions of
this kind. think note a larger char
ity and a broader liberality and more
kindly feeling than has some times pre-
vailed in the past.
Here the chairmen of the repre-
sentative committees meet-willine
even in the heat of the campaign to
pause for a moment in the giving out
of estimates. Here the treasurers of
the respective committees suspend for a
moment the investigation of the busi-
ness conditions of those who send in
checks. We shall carry away delight
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