The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1915-12-22
BRYAN TALKS OF PEACE.
GIVEN AN OVATION AT CONvEN-
TTON HALL IN CHARLESTON.
In Address to- Commercial Congress
Commoner Says That War is Idle
Fear~-William G. Gorgas Another
Distinguished Speaker.

Charleston, Dec. 16.-William Jen-
nings Bryan. leading exponent of the
battling with words against war and
the general programme OF defense. to-
night brought his message for univer-
sal peace to the delegates of the
Southern Commercial congress in the
German Artillery hall. which was filled
to caracity. Hundreds were turned
away unable to gain admittance.
Another distinguished speaker of
the evening was William C. Gorgas,
surgeon general. u. S. A, who won
worldwide reputation because OF his
conquest OF disease in the tropics.
The title OF the Commoner's ad-
dress was War or Peace" He has
been delivering practically the same
address at many points in the United
States since his retirement as secre-
tary OF state in the wilsoY cabinet.
The address by Mr.. Eryan injected
a new element into the commercial
rious consideration to the necessity
OF arrning the United States to repel
all invasion. In his address the for
mer secretary ridiculed the idea OF a
nation attacking the United States,
thought that the driving out of whis-
key to prepare the citizenship physi-
10 h0f To, "A
scathingly arraigned what he termed
the lingo metropolitan press.
Mr.. Bryan was given an ovation to-
night when he entered the convention
hall. More than 100 persons jumped
to their feet, cheering wildly.
The Commoner was particularly
eloquent and despite the fact that
many in the audience were opposed
TO some OF the policies enunciated he
received liberal applause on every
point scored In favor OF peace. The
efforts OF Mr.. Bryan to secure pro-
sressiye legislation and his constant
fight for measures to help the masses
was the comment by Senator Duncan
y. Fletcher. president, who introduced
the former secretary.
Senetor b. r. Tillman was present
at the meeting but was forced to
leave shortly after Mr.. Bryan began
his address. The senator assured Mr..
Bryan that IT was his physical con-
dition that caused him 20 retire and
said that he would read all that he
had to say.
Upon being introduced Mr.. Bryan
said that IL was n great pleasure TO
have the privilege OF addressing the
commercial congress. He called at
tontioh to the fact that three United
States senators we're present to hear
his address. IT am glad to present
the subject to them and to YOU" nc
said at the outset OF his address. ~
am in hearty sympathy with all OF
the objects OF your association" said
the former secretary in discussing
the aims OF the commercial congress.
In his address tonight Mr.. Bryan
did not advocate the dismantling or
the fleet OF the disorganization OF the
army. He did vigorously oppose the
increase OF these two fighting wings
OF the government services. At one
time In his address the former secre-
tary said. And so much believe in
the right OF the people TO have what
they want that I admit the right of
the people to so TO war IL they really
want n but 1 feel as a North Caro-
lina congressman expressed himself.
that IL we are TO have war, it would
be better for the people to vote 1t
upon themselves than to have others
vote IL on them. II believe that the
women should vote on all questions
but IL they vote on only one it ought
TO be an election which decides the
issue between peace and war"
Mr.. Bryan's references to President
wilson we're In a very friendly tone.
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