The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1915-12-21
TALK OF PEACE
AFTER DEFENSE
BRYAN STRIKES NEW NOTE AT
CHARLESTON.
CommOner Tells Men Who Uurge
Preparedness That War is
Idle Fear.

Idle Fear.
The State.
Charleston, Dec. 16.-William Jen-
nings Bryan, leading exponent of The
forces in the United States who are
battling with words against war and
the general program of defense, to-
night brought his message for univer-
sal peace to the delegates of the South
ern Commercial congress in the Ger
man Artillery hall, which was filled
to capacity. Hundreds were turned
away unable to gain admittance.
Another distinguished speaker of the
evening was William C. Gorgas, sur
geon general, U. S. A., who won
worldwide reputation because of his
conquest of disease in the tropics.
The title of the Commoner's address
was "War or Peace" He has been
delivering practically the same address
at many points in the United States
since his retirement as secretary Of
state in the Wilson cabinet.
The address by Mr.. Bryan injected a
new element into the commercial con-
gress, which has been giving serious
consideration to the necessity of arm
ing the United States to repel all in
vasion. In his address the former sec
retary Iidiculed the idea of nation
attacking the United States, thought
that the driving out of whiskey to pre-
pare the citizenship physically fit for
a battle is better and scathingly ar
raigned what he termed the lingo met
ropolitan 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 elo-
quent 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 MI.
Bryan to secure progressive legisla-
tion and his constant fight for meas,
ures to help the masses was the COM.
ment by Senator Duncan u Fletcher,
president, who introduced the former
secretary.
Senator B. R. Tillman Was present
at the meeting but was forced to leave
shortly after Mr. Bryan began his ad-
dress. The senator assured Mr. Bryan.
thatlt was mis- physical condition that
caused him to retire and said that he
would read all that he had to say.
Upon being introduced Mr.. Bryan
said that it was a great pleasure to-
have the privilege Of addressing the
commercial congress. He called at
tention to the fact that three United
States sesators were present to near
his address. Z am glad to present the
subject TO them and to YOU he said
at the outset of his address. Il am In,
hearty sympathy with all OF the OBJ
jects of your association said the
former secretary in discussing the
aims of the, commercial congress.
In mis- address tonight Mr.. Bryan
did not advocate the dismantling OF
the feet or the Reorganization of the
army. He did vigorously oppose the
increase of these two fighting wings
Of the government services. At one
lime in his address the former seere--
tary said. 'And l so much believe in
the right of the people to naTe "aaE
they want that 1 admit the right OF
the neople to go to war if they really
want, BUT l feel as a North Caroana
expressed himself, that
# we are to have war, it would be bet
ter for the people to vote it upon Them
selves than to have others vote 1t On
them. 81 believe that the women
shourd vote on all questions. but if they
vote on only one it ought to be an elec-
ion which decides the issue between
Deace and war.
Mr.. Bryan's references to President
Wilson were in a very friedly tone.