The Oskaloosa herald., 1917-08-16
COMMERCIAL CLUB HAD A FINE
MEETING LAST EVENING.

To OskalooSa Commercial Club was
the honor Tuesday evening, of enter
tanning Hon. William Jennings Bryan
and almost one hundred and fifty of
the business men of the city sat down
to luncheon with the great Common
err at the Lacey Hotel. at six o'clock.
Mr.. Bryan addressed the gathering in
an informal way and incidentally
touched upon local affairs in brief
talk that impressed all who heard
Doctor Jay G.. Roberts. president of
the Commercial club, introduced the
national leader in a way that caught
| the fancy of the statesman and led him
| into by-paths of "reminiscences for the
moment. Mr.. Bryan is no stranger
| in Oskaloosa. AS he recalled it, he
first knew the town soon after he en-
tered public life. He addressed a
meeting here in 1892, coming to assist
Fred White in his district canvass for
congress. The present occasion was
| the first time, however, that he has
had opportunity to sit with the bust
ness men of the city at their table in
a social sense, or to address them in
a meeting of this character and he
found pleasure and qualification in the
opportunity.
Following remarks of semi-hum
orous character, touching upon per
sonal experience covering his public
career, he directed his remarks to the
club organization upon the subject Of
"co-operation, opportunity, RESPONSE
bility." Without knowing of the rec
ord of the club since reorganization
this year, he outlined for the member
ship a course of action along the yer.
lines that have been followed i'm thu
months of this season. Cooperation
was defined and set forth in new terms
by man whose power of observation
has been broadened by experience
Ample illustration was given of thu
power of cooperation, of the possibil
tiles for accomplishment. No misun
. Outstanding of his meanings. Hi
position was made clear and definite
With cooperation and organization
come duties. Opportunity for the dc
ing of greater things appears and tn
club becomes responsible for accom-
plishment The club is responsible
for the making of better town,
better state and better nation. MI
Bryan pointed out what might fall t
! the share of the club in the presen
war activity and it was with feelin
, of no little qualification that the clu
! members became conscious of havin
, already succeeded along the lines sut
, gested. When help is needed tn
club must get behind the need of tn
hour and direct the assistance n
quired. Club effort can accomplis
what individuals dare not attemL
; and in this their power and infiuenC
is multiplied.
Numerous points made by TIL
speaker were applauded and at tn
conclusion of the brief address tn
approval of the company found e!
: preston in long continued hant
clapping.
= AS a master of expression, Mr.. Br.
2 an stands as a peer. Several time
uuIlhS TIE CoulSc Vi HIS ISlhdlhS
/ gave ample evidence of his abilitie
J, to use forceful English and he pr
+ much feeling into his conclusion.
4 was a talk admirably suited and a.
o propriate to the occasion. Mr.. Br
: an would have said more but he wa
= limited as to time on account of h
= engagement for the Chautauqua pla
= form. Many who were present ;
the Commercial Club luncheon follow
! ed the speaker to the Chautauqua fc
a the evening address of the annu;
program.