The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-10
NEEDS SUPPORT AND SYMPATHY HE TELLS CROWD Gets First T Reception At Grafton And Another
 7. At FairTnont SPEAKS TO THRONG FROM HIS MIRANDA Heart Very Full, Stand
 ard Bearer Tells '<- NeighbOrs

presidential candidate and to seek from his friends and neighbors strength and en- couragement for the task that lies ahead.
 Crossing the sWest Virginia line early today from New York, he had his first well come at Grafton. his official reception here in the place where he was born, and his second home coming tonight at Fairmont, the rock of his early. political strength and the home of his field marshal, Glenn L. Shaver.
 Addressing his friends and neighbors from the veranda of his old home, Mir. Davis assured them that it was neither by accident, nor by caprice, nor with out forethought, that in this crisis of his life he had returned home for strength. for sympathy, for encourage ment and for support.
 HeAre GOeS sUutR k1O SAJos
 "In the presence of this welcome, in sight of these familiar faces, my heart goes out of me-" he said. 'tf must wait to speak until it comes back.
 'There is an old fable of the myth ological giant, the son of Mother Earth, whose strength was as the strength of ten when on the earth. Lifted above the earth, his power fell from him and it did not return until once more he had reached the earth. Such is the sentiment that inspires me now.
 "It is not by accident, nor by mere caprice, nor without thought that at this crisis in my life I have come back here for strength, for sympathy for encouragement and for support.
 ''Your presence and in such great numbers and with such smiling faces assures me that I have not come in vain. l shall leave you strengthened and heartened for the heavy task that lies ahead.
 Tt is not easy to transplant a tree that has had from forty to fifty years of growth. It is not possible to trans plant memories, traditions and friend. ships that have come to one who lived forty-five years in a single spot.
 No Place Like Home.
 Although fate has made me a wan derer here and there over the earth, you not I, are responsible for that. You fourteen years ago called me from the practice here I was enjoying and made me that wanderer on the face of the earth. But I never have cut the ties of affection that bind me to Clarks' burg, West Virginia, and their citi' zens. Never, even in thought or speech has home meant anything other than this spot.
 Forgive me if I say no more. Out of the fullness of the heart the mouth may wish to speak without finding words But Mrs. Davis and myself thank you fol. this welcome. We bow before you , in gratitude and our hearts are very full"
 Before his official reception here, Mir Davis was welcomed informally al Grafton, the first stop of his train in West Virginia. Mounting baggage truck there, he expressed his joy at being upon native soil again and his appreciation of the welcome extended to him and to Mrs. Davis.
 Goes To Fairm0nt.
 This evening he made thirty mile trip to Fairmont to greet his support CTS there who haze stood loyally by him in all his political adventures Speaking at the home of Mir. Shaver the nominee declared that while he could not recall the first time he camt to Fairmont that when he came tC count his friends the numbers did not decrease when he got over the Harrison county line.
 After he had recalled by name s number of West Virginians who had had a part in shaping his early politi cal career, Mir. Davis apolOgized fOi dropping into "reminiscences.
 Ut is enough for me to say" he de clared, ''how I rejoice to be with you again and how sincere is my gratitude for this evidence of your friendship and good will. A heavy task has fal len to my lot. You. will not be sur prised that, when, I looked about fol aid in performing it. my mind turned first of all to West Virginia. I wal not long in finding there the man needed. I came to Marion county and drafted your fellow-townsmah and my friend, Clem Shaver, as field marshal We in. West Virginia konw his polit ical wisdom and sagaeity. We know too, his loyalty, integrity and courage and before long, the demOcracy of thC United States will join us in our high estimate of him as a citizen and as ( man.
 Thousands Line Streets.
 And, so, in the name fold friend q f,v al that your support has meant to ma in the days that are gone, and my thanks for this evidence that you will not deny it to me in the days that are to come" p
 Reaching Clarksburg early in tho day. Mir. Davis was greeted by hundreds at the railroad station and thousands that lined the streets leading to his home. One of the first sights as hC stepped from his ear was the West Virginia standard used in the New York national convention. After tho station reception had Ended, this stand ard had it's place in line with the na tionai, state and town flags.
 Immediately the procession got eun der way, Mir Davis was surrounded by a chering crowd, and it was lonly with difficulty that it was able to make its way. His head barred, the candidate stood in the tonneau smiling and way ing in response to continuous Ova tiop.
 The crowds that had accompanied his car overflowed the lawn at the Davis home on Lee street. Escorted tC the veranda by the local reception com mittee, the candidate was rendered the welcome of the city by Harrington c Otis, city manager, and Samuel R Bentley, president of the Chamber oi