Evening star., 1925-07-28
Flags to Be HaIf-Staffed
During Services to Be Con-
Quoted at New York Ave-
| nue. Presbyterian Church.
PASSING OF C0MM0NER
MOURNED BY MILLIONS
Nctables Pay Tribute to Greatness
Cf Character-Dayton, Scene of
| Last Conflict of Fighting Career,
| Says Final Farewell to Former
Secretary of State.
By the Associated Press.

By the Associated Press.
DAYTON, Tenn, July 2S.-AS the
bodv of William Jennings Bryan lay
in simple state at the home of
friend here today, simple people of
america paid him sympathetic trib-
ute. While others from among their
amidst poured messages OF coincidence
into the little white cottage which
houses the body of the Commoner,
uncounted thousand whose causes
he had championed mourned lead
sr, silently.
OF varying political views, he had
found in them a common chord
when he came forward as defender
bf the inspired Bible and revealed
aeligion.
Even as news came from Washing
Con that arrangements had been made
for burial of their loved leader among
the Nations heroes, many were pen
ming messages of sympathy to the
widow.
And while members of the imme-
Eiate family were hurrying across
the continent from California and
from other Western and Midwestern
States, these admirers were discuss
ing his virtues in homely phrases.
Dayton Pays Respects.
Among the foothills of the Cumber
lands, where he had spent the clos
ing days of his career, farmers paused
TO talk with neighbors of the man
who had passed. In simple terms
they spoke of him as they had heard
him during the past several weeks.
Or they laid aside their work in
orchards or cornfields and made their
way to Dayton, where the body this
afternoon is to lie in state.
out of Difference to these simple
people Mrs. Bryan, who had expressed
desire for an transformations funeral
service for her husband, postponed
arrangements for them to take last
Jock at his remains.
Their appreciation of this Difference
was shown today.
BY foot, astride mules, jostling be-
hind rude conveyances and by auto
mobile they came from among the
hills They talked in hushed tones
as they formed an informal parade
of honor, which passed down Market
street to the little home in South
Dayton.
Lightly they stepped as they left the
Sidewalk and passed up the four ce-
ment steps to the grassy lawn, where
rested the bronze casket. Converse
tion ceased and they were silent as
they stoicalIy viewed the placid fea-
lures of him whom they last had
heard and cheered as he defended the
Bible in which they believed.
Few See Mrs. Bryan.
Few of them ventured to intrude
Apon the WidoW-eVen to carry the
inessag ges of consolation and sympa-
thy they wished to convey. Relieved of
the burden of preparation which she
had borne unaided, she today found
more time to review the past of her
dead and to contemplate the tributes
of affectionate acclaim millions of
hearts We're bestowing upon the mem
ory of the fallen leader.
Plans for the journey to Washing
hon and interment in Arlington
Cemetery have been taken over by
William f. Thompson, youthful secre-
tary to the dead man, who was recall
ed from Virginia, to join the widow
of his former chief by news of the
death.
The body will leave for Washington
tomorrow morning and arrive Thurs
day morning. After services Friday
afternoon at the New York Avenue
Presbyterian Church, burial will be in
Arlington. President Coolidge has or
dered that flags on Government build
ing in the Capital be at half staff Fri
day.
The exact hour of the funeral will
depend upon the time of arrival. in
Washington of William Jennings
Bryan, jr., who, with his sister, Mrs.
Grace Hargreaves. is en- route from
California to join the widowed mother.
Widow Alone in Grief.
Although surrounded by friends
who sought to perform her every de-
sire Mrs. Bryan has been alone in
her grief. Her son, William Jennings
Bryan jr.. left for California a few
days before his father died. The Sec
retary had gone on his vacation. All
her daughters were in distant States
Yet the fortitude with which she
bore her sorrow amazed associates
who sought to share her suffering. Re-
peatedly her strength of will and
bright-eyed courage drew from at
PENDANTS the acclamation :
"She is the bravest woman l have
ever seen"
The approach of her daughter, Mrs.
Ruth Owen, brought a ray of cheer
to Mrs. Bryan. Mrs. Owen, fastening
here from Mount Vernon, Ohio,
where she received the news of her
fathers death, was expected to reach
Dayton early today.
Son Speeds Eastward.
William Jennings Bryan, jr., was
speeding eastward with his sister,
Mrs Grace Hargraeves. and planned
TO Join the mother in Washington
Friday morning and attend her to the
burial services later in the day.
The last rites will be simple, in ac
tordance with the wishes Of Mr..
Bryan and his widow. Little trace of
J formality touched the procedure to-
] day a chosen six from the local
post of the American Legion formed
9 uniformed guard of honor, which
CONTINUED on Page 2. Column ~