The Vermont Watchman

Peoria, Ill., Oct. 6.--A large part of the population of Peoria today took part in an elaborate demonstration to welcome to their city the President of the United States. A beautiful monument erected by Peoria's citizens as a memorial to the soldiers of the Rebellion living and dead was unveiled. The monument is erected on an elevation in front of the court house and by its side had been constructed a platform upon which the President and the members of his party took seats to review a long procession of militia, veterans of the war and returned volunteers of the Spanish war.

In his address at the dedication of the monument the President said in part: "I could add nothing of patriotic sentiment to that which has already been uttered. But I desire to express in this presence my appreciation, not of the tribute that was paid to the President of the United States, but the tribute which the people of Peoria city and Peoria county paid to the brave defenders of the American flag in time of our greatest peril. You are proud of the monument. You should be proud of the demonstration today which led to its unveiling. Six thousand children from the schools marching by with the flag of stars in their hands with the love of country in their hearts. I could not but think as I looked upon that inspiring procession that my country was safe. God bless the schools of America.

"God bless the patriotic women of the United States, and the patriotic band that projected and carried this monument to a successful conclusion. And I must not close without congratulating you that you could find in Peoria, indeed you have everything in Peoria, an artist of such high skill, born in your own city, to conceive and execute this noble monument. I thank you over and over again for this splendid demonstration of patriotism and devotion to duty."

Colonel William Jennings Bryan sat directly behind President McKinley this afternoon at Canton, Ill., while the President delivered a brief address to the citizens of that town. A street fair is in progress at Canton, and Col. Bryan had been secured to deliver a two hours' speech. The Nebraskan was among the first to greet President McKinley as he left the train and ascended the platform.

When the President concluded his address, he turned and heartily grasped Col. Bryan's outstretched hand.

"Good bye, Mr. President," said Col. Bryan, and the President responded with a word of farewell. This closed the short meeting between the former rivals of 1896, as the Presidential train left immediately. Col. Bryan delivered his address after the departure of the President.

President McKinley said at Canton:

"Our glorious old flag, the symbol of liberty, floats today over two hemispheres. During the recent war we had exhibitions of unprecedented patriotism on the part of the people and unmatched heroism on the part of our soldiers and sailors (applause.) Our second great triumph is the triumph of prosperity. The busy mills, the active industries, the general prosperity have scattered plenty o'er our smiling country. The third great triumph is the triumph which we have had over sectionalism. We are no longer a divided people and he would stir up animosities between the North and South is denied a hearing in both sections. The boys of the South and the boys of the North fought triumphantly on land and sea in every engagement during our war. So I conclude by saying that this nation has been greatly blessed and at this hour we are a united and prosperous and patriotic people. And may that Divine Providence who has guided us in all our doings, continue his favor to us forevermore.'"