05A.10. On The Train With Bryan

10 -- ON THE TRAIN WITH BRYAN

I once rode on the train with the late William Jennings Bryan, a man known all over the world and loved and respected by thousands. I shall never forget how, when he entered the coach, men quit reading their papers and turned in their seats to watch the great commoner as he passed down the aisle; how some moved their grips from their seats thinking perhaps he would sit by them; and how attentive the old Negro porter seemed to be. When I got on the train it was different. No one quit reading his paper to look at me, and no one made a place for me to sit. The old Negro porter did not even seem to notice me. I had to find a seat without help. As the train pulled out, I sat musing on the greatness of the man, his world-wide reputation and the influence he wielded in the affairs of our country, when I was aroused by the voice of the conductor saying, "Tickets please, have your tickets ready." And I noticed this great man had to produce a ticket to ride on the train the same as I did. So it is on the trip to glory. Your money, your prestige, your reputation may get you by many places and through many things in this life, but on that trip, it will take the blood.

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