The Senator Who Stood on the Train

TORCH PARADE AT MIDNIGHT.

Spokane Spokesman, Jan. 25.

There was music in the air last night; there were torches that flickered and flared on a large crowd of enthusiastic Republicans; there were transparencies that excited cheers; there were speeches; and there was a general enthusiasm that is seldom seen at midnight. It was an occasion long to be remembered—the spontaneous greeting by Spokane to United States Senator Squire, who was en route to the nation's capital after a fight in which he rose superior to Judge Calkins and Nelson Bennett's boodle campaign.

As soon as it was learned that Senator Squire, accompanied by Mrs. Squire and Private Secretary C. B. Dillingham, formerly of the Spokesman, would pass through Spokane, J. Scott Johnson interested himself in a reception. His suggestion was readily taken up, and in a few hours everything was ready.

At midnight many of the loyal Republicans of Spokane assembled at the Coeur d'Alene, where torches and transparencies were ready, and headed by the Second Regiment band, a big procession started for the depot. It was a large and enthusiastic crowd that gave vent to its satisfaction with Senator Squire's re-election by vociferous cheering as it went through the streets. The streets were ablaze with light, and the drowsy occupants of the buildings along the route awoke, listened to the inspiring music, hurried to the windows and joined in the joyous cries of victory.

Among the transparencies were the following: "Our Senator, Warren C. Squire." "He got there without bribes." "He got there without winking." "He got there without fraud." "Senator Squire, the boodlers' enemy." "Down with Bennett, the shad-driver."

When the train stopped the crowd gave an enthusiastic welcome, the band played a lively air and Senator Squire appeared in response to the demands of the populace. Again he was cheered, and for a few minutes he was busy shaking hands with his numerous friends. Mrs. Squire appeared on the platform and was greeted with applause by the crowd.

The Hon. S. C. Hyde then ascended the platform of one Pullman and addressed Senator Squire, who stood opposite him. He said:

"Senator Squire: The people of Spokane Falls greet you with the greatest warmth and cordially. We have received the news of your re-election to the United States Senate with unfeigned gladness... We believe that political parties should be just... You are about to take your seat in the highest deliberative body in the greatest nation upon earth; you stand but one step from the presidency... The people of this state demand a great reform in the methods by which they shall choose their senators. They demand that senators be chosen by the vote of the people..."

Mr. Hyde was frequently interrupted by applause.

Senator Squire began a response, but was interrupted by the train moving off without warning. The senator said:

"Mr. Hyde and Fellow Citizens: Your kind welcome is very gratifying to me—so much so that I am almost at a loss for words with which to fittingly respond. Your greeting is so warm, so earnest, that it impresses me more than you can ever know. I shall hold in my heart Spokane's reception and I shall always remember with gratitude her earnest support during the late contest."

At this point the train started and raising his voice he said as he disappeared "Spokane has proven herself my friend; I shall aim to stand by Spokane," then he was gone. The crowd gave him a departing cheer and the train rolled away in the night.