The Palatka daily news. (Palatka, Fla.) 1884-1888, 1888-02-24
NJ. II. kOGERO.

was difficult task and as the President
| and Mrs. Cleveland came up the long
platform hundreds of necks were craned
to the utmost to get a peep at the
Chief Ruler and his far lady.
Upon reaching the main en-
| trance and as the President emerged
| from the building the assembled multi
tude parted and made an opening to the
forward end of the hindmost coach.
THEY PROCEED TO THE TRAIN.
The President with Mrs. Cleveland on
his arm moved deliberately along, the
crowd keeping respectful distance till
within about six feet of the platform,
when the people in their eagerness and
excitement pressed forward more closely,
and amid some little confusion and dis
| arrangement the party mounted the
platform, Mrs. Cleveland passing
Immediately into the coach, while the
President remained standing on the plat
form, removing his hat while he ac-
knowledged the greetings of the people,
THE PRESIDENT SPEAKS.
Standing moment thus, the usual
American demand for a speech was
made, and cheers were enthusiastically
called for and as enthusiastically re-
sponded to for the next President of the
United States. In response to the shout
of some one of the crowd of ardent ad-
mirers, Sorry you can't stop in Pa
latka, the President responded in
hearty manner, mo more so than t.
This was the only speech to be obtained.
HAND SHAKING.
As an acknowledgement however, to
the continued cheering of the crowd the
President replaced his hat on his head,
and stepping down on to the steps of
the car held out his hand, and it was
Immediately grasped. This was the sig
nal for wild and frantic rush. As
soon as it was seen by those in the rear
that the President was shaking hands
with the people there was a general
scramble for grasp of the coveted hand.
The mass surged forward and it was
with great difficulty that the ladies pres
ent could preserve an equilibrium.
MRS. CLEVELAND COMES OUT.
Meantime the demand was many
times repeated for Mrs. Cleveland, and
as she advanced and stood in the door
way cheer after cheer went up for the
wife of the President. At last some in
dividual, with more enthusiasm than
politeness, demanded repeatedly that the
lat should be held up so that Mrs.
Cleveland could be more plainly seen.
Mrs. Cleveland. as response to the de
mand, stepped forward and crossing
over to the rear platform of the car IN
front advanced as far as the platform
would admit and leaning forward greeted
the cheering crowd with a smile.
FAREWELL PALATKA.
But trains and Presidents cannot wait
forever. however enthusiastic are the
greetings, and soon the word was passed
to stand back, and the Presidents train
moved out. and amid cheers President
Cleveland and his fair and graceful COM
panion babe farewell to Palatka.
WHY THEY FAILED TO STOP.
The committee who visited st. Au-
gustine to arrange for the expected visit
of the President consisted of Messrs. H. |
L. Hart, W. j. Webb, S. j. Kennerly |
Sherman Conant. w. J. Vinegar, Martin |
Griffin, ST., and c. r. Jones. They |
proceeded to the Ponce de Leon and |
sent in their cards. but were unable |
to obtain an interview. owing to the
great pressure of business, till quite late.
They then learned that on account of the |
Iateness of the hour at which the recep-
lion at the Ponce de Leon would con-
clude it would be impossible to make
any stop in Palatka. The President and
Mrs. Cleveland expressed great regret at
their inability to visit Palatka and its
orange groves, and said it would have
given them great pleasure to have taken
} trip on the Ocklawaha River.