New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-02-23
THE PRESIDENT IN FLORIDA.
RECEIVED WITH A SOUTHERN WELCOME.
MRS. CLEVELAND ENTHUSIASTICALLY cHEERED-
KxERCIsEs AT THE sUB-TRoPICAL EXPOSITION.
lBY TELEGRAPH THE TRIBUNE.1

IBr TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE
JACKSONVILLE. Fla, Feb. 22-To-day-the first
time a Democratic President ever set foot on
Florida soil-was q red-letter day in the annals Of
this city. Twice have Republican Presidents
Grant and Arthur, been entertained here; but Mr.
Cleveland's visit at this time with his wife rem
dered the circumstances of his trip so peculiar as
to cause the people of this State to rise en- masse
and to give him reception truly
royal in its character. For all this.
Mrs Cleveand's winsome ways the
true loadstone The streets began to be thronged
at an early hour and by 2 p. m. there were fully
10000 people along the line Of the procession The
reception committee consisting of Mayors Bur
bridge and Smith and twenty Of the leading citi-
zens, proceeded to the station. As the train
stopped Mr.. and Mrs. Cleveland appeared on the
platform, and deafening cheers and gun-salutes
rent the air The President assisted her to alight,
and they were followed by Secretary and Mrs
Whitney and Colonel and Mrs. Lamont. Captain
William NJ Davidson made the party welcome to
Florida and led them into the reception-room
where the committee were awaiting them.
Mayor Burbridgc soon after escorted the Prcsi-
Dental party to the carriages outside As they
appeared they were most heartily cheered, and
salute OF twenty-one guns was fired. The Presi-
dent looked wan and tired Mrs. Cleveland looked
well, but was rather pale. She wore n black felt
travelling bonnet with q veil half cOnccaling hen
face, dress of dark green SERGE
heavily braided, and tan-cOlored coat
After lunch the Presidential party made ready
for the procession to the Sub-TIOpical The route
to the SUD Tropical was lined with thousands and
the cheering was continuous. salute OF twenty
one guns received them there and the special COM
mittee then escorted them to the grand gallery IN
the building An immense throng greeted them.
and when j. j. Daniel arose 10 introduce the Pres-
dent G.O00 people were gathered III The 6uildlng
He extended q warm welcome 10 the President ana
assured him that Floridas heart beat nigh for him.
Congratulations were given to the Chief Magis-
trate for his successful administration and pre-
dlctlons were made for its continuance.
THE PRESIDENT MAKES A SHORT sPEECH.
The President briefly replied as follows:
Mr. Daniel: greatest grahcatio1 that am
permitted wonders OF State and to meet your
warm hearted people The welcome you nave given 10
me makes me already feel quito at my ease. Every
one must DO impressed the gr OF our country
and diversity Of its climate and Its products
travel of twenty four hours he leaves
behind AMI to exchange them Tor the Dalmy
air. the bloom an the OF citizen OF the
states OF health and pleasure or OF comfort
needs not leave lose the protection OF
American Institutions The advantage OF foreign travel
suppose denied and yet believe that there arc
those things land which Will be OF interest and
nstruc. those who are interested In looking
on the sights o. foreign lands. one satisfaction
have is that those travellers when th'y retnrh'
return with increased love iof
their homes and 7 sometimes thought that good
part spent discovering how much we love our
own country had OF increasing cur PATRIOTISM
patton at the seat OF government
connry and ts people and is interests are con
subjects OF an anxiety make 1t difficult Tor mo
no. things and yet want you to know ta'
special visit In the h)lty have taken propose
to leave behind all the OF Office ana
devote the short time az my disposal to tho iui
enjoyment which you invite in midst Cheers want
10 your proiucs want TO see the
OF want to sac the growth and exloer
OF your fruits having these and ganol an in
beauty my country believe shall return TO my post o
duty better you AMI oil my feow-cilizens
lLOud and continued cheers
Mrs. Cleveland and others of the party were
then introduced and the cheers for Mr.. Cleveland
were especially loud and long. The party were
then driven back to the st. Jamcs's Hotel where
a public reception was given at 80. over t W
people passed to shake hands with the President
and Mrs Cleveland, and the crowds fingered
around the hotel till late hour. The decorations
at the Suh-lropical were magnificent and wholly
of q tropical character. The President expressed
his surprise at the magnitude OF the exposition.
The party will leave tomorrow noon for indian
River and will be there till Friday evening. Inc
President will be turned loose among the me
groves in that section, that Is one thing he Is
/ really anxious for.