Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-02-23
WELCOMED TO FLORIDA.
A ROYAL RECEPTION OF THE PRESl-
 DENT AT JACKSONVILLE.
Over Thirty-five Thousand People Unite in Cordial Greeting to the Land or Flow ers-Mrs. Cleveland Comes in for Share of the HOnOrs.

TIA A NOTulAl OT6GtnS LO tho AoAA~~ O~
 FlOwers-Mrs. Cleveland Comes in for
 Share of the Honors.
 JAcksoNvILLE, Fla, Feb. 23-The well come rendered to president and Mrs. Cleve- land and senatorial party by the city of Jack sonville yesterday genuine and cordial The entire population of the city mingled with the 35, 900 visitors on the streets, and greeted the distinguished visitors in manner known only to southern people. The enthusiasm manifested was unanimous, and the lusty cheers and shouts which greeted the president and his wife they passed through the streets came from the heaEss of the assembled multitude along the line of march. The day undoubtedly was the greatest in the history . this city, and will long be remembered.
 At exactly 2:3O o'clock D. m. the special train rolled into the yards, and stopping with the rear platform exactly opposite the car peted way, the chief ruler of the land stepped to the platform, followed by Mrs. Cleveland, Secretary of the Navy Whitney and Mrs. Whitney and Secretary and Mrs. Lamont. They were met by Capt. William M. Davld- son. a brother of Congressman Davidson, who saluted them with Chesterfeldian bow, and conducted them to the reception room, where he introduced them in simple manner to the members of the reception committee
 
 handsome carriage covered with flowers and drawn by six beautiful black horses. Carpet was stretched from the train, through the waiting room to the carriages. This was literally strewn with flowers
 As the president emerged from the south exit of the ladies' waiting room cheer went up from the assembled thousands that shook the buildings. It was equal almost to an earthquake. The president was accompanied by Maj. Burbridge who escorted him to the carriage Closely following the president and Maj. Burbridge was Mrs. Cleveland, in company with Col. J. Harrison Thomes A salute of twenty one guns was then fired.
 The procession was formed in an orderly manner and there was no delay in escorting the party to the St. James, hotel. AS the carriage containing the president and Mrs. Cleveland rolled through the streets the crowds on the sidewalks, on balconies and Ill windows greeted them with cheers and wav- ing of handl1erchiefs. The cheers were like the roar of the waves rolling along from the depot to the hotel.
 Very little time was spent by MT. and Mrs. Cleveland in the St. James. The procession was again formed, and the march resumed through the principal streets to the Sub Tropical exposition. Shouting, cheering and the waving of hats and handkerchiefs was
  everything was ill readiness. The slightest emergency was provided for, and although there were fully 5000 people in the building there was no crowding or disorder.
 Col. J. J. Daniel introduced the president, who was greeted with round upon round of cheers. He bade the president welcome, and eulogized highly the administration of the chief magistrate His remarks were greeted with applause, especially his references to Mir. Cleveland's work; but when he had fin ished, and turned and introduced the presi- dent, the applause was indeed deafening.
 Mr. Cleveland spoke about five minutes in a distinct voice that could be heard all over the vast building. He thanked them for their kind words, and expressed his hearty appreciation of the magnificent greeting given him. He knew of Florida's resources, but never till to-day had he realized their full immensity He was frequently interrupted by rounds of applause, and at the close of his speech cheer upon cheer rent the air, while the band played 'Dixie," "Star Spangled Banner" and Hail to the Chief"
 Mrs. Cleveland was then introduced to the audience, and she received a real ovation.
 At 4:3O the party were driven to the St. James, and at S:3O held an immense reception, fully 5000 people attending The jam was terrific. The reception was the crowning feature of the day. The crowds that gathered in the neighborhood of the park, elbowing each other to get near the entrance, num- bered fully 5000 people It was good natured gathering, and, while the majority were unable to get peepat the president and his popular wife, they took it pleasantly, and walked off to see the sights when the reception was over.
 The decorations were very much admired and in this particular the city of Jacksonville and her merchants fairly outdid themselves Excellent taste was displayed.
 The party visited the exposition again this morning, and then left for south Florida and the Indian river, returning Friday. The president and Mrs Cleveland express them Ives as much pleased with their experiences here.