The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-03-07
Warm Greetings Are Given Gen.
Harrison on His Return to
indianapolis,
Since Manhood He Had Known no
Other Home, Had no Other
NeiRhbors
Ills Reception ~ Sincere .as tho Good
Wishes Extended When He Left
Four Years Ago.

INDrAsAroLrs, March 6.--The city was
oa'ly decorated in honor OF the return homo
OF den. Harrison. Tho day was clear and
comfortable and great crowds assembled to
welcome the distinguished citizen's return.
Busness buildings along the line Of march
from the station to tho Dennison hotel were
festooned with bunting aud many of Har-
rison's pictures were displayed. Many or
CARNATIONS participated in the parade,
Tho train bearing the president arrived
at half past eleven and Harrison was es-
corted to his carriage, the organizations fell
in limo and the procession moved toward
the hotel.
For the entire distance the streets we're
lined with great crowds of people who con-
stantly cheered as Harrison passed. His
welcome home was az warm as his God
speed to Washington was enthusiastic four
years ago. When he arrived at the hotel
the parade disbnnded. Later in the after
noon Gen. Harrison drove to his old homo
with Mr.. Mckee and family.
To-day the house of representatives unnn-
imously adopted a resolution extending to
Hon. Benjamin Harrison cordial and hearty
welcome upon his return to his home, and
congratulations for the high honor he had
achieved for himself and the state of In
diana as president Of the United States OF
America. from which high Office he has just
retired full of honors.''
The capital of the state Of Indiana did
honor to hez most distinguished citizen to-
night. Fully 1900 people gathered at the
state house to bid him welcome and
greeted him with the most enthusiastic
demonstrations Of applause. Long before
the hour for opening the doors vast
mass OF humanity was conRreRated about
the building, and when the doors swung
open it was but few minutes before everv
available space about the building was
densely thronged. 1t was the most enthu-
slastlc denomination seen in this CITY for
years, and the cheering Nhich went up gave
evidence of the deep affection and appre-
citation in which the ex-prssident is hold
by his fellow townsmen. The interior OF
the state house was beautifully draped with
flags, and over the speakers stand fioated
the state banner Of Indiana.
Mayor Sullivan called the meeting to Or
der and delivered brief speech of well
come, which was greeted with loud CHEERS
These were renewed after graceful remarks
by Gov Matthews. The governor, at the
conclusion of his speech, introduced Hon.
c. w. Fairbanks. who, in brief speech,
welcomed the distinguished son of Indiana
back to home.
When Gen. Harrison stepped to the front
of the platform the cheers were three times
three and repeated. For several minutes
the vocferous cheers lasted. and then he
spoke as follows:
Gov. Matthews, Mr.. Fairbanks and
friends: l do not think even if circum-
stances were more favorable than those
which now surround us, could say moro
fnt -
years ago. if the calendar is consulted, I
left you to assume high responsibilities. If
should consult heart and mind, l should
say it WAS ten years since bade good bye
to my Indianapolis friends. Not the rising
and setting of the sun. but our experiences,
give true sense Of duration. come back
to Indianapolis, for since ! came to man
hood l have had 70 other home Sup-
Restions of an attractive sort were made to
me to make my homo elsewhere but il
seemed to me my only home was Indian
apolis. Cheers. ! am too old to mako
new homes; not too old, hope. to renew
old associations that made this so dear a
home. to take within the circle of my affeo-
tionate regard this multitude of new faces
that l see here tonight. This city has
made wonderful growth since lsft it. l
shall have to learn again the landmarks.
Change. improvement. expansion and
increase, are everywhere apparent. and in
Indiana hade corresponding increase.
Factories ands shomes have greatly multi
piled. Our population has greatly in
creased. Wealth has been developed. and
l trust and believe that with this advance
ment along material lines there has been a
increase and development of
heart and home, which alone can make u
great people. Then. too. the nation has
had its growth and development. Some
lines of progress have been indicated.
Within the past few weeks had the pleas
ure of lifting over one of the greatest NOR
the flag Of beauty that hangs before me.
Cheers regard it as the predecessor
and pioneer of the return Of the time when
she American flag was seen on every sea-
and the American navy was hold In estims-
tion by other nations. Cheers. Only
one week ago / had the pleasure Of seeing
the greatest steamship that was ever built
in America. a battleship. which when COM
pleted would be able to cope with the
greatest ship England has upon sea, float
from her ways into the Delaware. with the
name Indiana on her side Chees.
II will not speak to you of those duties
which those years of absence have brought
me. nor their performance. | left you
with one certainty and l return with the
certainty that had no other motive in my
heart than the honor of the flag, the sacred
ness of the constitution, to aid the pros
perlty OF all our people. Cheers. i come
TO you again accompanied by a great sor-
row, but ! trust-and your presence hero
gives me your unattended by
any shame growing out of the dis
charge OF my public duties. Add to
your kindness. and to this great welcome
which you have extended to me to-day the
further Kindness of excusinR me from at
tempting to speak to you further. shall
be glad To carry out the arrangement OF the
and take HI many of you as
may by the hand. and in these days and
weeks that are to come, to meet you in my
lome III your homes. as opportunity may
,tier. MAY God bless ali." Cheers.
After the speaking the party repaired to
he stand under the rotunda, where The OK
president shook hands with the people who
lied by. Thousands were turned away un-
atisfed. but they had tho satisfaction OF
the greatest public reception to
nv Individual Indianapolis has given in
ears. Tho Legislature paid respects to
ieu. Harrison in body.
Made Requests, Not Demands.
CmcAoo, March 6.-The grievances com.
nittee of the Michigan Central switchmen