The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-10-09

The other branch of the reception SER
vice was finally named the Canton
Troop, after the Canton Cavalry, the
Mounted Escort, and numerous mill
tary titles had been experimental with
for several weeks. 1t Is composed of a
hundred or more men who ride horse
back and wear broad trimmed slouch
hats and high-toped boots. They are
organized on military lines, the officers
reception committee the troop is as
signed in details for different days. But
there is a standing order that while a
certain number shall do duty for each
delegation, all who can so arrange are
to swell the column. From six to fifty
hOrsemen head each delegation. 1t Is
the duty of the troop to meet all visit
ing delegations at the station, seek out
the chief marshal and line officers and
organize parade, and then ride at its
head to the Mckinley home. The or
derly for the day, usually a vigorous
young man in full military uniform, Is
sent on ahead at a gallOp with card
giving information about the delega-
tiOn, the name of the spokesman, and
such other matters as may he necessary
to make proper arrangements at the
house and on the lawn. Then the Or
derly rides back. and says whether or
kinley is ready to receive the callers.
OTHER ALLIES.
Aside from the regular and general
escorts there are number of special
organizations for special visitors. For
instance, the native fennslyyanians
now in Canton have an escort for
delegations from the keystone state
the Swedish-Americans have organized
to receive their fellow countrymen;
the resident commercial travellers play
the parts of host to all delegations Of
their craft: railroad men furnish a
committee to look after railroaders,
and bicyle riders pilot wheelmen. On
Saturdays, the recognized feature days
half a dozen marching clubs are on the
streets for escort duty, and the big
club Of watch workers from the Due
ber- -Hampden works is usually found
at the head Of Industrial bodies
At the Mckinley home a special
diary is kept for the engagements with
delegations. When application for a
date is made it is promptly accepted
unless the date is crowded with pre-
viOus engagements, when a change Is
suggested. and usually made unless ar
rangements are too far advanced Re-
strictiOns, however, are seldom placed
for that day, and it is accepted as a
fixture for the campaign that Major
Mckinley shall give his Saturdays
wholly over to dooryafd receptions.
When a delegation reaches the city,
its arrival Is reported at the house. The
porch, so far as possible, Is cleared for
the newspaper correspondents and the
committees. One part of the lawn is
assigned to the bands. The banners
and flags are arranged along the side
of the house so that they may be read
by the crowd. Major Mckinley sits in
his library until the spokesman and
committee Of the visitors come in,
usually escorted by one of his secre-
taries. The introductions and the lit
tie conversation accompanying them
serve to give Major Mckinley the nec-
essary pointers as to whom he Is to ad-
dress, so that he can incorporate in
his response sentiment appropriate to
each interest represented before him.
BY this time Mrs. Mckinley and a few
friends are seated in the little hall with
full view Of the porch, and the path
made as the party comes out Of the
library Is kept clear that the ladies
| may view the whole reception. This Is
at times an herculean task but the
ushers so. far have succeeded admir-
| ably. The speechmaking Is done from
a plain wooden chair Several of these
chairs have already been disposed Of,
| one breaking down under the weight of
corpulent speakers and another fallen
prey to relic hunter.
After the speaking, II the crowd Is
not too large. an opportunity is given
to each of the visitors to shake hands
with the candidate. This IL accomp-
lished by forming q line across the
| porch. The chairman of the delegation
! frequently presents'each man by name