The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1897-09-24

Quiet But Most Enjoyable Manner
Party Will Visit Lenox Today.
Adams, Mass, September 23.-The pur-
pose of the visit to this, little town OF
President William Mckinley and the
members of his cabinet with their ladies
was fully accomplished today. The dis
tinguished personages came for rest and
recreation and they secured it.
At ten O'Clock number of gentlemen
headed by Major Charles A. Stott OF
Lowell, president of the Home Market
club and Col. Albert Clark of Boston.
secretary, were received by President
Mckinley for short social chat. These
gentlemen then inspected the Immense
plant of the Berkshire Cotton company,
Of which Hon. W..B. Plunkett. President
NICK Kinley's host is part owner.
Immediately after the retirement OF
the visitors, the President, Secretary Long,
Secretary Alger and Attorney General
McKenna entered into informal conver-
sation in the spacious parlor regarding
routine administration business.
At 1890 Major Mckinley and Secretary
Long took a short walk through the
grounds about the mansion. Immediate
" upon their return lunch was served.
This occupied the time until nearly 8
O'Clock, at which hour a delegation from
George e. Sayles post, G. A. b., waited
upon the President and extended an in
yitation to him to attend the ceremony of
laying the corner stone Of the new me-
mortal and public library building on
Saturday afternoon at O'Clock. The
President accepted the invitation.
No sooner had the comrades of George
e. Sayles post retired than the entire
company entered carriages for short
drive around the town. On their return
they entered No. 8 mill OF the, Berkshire
cotton company and were shown through
the entire building.
Upon every loom in the mill was an
American flag, which was waved con-
stantly by the motion of the loom. When
the ladies emerged from the mill they re-
turned at once to Mr.. W. B. Plunkett's s
residence but President Mckinley with
Secretaries Long and Alger and. Attorney
General McKenna, entered the carriages
with Mr.. Plunkett and they were taken
for an hours drive through the Graylock
and Hoosac ranges and down the valley.
On the return to the Plunkett residence
an unexpected incident occurred which
caused the President great pleasure.
The route led the party past the high
school just as the pupils were being re-
leased from their classes. There were
fully. 600 boys and girls, who, when they
recognized the distinguished party In
the carriage, which was being driven by,
set up tremendous cheering which
took the President entirely by surprise.
The carriage was instantly surrounded
frou1f4tr1da of 1a,.nor -cChool M ~
all eager to be the first to shake. hands
with the President. The drive was then
continued without incident to Mr. p Plun-
kett's house. Dinner was served at 7. 80,
and after that was over few moments
were spent in conversation. Miss Mabel
Mckinley, whose voice is clear, pure
and sweet soprano, sang several selections
to her own accompaniment. After the
individual selections had been rendered
''good old fashioned song" as Presi-
dent Mckinley termed it, was enjoyed.
1t was an inspiration to note the pleasure
with which the President and his wife
enjoyed the old familiar songs. Many of
the old hymns were sung by Miss McKin-
ley, and the other MEM bers united in
singing the chorus The ladies', Mrs.
Long, Mrs. Alger and Miss McKenna, to-
gether with Mrs. W B., Plunkett and Mrs.
G. Z. Plunkett frequently called for their
own fayorite songs which were sung with
a will. One of the most pleasing portions
of the evenings enjoyment was toward
the latter part of the evening when Secre-
tary Alger entered the parlor singing
with all the feryor of youth, "The Old
Oaken Bucket" The refrain was taken
up by the others and for few moments
the old song interested every one. After
two hours of this enjoyment the party
was broken up with ''Auld Lang Syne."
The household then retired to obtain the
rest needed for their ride to Lenox tomor-
row.