Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-06-12
PRESIDENT SPEAKS.
A BODY OF EN-CONFEDERATE HIS
GUARD OF HONOR.
IF CONCRATULATES TENNESSEE,


NASHN Lille, IENN', J"hc IL "N
Centennial city extended a warm re-
ception to President Mckinley and the
members of his party this morning
The distinguished guests arrived at 1:50
o'clock. but long before that hour crowds
thronged the streets and railroad station.
Major j. " Thomas. president pf the
Tennessee Centennial Exposition, and the
members of the Executive Committee
were at the depot when the special train
arrived. After a cocdial greeting. the
guests Of the city were driven TO the
Maxwell House and there provided with
accommodations and breakfast. As soon
as breakfast was over the presidential
party was ushered into carriages from
the Church-Street entrance Of the hotel,
and the line was soon formed, the press
and many gorgeously attired members
Of Governor Bushnelrs staff occupying
three huge tally-ho coaches. In the first
carriage were President Mckinley, Mrs.
Yam Leer Kirkman. president of the
WOman's Board. and Major j. W.
Thomas. president of the Centennial
Company. In other carriages were the
secretaries and visiting distinguished
guests, and the ladies of the party.
As a guard Of honor 20 the President,
mounted detachment Of eX-Confede-
rates. commanded by Captain George +.
Hager ranged themselves Immediately
in front Of his carriage. They wore the
od-time gray. but the buckles of their
belts bore the insignia. "U. $" In the
rear Of the line OF carriages marched
ha Of ha Ifrf
under command Of Colonel Miner. sent
from Fort Thomas. headed by their fine
band. The State troops and a particu-
larly good-looking body of Cincinnati
police. under command OF their chief
made up the uniformed part of the pa
rade As the head of the proce ssion
turned into the main entrance of the
Exposition Grounds. battery of artil-
lery doomed forth the national salute of
twenty-one guns.
The auditorium. in which the exercises
Of the day were held. will seat COM
fortably 1880 people. and fully 20 per cent.
more than that number were added to-
day I'm the crowds that stood i'm the foyers
and galleries. 1t was a representative,
intSlieent, and noteworthy audience
one which inspired the speakers to their
best efforts-and was particularly appre-
dealt with the glories of our united ma
tion. The heat was intense. but it could
not cheek the enthusiasm. 4 wandering
band played Dixie" just before the last
gun Of the salute announced the Prcsi-
dents arrival on the grounds, anc that
air, loved for its associations by south
orners and for its suggestive melody by
northerners brought out a wave OF hearty
cheers. They were but murmurs, how
ever. compared TO the mighty roar burst
ing forth as President Mckinley. with
Mrs. Kirkman, beautifully gowned in
summery materials, walked down the
aisles and on TO the platform.
OVATION TO MRS. TKINLEY.
Governor Bushnell and staff were also
generously applauded, while 10 Governor
Taylor, Our Bob" as they love 70 call
him, a generous outburst was awarded
Commissioner-of-P Pensions III. Clay Evans
native OF Tennessee, was also a reci-
pent OF hearty cheers Mrs. Mckinley
had concluded not to accompany the party
I'm the procession, and disappointment was
expressed at her non-appearance. When
She did come it gave rise TO one Of the
most delightful Incidents of the trip.
Governor Bushnell was In the midst
of his speech when a cheer. swelling
from the back of the Auditorium. and
thence communicating to the main floor
and the galleries. showed that some
event of extraordinary interest was
transpiring. \ moment later Mrs. Nc
Kinlcy appeared I'm the central aisle,
leaning on the arm of Mr.. James r.
Dunn, and accompanied by her aunt. Mrs.
Saxton, and Mrs. John Hin Eakin-the
latter Of Nashville Governor Bushnell
gracefully yielded the floor. and the inn
mense audience sprang 20 it's feet cheer
ing Justify. The cheers were redoubled
when the gentle lady Of the White House
reached the platform. The President
hurried to meet and greet her. and
conducted her TO a seat at his side.
huge bunch of roses was handed Mrs.
Mckinley from the Auditorium floor. and
as she bowed and smiled her thanks
the crowd again broke into cheers
A variation upon "Our old Kentucky
Homo" was fitting prelude TO the
speeches. which were opened by Hon.
John w Thomas, president Of the Ex-
position. who was master Of ceremonies
on the Auditorium stage.
President Thomas was very brief but
extended the heartiest of welcomes to
the President, 10 une members Of the
Cabinet. 10 Governor Bushnell, and the
visiting Ohioans. and TO the representa-
tives of the press. Mr.. Thomas then
introduced Governor Taylor of Tennes-
see. as "Our Bob" His appearance was
the signal for loud cheers. and his witty
illusions provoked much laughter Gov
ernor Taylor was followed by w. L.
Mccarthy, Mayor Of Nashville. who add
ed to the welcomes given. and he. in
turn by Senator w. r. Clark president
Of the Centennial Commission.
After a musical interlude Governor
Asa $ Bushnell, of ohio. was intro
duced. his bow being followed by
hatterlng reception, in which the ladies
Joined with hands and handkerchiefs.
When the applause that followed Gov
ernor BushneHs perOration subsided
President Thomas introduced the great
figure of the occasion. and Mr.. McKin-
ley's face lit up as the audience rose
en- masse and shouted out cheer after
cheer. To the correspondents. who
ioined most heartily in the ovation. the
scene recalled q national convention
when the name OF some national favorite
IS mentioned in a nominating speech
For several minutes the cheering went
on. and the President could only stand
and smile and wait At last quiet came
and in a clear. penetrating voice. and
with more gesture than is his won't the
Chief Executive delivered speech
which VIII long hold n place Of honor
in the annals Of Tennessee. He sald:
THE PRESIDENTS SPEECH.
"Oficers Of the Tennessee Cent nnial
Exposition. Ladies and Gentlemen
American nationality. compared with that
OF Europe and the East Is still very
young. and yet already we are beginning
to have age enough for centennial anni-
versaries in States other than the orislnal