The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1897-09-24
UP In THE BERKSHIRE HILLS
HOW THE PRESIDENT and PARTY
IRE ENJOYING THEMSELVES.

of the Nations Chief Magistrate-Presi-
dent to Lay the Corner Stone of a Me-
mortal Building-An Inspection of the
Berkshire Mills.
Adams, Mass, Sept 23.-The purpose
of the visit to this little town of Presi-
dent Mckinley and the members of his
cabinet, with their ladies, was fully ac-
complished to-day. The distinguished
personages came for rest and recre-
alton, and they secured it, Taken all
in all, the weather was not particularly
good and just at dusk smart shower
fell.
A long nights rest had refreshed both
the ladies and gentlemen and the
breakfast hour was a particularly hap
py one. At 10 o'clock number of gen.
tlemen, headed by Major Charles A.
Stott of Lowell, president of the Home
Market club, were received by Presi-.
dent Mckinley for short social chat.
Nothing of Importance was discussed.
These gentlemen then inspected the
immense plant of the Berkshire Cotton
company.
In the meantime the Misses Mckinley
and McKenna had gone for a short
drive through the valley, accompanied
by Mrs. Plunkett.
Immediately after the retirement of
the visitors, the president, Secretary
Long, Secretary Alger and Attorney,
General McKenna entered into informal
conversation in the spacious parlor re-
garding routine administration busi-
ness
Later Major Mckinley and Secretary
Long took short walk through the
grounds and about the mansion and
upon their return dinner was served.
This occupied the time until nearly 5
o'clock, at which time delegation from
George E. Sayles post, G. A. R., waited
upon the president and extended an in
vitation to him to attend the ceremony
of laying the corner stone of the new
memorial and public library building
on Saturday afternoon. The president
in reply to the invitation said:
II am in your town and if there is
anything Of interest going on I want
to see it. I will be pleased to lay your
cornerstone for you, but you must not
expect me to make any remarks;
wish to be left at perfect liberty to do
what I choose
This proposition was agreed to and
the time set for Saturday afternoon at
O'Clock. This will give the presiden-
tial party ample time to reach Adams
on their return from Lenox
Although all arrangements have not
vet been completed for the exercises
at the laying Of the cornerstone, there
will be a short parade from the Adams
station to the site Of the building The
president, cabinet officers and the la
dies will be escorted by George E..
Sayles post. Invitations to appear in
the parade have been sent to the G.
A. r. posts in this section. A silver
trowel will be used by the president at
the act of laying the stone.
No sooner had the comrades retired
than the entire company entered car
riages for a short drive around the
town. On their return they entered No.
3 mill of the Berkshire Cotton COM
pany, which is five stories in height.
President and Mrs Mckinley, with
Miss Mabel Mckinley, remained upon
the elevator all the time, however, it
being stopped at each floor while the
mode of operation in each department
was explained by the Messrs. PIunkett
and superintendent y. D. Hall. Every
operative was at work and every loom
and spindle in the immense building
was run at full speed. There was no
demonstration of any kind during the
entire tour of the mill Upon every
loom uJa IN A Ha
waved constantly by the motion Of the
loom.
When the ladies emerged from the
mill they returned at once to Mr. W.
B. Plunketts residence, but the presi-
dent 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.
The drive was an unusually pleasant
one, and as the carriage was driven
over the excellent roads on both the
Graylock and Hoosac ranges frequent
stops were made to enable the presi
dent to drink in the invigorating air.
The drive was continued around the
town. and on the ret srn to the Plum
kett 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 released from their classes.
There were fully six hundred boys and
girls, who, when they recognized the
distinguished party in the carriage, set
up tremendous cheering, taking the
president entirely by surprise The
carriage was instantly surrounded with
a multitude of larger school children.
all eager to be the first to shake hands
with the president, and Major McKin-
ley had great difficulty in releasing his
hands from their enthusiastic grasp.
The drive was then continued without
incident to Mr.. Plunkett's house. Dim
ner was served at $780, and after that
was over a few moments were spent
in conversation. Mr.. Plunkett had in
vited DR.. Delos Kennedy of North Ad-
ANS who is quite a prominent violinist,
and his sister, Miss Florence Kennedy
an excellent pianist, to assist in the
entertainment of his guests. Mr..
Thomas earn was also present. The
evenings enjoyment was of an entirely
informal nature and was marked by
the especially excellent character of sa-
lectlons- After the individual selec-
tons had been rendered good old
70 chinnp6 Sppo',