Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-06-15
THE RIGHT SPIRIT
Shown by President McKin-
ley at AsheviIIe, N. c.
When Newspaper Men Are Excluded
from G. W. vanderbiit's House
Ne Refuses 10 Enter and the Foolish Re.
striction Is Removed.

Battery Park Hotel. Ashville, N. c.,
June 14.-Soon after 2 O'Clock this
morning, the Presidential train re-
sumed its journey homeward bound
this time making the start from Sher-
mans hill, an elevated suburb of Ash
vile. 1t was happy thought to have
the cars removed from the railway
station to the fresh air of the environs,
since the heat was intense in the town.
AS il was, the entire party had re-
freshing sleep.
Very soon after breakfast, President
Mckinley came into the parlor car
looking strong and cheerful. He re-
ported Mrs. Mckinley as being well
and freed from fatigue, and said that
both he and his wife were thoroughly
recuperated after the rest of Sunday.
The President and party arrived in
Asheville in beautiful weather, warm
but tempered by a delightful breeze,
at 11.40 O'Clock. They were met at the
depot by a local reception committee
and the Asheville Light Infantry. The
President was received by Mayor Ran
kin and l.. p. McKissick, manager Of
Battery Park hotel, to which all of the
party were driven for luncheon.
The President held a reception AMI
then the party took carriages for the
Biltmore House, George w. Wander
bits palace, five miles away. The
President and cabinet and the ladies
with them were shown over the house.
An unexpected incident of President
MeKinloy's visit developed. this after
noon, when it became known to the
newspaper men accompanying the party
that permission to enter Biltmore house.
George W. Nanderbilt's splendid man
sion. had been refused to them while ex-
tended to other members of the party.
Mr.. Vanderbilt is abroad and his repre-
sentative, Charles AcNamee, is with
him. In the absence of both, the estate
is governed by f. j. Harding, said to be
an Englishman by birth.
When waited on by the local committee
of arrangements, day or two ago. for
permission for the Pre- sident and party
10 enter Bltmore house. he objected
strongly to receiving any members of the
party other than the President and his
cabinet and the ladies with them.
He even refused permission to Manager
McKissick of the Battery Park hotel, in
charge of the party here, and in the
course of a conversation with two men,
bers of the committee said
Mr.. Vanderbilt spits on newspaper no.
toriety. and so do L.
After this there was nothing for the
local committee to do but withdraw. So
the matter rested, till today, when the
President arrived and j. Addison Por-
ter his secretary was told of the incident.
He must have informed the President
for later Mr.. Harding was called upon
the telephone by Mr.. Porter and asked
If it We're true that newspaper men would
not be admitted to the mansion.
Mr.. Porter was told that ii was true,
and then he informed Mr.. Harding that
the President considered that the news
paper men We're his invited guests on the
frtr. md hot th.4x- yxsara rob,
tingent of the party the members of
the cabinet.
Mr.. Porter notified Mr.. Harding that
the President had authorized him to say
that if the newspaper men were barred
from the mansion. he would not step his
foot inside the estate.