The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-09-25
Visit of President and
Party to the Place.
SPEECH MADE AT PARK.
A Drive That Was Greatly Enjoyed
by the Executive.
RECEPTION AT SLOANE HOME.

Lenox. Mass. Sept. 25.-President Nc
Kinley with his wife and other mem
bers of the party reached this Newport
Of Massachusetts yesterday afternoon.
There was an immense crowd about the
rittsheld station to meet them, and the
enthusiasm was unbounded. Cheer after
cheer was given for the president ana
his wife when they appeared upon the
platform. John Sloane, whose guests
they were until this noon, welcomed the
visitors and escorted them to carriages.
The drive was started as soon 40 all
were seated and led through the busin SIS
portion Of the town. Although the
horses were driven at a rapid gait the
crowd followed the party 10 the park
and soldiers monument. The presi-
dents victoria was driven for quite a
distance up the street and was then
turAed back 70 the square. The cru h
of children around the carriage was
tremendous, and il was only by the eX-
excise of the greatest skill that the
driver escaped knocking many down.
SO excited were the children that they
ieaped upon the carriage while il was In
motion. and as many as Il hung upon
the top as IL turned back. one brave
youngster jumped upon the step beside
Mrs. Mckinley, and the lady OF
.he White House was obliged to
hold him on, for he would
have fallen under the wheels had it
not been fer her. The carriage was
stopped directly in front Of the park,
which was filled 10 the last inch with
struggling mass of young Americans,
who were not only anxious but bound TO
see the first and only president who ever
did the town the honor TO come within
its borders. Major Mckinley, as he
said afterwards, never received such
joyous reception from the rising genera
tion as he did at this time.
He had stated emphatlcally, when he
received an invitation from Mayor Haw-
kins TO simply stop the carriage for a
moment at the park, that he would not
under any circumstances make any re-
marks. The tremendous enthusiasm
OF the school children, coupled with his
well known love for children in gen
eral. was too much for the president.
however, and he rose in his carriage
and made a short address TO them He
said:
Mr.. Mayor and fellow citizens:
desire TO express my appreciation Of
the gracious welcome which you have
given me as l journey through your
city on my way 10 Lenox. one Of the
most gratifying conditions to be found
today is the splendid spirit OF amity
and friendship and fraternity existing
in all sections of our country. These
boys and these girls whom / have seen
around me tr such vast numbers. i'm a
little while must take upon themselves
the great duty Of citizenship. We hayo
today Union. stronger and better and
nrmer than IL ever was be fore. and if
these young people continue the lives
of morality and virtue practIced I'm their
youth, they will be prepared to carry for
ward this great nation 10 still greater
elories. thank you and bid you all good
morning"
The drive was then resumed II was
just beginning to sprinkle as the car
iiages We're entered and the moisture
increased gradually until the rain fen
In torrents and made the roads decidedly
unpleasant. The beautiful view Of the
Berkshire hlis was entirely hidden los
thick banks of fog, and no one cared t.
DO anything 10 avoid getting very wei
lut Just as the main section OF the town
was entered the rain ceased. and tn.
sun shone. The fog was not gone from
inc hnls, however, so no view OF them
could be obtained. a rapid trip was nago
through the town and TO the maguiGcsp
residence OF J. w. Sloane. "Wyrd.
hurst" They were met at the doc
by Hrs. Sloane and Miss Evelyn Slcan
and ushered into the spacious ana lux
urlously furnished reception room. wb,r.