Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-09-23
PRES. Mckinley
Greeted by Thousands at
Adams and North Adams.
Makes Speech EuIogistic Of Massa'
chusetts and New England.
Followed BY Secretary Of War Alssr and Sec.
Rotary Of Navy Long.

| North Adams, Mass, Sept. 22.-As
the Presidents special train neared the
depot, coming from Adams, today, the
crush of people around the platform
was very great Three rousing cheers
were given as the President stepped
from the platform of the car. and al
the same instant a salute of q guns
was given by detachment of artillery
in position on the extreme top of high
hill, near the station. The President
was greeted on the platform by Acting
Mayor s. Proctor Thayer. who ex-
tended the welcome of the city, and
spoke words of greeting. The party
entered carriages and were driven
through the principal streets.
| The President, Mrs. Mckinley and
Miss Mckinley, together with Mr.
Plunkett, We're in the latter's hand
some four in hand. The Presidential
party was escorted by Company l.. M.
and L., Of the Second Regiment, NJ. v.
NJ, Sanford Post, G.. A. r., the column
being headed by n band. The line of
parade was thronged with citizens and
persons from all over the county. The
sight was notable and impressive
one. The carriages were driven past
| City hall. through Summer street to
Church, to Main street, and thence to
the fair grounds.
| There was unbounded enthusiasm
and the President was cheered at every
/ point along the route. Both he and
Mrs. Mckinley responded to the cheers
of the multitude. the President bowling
his uncovered head and Mrs Mckinley
waving a handkerchief.
| 1t was 3 o'clock before the fair
grounds were reached. The special
stand had been erected for the use of
the party. When the Presidents car
riage entered the grounds, there was a
tremendous cheer and fully 10000 peo-
pie welcomed the Chief Executive of the
| nation. rs
Hon. w. r. Plunkett, as president OF
the Hoosac Valley Agricultural Asso-
| citation, said a few words in a happy
way, announcing the great honor done
the city and fair by the visit of the
| President.
| Mr.. Plunkett said: MY dear fellow
citizens: AS president of the society,
stand before you today with a feeling
of pardonable pride What people have
| been so honored as we? What place is
| more worthy of honor than this pro-
gressive. busting city, the Industrious
| offspring and pride of the good old
| mother town of Adams. Laughter).
l know that you don't expect me to
| make speech. and take great pleas
| ure in presenting to you as the presid-
| ing officer on this occasion, our beloved
| and distinguished lieutenant governor
w. Murray Crane. (Applause).
| Mr. Crane was enthusiastically
greeted. He spoke briefly and modest
| ly, saying:
Mr.. President, Ladies and Gentle
men: We are honored by the presence
here today of most distinguished
visitor. one whom you will all be glad
to see and to whom you will accord /;
| most hearty welcome. 1 realize that
you are anxious to hear from him, and
I have the honor of presenting to you
the President of the United States"
The rounds of applause that went up
from the crowd were deafening and 1t
was several minutes before the Presi-
dent could proceed. 1t was the hearth
est reception that has been given
to public man in western Massachu-
sets, for a decade. 1t seemed fully
five minutes before the President was
able to make himself heard, as at every
word uttered the crowd would cheer.
The President said:
Mr.. President, Ladies and Gentle
men: My Fellow Citizens-I am more
than gratified at the unexpected Incl,
dent of my visit to the Berkshire hills,
because it gives me the pleasure and
the opportunity of meeting the people
of Massachusetts and expressing in
their presence my regard for them and
their noble state. (Applause) A great
state is valued inheritance, all the
more when sustaining it's illustrious
past. You have that in as large a
measure as any commonwealth of the
American nation. (Applause).
mo state has a prouder history, no
state commands greater respect or
reverence or affection and none pos
sesses more priceless memories. Low
ing liberty and enjoying it's blessed
privileges yourselves, you have never
been unmideful of others, and have
greatly aided in securing it for those
less fortunate than yourselves. Gap
plause).
you have been mighty force in the
upbuilding and progress of the nation
from its beginning and your influence
has been ever unfailing for liberty and
justice and peace among men. (Great
applause).
'The New England home is no longer
confined to New England. 1t has been
established in every part of the coun-
try and wherever established there goes
out from it good thoughts and deeds,
good men and women. supporting our
glorious political fabric and advancing
justice among all men. Wherever you
are you contribute to all good things in
government and all things that exact |
and make good citizenship. (Applause). |
God bless the American home and /
the American people, for upon these
rest the safety and permanence and |
virture Of the republic which we love
SO well. And our prayer is that our
Heavenly Father NAV ever have o,1r