Birmingham state herald., 1897-06-12
PRESIDENT AT NASHVILLE Thousands Pay Homage to tie Ruler of the Land. .Ex-CoNFEDERATES IN GRAY Act as the Guard of Honor in the Parade-Full Text of McKnleys Speech -0ya-
 ton to Mrs. Mckinley.

Nashville, Tenn, June 1.-The Centen- nial City extended a warm welcome 10 President Mckinley and members of his party today. The distinguished guest ar rived at 7:30 a. m., bue long before that hour crowds thronged the streets and railway station. Maj. J. w. Thomas president of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition, and members of the exposl- fion commit ee were at ';he depot as the special train arrived. After a preliml- nary conversation, the gus sits of the city were driven to the Maxwell hotel and there accommodated wi rooms and breakfast. As soon as the repast was over the presidential party was taken to the front door of the hotel, where rhe procession was formed The party were shown inIso large tally-ho coaches. The president was in the first carriage with President Thomas, of the Exposition company, and others. In the others were Secretary Sherman, other diSungulshed guests and the ladies of the party. AS a guard of honor to the president a detachment of old Confederate Veter- ans, commanded by Col. Hager hanged themselves around his carriage. They were attired in the old-time gray, but the buckles of their belts bore the inscription, "U S." In the rear of the carriages was a company of the Fourth Infan,ry, ssnt from FosS Thomas. The state troops came next, followed by good-looklng body of Cincinnati police, under com mand of their chisf, made up the uni- formed part of the parade.
 As the head of the procession eurned into the main entrance of the exposition grounds battery of artillery boomed forth the reitional salute of twenty one guns. The auditorium, in which the ex- eraises of the day were held will seat comfortably 7,500 p;ople, and fully 20 per cent. more than that number were added by the crowds .Ihat stood Tn the foyer ana galleries It was an intelligent, praise worthy and notable audience, one which inspires speakers to their best efforts and one particularly appreciatlve of the sem sences and phrases 6caling wi h The glo- ries of our great country.
 The heat was intepse, but it could not cheek the enthusiasm. A wandering tand played Dixie" just before the last gun of che salu.e announced the presi- dents arrivel on the grounds and that air, loved for its associat1ors by southe rn- CTS and for it's suggesitive melody by northerne:E s, brough, out wave of hearty cheers. They were but murmurs, how oyef compared to the mighty roar burst ing forth as President Mckinley, with Mrs. Kirkman, beautifully gowned in summer materials, walked down the aisle and on to the plafoiun. Gov. Bushnell and staff were also generously applauded, while to Gov. Taylor, Our Bob." as they love to call him a generous outburst was awarded. Commissioner of Pensions H. C. Evans, native Tennessean, was also a recipient of Li,afty cheers.
 Mrs. Mckinley had concluded rot to accompany the parry in the procession, and disappointment was expressed at her tnon-appearance. When Shs did come it gave rise to one of the most delightful incidents of the trip. Gov. 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, showid that some evenb of extraordinary interest was tnanspiring. A moment larer Mrs. Me Kinley appeared in the central aisle laning on the arm of MT. James R. Dunn ard accompanied by her aunt, Mrs. Sax ton, and Mrs. John Hill Eaken, the lat ter of Nashville. Gov. Bushnell grace fully yielded the floor and the audience sprang to it's feet, cheering lustify. The cheetn were redoubled when the gentle lady of the White House reach-d the plat form. The president hurried to meet and to greet her and conducted her 10 seat at his side IA huge bunch of roses was handed to Mrs. Mckinley from the audi. torium floor and as she bowed and smiled her thanks the crowd again broke into cheers.
 "A variation upon our "Old Kentucky Home" was a fitting prelude to the
  Jchn w. Thomas, president of the expo sltion, who was master of ceremonies at the auditorium President Thomas was very brief, but extended the heartiest of welcomes to the president, to the mem- bers of the cabinet, to Gov. Bushnell and visiting Ohioans and ito the representa- tives of the press.
 MT. Thomas then introduced Gov Tay- lor, of Tennessee, as Our Bob" His presence was the subject for more cheer 1Tl0r m xuif iai lxa6 laughter. Gov. Taylor was followed by Hon.. w. l.. McCegithy, mayor of Nash vile, who added to the welcomes to ths city. After a musical interlude Gov. Bushrell, of Ohio, was introduced, his bow being followed with a flattering re- ceptton in which the ladies joined with handclaps.
 After this peroration and the applause had sUbsided President Thomas intro duced the great figure of the occasion ard MT. McKinley's face Tit up as tfs audience rose up en masse and shouted out cheer after cheer. To the correspon- dents who joired most heartily in the ovation, the scene recalled a national convention wher the name of some na- tioral favorite is mentioned In noni- hating speech. For several minutes the cbeerlnp went on ard the president could only smile and wait. At last quiet came. and with clear. penetrating voice e-d with more gesture than his wont the president delivered the following speech: -Officers of the Centennial Expos | ion.
 Ladies and Gen'tlemen:
 'Am:rcan nationality, compared with than of Europe and the east is stiIl very young, and yet we are beginning to have age enough for centennial anniversaries Tn states outside of the original thinteen Such occasions are always interesting and -when celebrated In a practical way are useful and instructive. Combining retrospect and review they recall what has been done by state and nation. and pori. out what Is remsi~ing for both to accomplish in order to fulfill their highest destiny. This celebration is of general inreres to the whole ,rtinent aud ofspe- cial importance to the people of fhe son.h and west. It marks the, end of the first century of the state of Tennessee and the close of i.he first. year of it's second cen tllry. One hundred and ore years ago .Aa.Al.