The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-11-18
WILL MAKE 1T A GALA EVENT.
CITIZENS GLAD OF THE PRIVILEGE
TO HONOR THE PRESIDENT.


Arrange for Suitable DemOnstrH-
ton to Mark His COming-EIis For
mer Visit Pleasantly Rememb ered
by Many-CoI. Sereven Says the
President COmpIimented the south
for Its "RenutifuI Conduct, Dur
the War-Trend OF Opinion Is the
Reception VIII Consist of n Jubilee
That VIII Bring Thousands OF
Visitors to savannah.
President AIcKinley's prospective visit 90
Savannah is anticipated with interest and
pleasure by the whole city. The occasion
of his former visit in the fall of 1895 IS
well remembered. and none viii probably
enjoy the pleasures of the coming event,
more than those who will have the chance
to revive the acquaintance they formed
with the President at that time.
Since the announcement that the Presi-
dent had accepted the invitation 10 visit
Savannah, public interest has been thor
oughly aroused. and the people have begun
10 think about arranging for a fitting de-
monstration, to be participated in by
the city business men, and such
organizations as win add to the COM
pIeteness of the celebration. Everybody
approached is esated over the prospect
the city has of showing its hospitality to
the nations chief executive, and their de-
termination is to contribute to the credita-
BILE carrying out of whatever programme
may be decided upon. All have their IDEAS
about some of the features it seems prop
er should be included, and when a COM
mlttee is appointed for this purpose, it
win have the hearty cooperation of
the people, who are anxious that the fes-
tivities shall be elaborate and complete
1t is the desire that the Presidents COM
ing shall be marked by a celebration that
will bring people to Savannah from the
country. Even more ardor will be given
to the commercial interests In working up
their part of the programme, for the rea-
son there is ample time ahead, both for
whatever preparation is necessary, and
also to advertise the event. Sew
eral men estimated yesterday that with
judicious management, IL win be an easy
matter 10 have 5000 visitors In the city.
Besides giving a lively stimulus to BUSH
ness generally, the merchants feel proud
of the opportunity to show Savannah's
hospitality to the President.
Col. John Screven, of the committee
which went to Washington, returned yes
terday. In giving an account of the visit.
Col. Screven said the committee was not
with the President a great while, but the
reception was cordial in every way. The
Savannahians were particularly struck
with the Presidents simplicity, his free
dom of conversation, and the easy, unaf-
feeted manner in which he discussed his
prospective trip South. When the invita-
tion TO visit Savannah was formally ex-
tended by President Purse of the Board
of Trade, there was no hesltancy on the
part of President Mckinley in accepting
It, and, at the same time, expressing his
warmest appreciation of the courtesy
shown him.
During the war which has just ended"
said President Mckinley. 1.-The people of
the South conducted themselves beauti-
fully Their response to the call 10 arms
is a just credit TO them. In every quar-
ter Of the South the people volunteered
their services with admirable willingness,
and their department has been such as TO
enttle them to much praise"
On President McKinley's former visit
here he was entertained by the CONNER
cial Club
NOW is the time for Savannah to repeat
that entertainment" said a prominent
business man, but on a more extensive
scale. While have not discussed the en-
Win very many II seems TO
be understood that one day probably the
first, will be given to a formal review of
the troops now in the city The second
day could be appropriately set apart for
demonstration by the people, including
the merchants and others who may desire
to take part OF course this is matter
10 be talked over at the proper time when
all details can be discussed among the
business men, and such desnonstrat ton
arranged as will make the President s
visit distinct event in the city's history.
With an energetic committee, composed
of those who have the time to devote to
the object, and backed by contributions
and the assistance of business men gener-
ally, there is no doubt about the complete
success of the movement 1t seems emf
nently proper that the citizens of SaYan-
nah should embrace this opportunity of
putting themselves in pleasant cordial
touch with President Mckinley 1t was by
his approval that the Seventh Army Corps
came here, the effect of which is TO drop
$4,000 in Savannah every month it is here.
Then, too, the government hospital is to
be built here at an estimated cost of $780,
600. There is talk of establishing a per
maneDt military camp here, and for this
reason II seems to me the citizens should
hail with pleasure che prospect of the
Presidents coming, and the chance it will
give them of properly placing before him
the advantages the city offers for this pur-
pose. Again, IL must be borne in mind
that Savannah's location is such that her
development depends largely on
her river and harbor facilities. As the
President has much 10 do with whatever
appropriations are made for these improve
nents 1t IS very proper to assure him OF
the pleasant relation that exists between
himself and Savaunah's people. BY all
means let everybody unite in making the
event a success"
The attitude of the city government Is
not thoroughly understood. Mayor Mel
drim said yesterday that his idea as &c
the proper time to invite the President Is
the same as before the committee went &c
Washington. He considered the proper
thing was to confer with Gen. Lee before
anything was done. lie did this some time
ago, but before a definite understandings
was had. Gen. Lee was Unexpectedly call
ed to Richmond on account of the Hines.