The herald., 1898-12-17
AT MONTGOMERY
The First Confederate Capital Extends
Welcome


MONTGOMERY, Ala, Dec. 16.-The
president and his party were given a mag
niiicent welcome in the confederacy's capi-
tai today. The whole party was taken in
carriages through the leading business and
residence streets to the old confederate
capitol. The entire route was ablaze with
the national colors while tremendous crowds
lined the streets as far as the eye could
reach. Capitol hin was one mass of hui
manity when the lines of carriages, escort
ed by the local military companies, reached
it at 3 o'clock When Governor Johnston
escorted President Mckinley to the hall,
there was tremendous demonstration.
In the course of his speech President Nc
Kinley said:
$40 be welcomed here in the city of Mont
gomery, the first capital of the confederate
states, warmly and enthusiastically well
coined as the president of a common coun-
try, has filled and thrilled me with emotion.
The governor says he. has nothing to
take back. We have nothing to take back
for having kept you in the Union; we are
glad you did not 60 out, and you are glad
you stayed in. Tremendous APPLAUSE
Alabama, like all the states of the Union,
and the south, has been loyal to the flag and
steadfastly devoted to the American nation
and to American harmony. There never has
been in the history of the United States
such demonstration of patriotism from one
tUu VI tuc CouUiIl W lllt OlIiSI ds III TIE wear
Just passing, and never has American vaor
been more brilliantly illustrated in the battle
line on shore and on battleship at sea than by
the soldiers and sailors of the United States.
Everybody is talking of Hobson, and justly
so, but | want to thank Mother Hobson in
his presence. Everybody is talking about
General Wheeler, one of the bravest of the
brave, but speak want to, of that sweet
little daughter that followed him to Santi-
ago (great applause) and ministered to the
sick at Montauk. (Cheers). l have spoken
in many places and at many times Of the
heroism of the American army and the
American navy, but in our recent conflict
the whole people were patriots, Two hun
dred thousand men were called for, and
million rushed to get place in the ranks.
Great applause}. And millions more stood
ready if need be. prolonged creers).
Il like the feeling of the American people
that we ought not to have a large standing
army; but it has been demonstrated in the
last few months that we need standing
army large enough to do all the work re-
quired while we are at peace, and only rely
on the great body of the people in an emer-
gency to help us fight our battles. Cap
pause.)
eve love peace. We are not military
nation; but whenever the time of peril
comes the bulwark of this people rests in
the patriotism of its citizens, and this ma
Nioh "i' " s'iS ioi an tiiiS, DSNdusS fCsOuO,-
600 love it and will give up their lives to
sustain and uphold it, (Great applause).
The audience called for General Wheeler,
General Shafter, General Lawton, Secreta-
ries Alger and Long and Postmaster Gen
eral Smith. General Lawton refused to
speak, then, amidst great applause he said:
Il am not an orator. ! am a soldier; was
not hero; | am a REGULAR am one of the
10000 regular soldiers sent to Cuba, and on
behalf Of that part Of the army commanded
l thank you, people of Alabama"
The other speakers emphasized the power
of the Spanish war in restoring he harmony
and cord'ality between the different sec
tions. Secretary Long was especially well
received, as, he called attention to the fact
that in addition to Wheeler and Hobson
there was another Alabama man who CON
tributed vast deal in the success to the war
in his important work in helping fashion the
navy---his predecessor, Hilary Herbert Of
Montgomery.
After the speechmaking the presidential
party went to the governors office, where
public reception was held for half hour.
The president next went to meet the col.
ored people of the city at Old Ship church,
where, great throng received him enthusi,
asticolly., He made a short but forcibe
speech there. This ended the ceremonies