The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-04-04
CHEER THE PRESIDENT.


Capt Sgsbee took his stand just in
side the second reception room of the
Arlington. beside Prof Alexander Ora.
ham Bell and Mr. Bernard r. Green. OF
the Geographic Society, who introduced
the guests to the hero of the evening. as
they passed for two hours, from 9
O'Clock until II, before him in one con.
tinnous stream. More than one thou
sand persons shook the hand that PEN
ned the message to Secretary Long half
an hour after the blowing up of the
Maine.
The reception had been in progress
but short time, when a spontaneous
cheer arose from the throng us Presi-
dent Mckinley appeared in line, accom-
panied by Mr.. Charles J. Bell The
passageway was cleared to permit the
Chief Executive TO avoid the jostling OF
the crowd, but he chose to remain in
line. and meet Capt. Sigsbee when his
time should come. Prof Bell introduced
the President, who grasped Capt Sigs-
bees hand warmly, closing it over with
his left hand, and holding il for an in
stant. as he said Captain. it gives me
great pleasure to have the honor of
meeting you" A few brief words of
commentator and congratulation pass
ed between the President and the Cap
tain, when the former passed into the
ballroom, while amid much cheering the
band played Hail to the Chief
President Mckinley remained. however,
but a moment, and then took his depar-
tlre.
Precisely one hour after the president
had left the reception room Vice Presi-
dent Hobart, accompanied by Mrs Ho-
bart and Mr.. Charles j. Bell, entered
and were introduced to Captain Sgs-
bee. Mr.. Hobart remained for some
time and returned to speak with the
Captain "A second time, congratulating
him upon his narrow escape. but nothing
was said i'll relation to passing events of
Il public nature. Such was not the case,
however, when Congressman Boutelle,
OF Maine, was presented to Capt. Sigs-
bee. The Chairman of the Naval Com
mittee paused long enough to say that
he had succeeded in passing his bill for
the construction of three first-class bat
tie ships, and to state that Capt. Sig,s-
bee should be commander of the finest
battleship in the United States Navy
Capt. Sigsbee was visibly pleased with
the remark. and replied that he stood
ready to accept any service. Secretary
Long was another of the distinguished
guests. but he rendered only a passing
greeting
1t was rumored early in the evening
that Senior Polo Y Bernabe, the Spanish
Minister, whom the Geographic Society
had taken special pains to invite would
attend, but neither he nor any members
OF the legation were present, although
the Minister from Peru and attaches of
the Russian, the French, and Korea Lee
cations were conspicuous among tho
gathering. The list of invited guests in
cluded also members OF the Naval and
Foreign Affairs Committees of both
houses. Mr.. j. Addison Porter Secre-
tary to the President, memberss of the
Supreme Court, the members of the Cab
met, and the Assistant Secretaries. the
Speaker of the House. members of the
press, and the survivors of the Maine.
None Of the latter, except Capt. Sigsbee
are at present in Washington. Pay
master Ray being compelled to leave
yesterday afternoon.
During the reception the Marine band
rendered the "Stars and Stripes For
ever by Sousa; the '"'Star Spangled
Banner" selections from THE Sere-
made" by Herbert; Hail to the Chief"
while President Mckinley was passing;