Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1899-10-02

been under such a perpetual physical and
nervous strain that he is now almost eN-
haustcd. Saturdays ceremonies were the
most taxing on his strength OF any that
he has yet had to undergo. and he appear
ed to-day looking pale and worn. Despite
the fact that he retired carly Saturday
evening and enjoyed a good nights rest
the admiral to-day was too fatigued to DO
more than remain in his room the greater
part OF the time and rest quietly.
At 10 o'clock Admiral Dewey had an en-
gagement TO meet the Chicago committee
and before he came down he sent Il mes
sage to Mayor Carter Harrison requesting
that he be not expected TO shake hands
with the members of the committee. Inc
admiral explained this request by saying
that he had had SO much handshaklhs on
Saturday that his hand panied him Sc
Verely.
Admiral Dewey rose early this morning.
however, sending for a cup OF tea at
O'Clock Shortly after, he ordered a hGhl
breakfast, which was sent to his apart
ments and which he ate alone. When me
admiral had finished his breakfast he
sent for his private physician, DR.. Percy,
who was closeted with MIN tor lew MN, IN,
utes. Admiral Dewey later called on the
members of his family and his relatives
and chatted with them for fully an hour
O'Clock. Mayor Van WycK acted as the
escort of the admiral throughout the day.
He was present in the adm!rals room, ne
escorted him down TO the parlor where
the Chicago delegation was to be received,
and was the only representative Of the city
in caring for its gallant guest.
There were many callers at the w al
dorf who wished 10 send cards TO Admiral
Dewey. but few were permitted 10 do SO,
the admiral's fatigue being given as the
reason.
At 9:15 Mayor Carter Harrison, accom-
panied by Ira r. i. Carter, one of the
committeeman, arrived At the hotel. Ihe
other members Of the committee came
struggling In and at $50 they were ali pres
ent. The doors of the big ballroom on
the Waldorf side were then thrown open
and the members of the committee, headed
by Mayor Harrison, entered the room
Mayor Harrison then said to the commit
tee:
You all know Admiral Dewey is mod
est man, and a man who dislikes speeches,
and who has but little patience with the
American habit Of handshaking. He has
had so many people TO shake hands with
since he arrived in this hospitable city
that his hand and arm are giving out.
He has just now sent word TO me to ask
that, at the conclusion of the invitation for
him 10 visit our city, there be no attempt
on the part of the committee to shake hands
with him ! know you would all be glad to
have him take your hand, but am GER
tain you must appreciate the situation, and
ask as personal favor that you honor
his request. Not to do so might prejudice
him against Chicago. and we are here for
the purpose OF asking him TO visit US.
Wait until we get him in our own city,
then we will take chances on shaking hands
with him"
Promptly at 10 o'clock, Admiral Dewey
came into the room. He wore civilian
suit, with frock coat and dark trousers,
and carried no hat. The instant he appeared
there was a burst of applause. He saluted
and said:
Good morning, ALL"
Admiral Dewey met Mayor Harrison as
he advanced with a cordial greeting. Mayor
Harrison said:
Admiral Dewey. I appreciate your dis
like for set speeches, and have. therefore,
thank you IN behalf OF the Chicago COM
inittee for the honor done us by your re-
ceiving US here this morning. 1t is an
honor second to none in the land. And
now wish to extend to you. on behalf OF
the committee and on behalf of the city
of Chicago, an invitation to come to our
city. We wish you to come TO US when
ever you may see mt. We make no spe-
cific time. but We would be glad to have
you with US on October 8, when President
Mckinley IL to be present at the laying II
the cornerstone of our new postoffice
While we may not be able, perhaps tC
give you as elaborate a celebration ana
as perfect 4 ceremony as was yesterday s
we can and do promise you equal de-
gree Of enthusiasm. If you cannot come
TO US now, then consider the invitation q
standing one, and come at your own pleas
ure. ! now hand you the formal invita-,
tion OF the committee"
admiral Dewey received the Invitation
II.
held the invitation in his hand and turned
its pages. As he continued to turn ovel
the leaves. he glanced UP and said:
Mr.. Mayor and members of the com
mittee. the honor is mine. / consider II
great honor 20 be waited upon by such
delegation as this. and l consider it :
greater honor that the invitation is pu
in such nice way. allowing me to Sc
my own time to visit your city. wish
could go to your city tomorrow. but tina
is impossible. As you know, ! am sool
due in Washington. Then / must go Il
Vermont I must have some rest, and
have not been there for years. Il is nj
your city. wish 50 much ! could b
there when President Mckinley Will b.
there j have great regard for Chicago
IT Is great city. and during the last yea
some OF the graadest letters have eve
received e game fr05n Chicago.
you, ChicagOsns"
As Admiral Dewey concluded there wa.
moments pause. Each Of the two prin
stant some one in the front Of the GROVE
stepped forward to shake hands with tn,
admiral: Mayor Harrison quickly inter
posed himself between the admiral and IN,
enthusiastic westerner. SAYING. as h,
placed his hand on the mans shoulder
Don't do that please; don't ask A6rnira
Dewey TO shake hands this morning"
The man stepped back into the crowd
Admiral Dewey seemed much enbarrasse,
by the incident, and he first held out hi
hand and then withdrew il. Mayor Va:
Nyck then seized the opportunity thu
offered 10 get away. and. placing his han,
upon the elbow Of Admiral Dewey's righ
arm, escorted him out through the door
As Admiral Dewey was leaving the room
there was burst OF applause and h
turned and waved a salute with his han,
as he disappeared behind the heavy cur
tains
Mayor Harrison expressed himself as wei
pleased with the reception given him ant
the committee. When asked II he though
that Admiral Dewey would 20 10 Chicago
he looked SURPRISED and said: Coz q
course. he will. Didn't he say he wouI,
20 sometimeZ That's all we came fort
get hts. promise to go whenever h
pleased"
The corridors Of the waldorf-Astori
were thronzed all day with people anxiou
TO catch even a glimpse Of the great ad
Inlral. Early In the morning they begai
10 come in and they were coming and goin,
all day. But none of them had the pleas
tIre Of seeing Dewey. He was not dow
IN the corridors of the hotel at any time
When he was escorted TO the room TO NEE
the Chicago delegation. he was taken dow
private stairway and returned the sam
way. In every conceivable manner, hi
movements were guarded TO keen tn
curious crowd from getting near him.
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