Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-08-16
THE PRESIDENT
Visits the Catholic Summer
School Of America.
Warmth of His Reception Causes
Change in His Intention,
And He Makes Snort Speech 10 the DcIiobi 0,
the Audience.

Plattshurgh. n. y. Aug 15-Presi-
cent nch ihley, accompanied by Pri-
Na'e secretary tortelyou. today, rode
III carriage from Hotel Champlain to
me auditorium on the grounds of the
'athoilc summer school of America at
Cliff Haven on Lake Champlain. A
triumphant arch of evcrgreens interlac-
ed with American flags had been erect
ed at the entrance to the grounds and
the Auditorium ana many of the cot
tages on the grounds had been gaily
decorated with flags and bunting in
honor of the Presidents visit. The
road from the hotel to the Summer
school grounds was lined with people
anxious to secure glimpse Of the
President. AS the President entered
the Auditorium. the spectators arose
and sang u song Of welcome conposed
for the occasion.
Rev. NJ. J. Lavelle. president Of the
'athohc summer school. then intro
duccd President Mckinley. Father
Lavelle's speech was frequently inter-
rupted by hearty applause and Ahen
during the course of his remarks he
predicted that THE millions Of people
recently brought under our protector
ate would make American citizens as
loyal. as sturdy ana rs true as those
that are here today the audience en-
Enthusiastically cheered
As President Mckinley rose the aud
fence applauded checred. waved flags
handkerchiefs ana parasoIs until he
made a motion for them to desist. He
had not intended 10 speak. but the
warmth Of the greeting accorded him
evidently caused him to change his
mind. He said:
II had not intended to say 4 word.
but / cannot sit in silence in the pres
ence Of this splendid demonstration OF
your good will and patriotism. l cam
not forbcar to give expression to my
Very high appreciation Of the gracious
welcome you have given me here. to-
day, and the more than gracious words
OF commendation uttered by your pres
ident.
whatever the government Of the
United States has been able TO accom-
plish since | last met you here has
been because the hearts Of the people
have been with the government Of The
United States. our patriotism is Meth
er sectional nor sectarian. We mag
differ in our political and religious be
liefs. but We are United for country.
Loyalty to the government is our
national creed. We follow. all Of us,
one flag. II symbolizes our purpose
and our aspirations: it represents what
We believe. and what we mean TO
maintain: and. wherever ii floats, il is
Z h, fi1 # no he nf he. on
pressed; ana wherever it is assaiied, at
any sacrifice it will be carried TO
triumphant peace.
We have more flags here than We
ever had before. They are in evidence
everywhere. | saw them carried by
little ones on your lawns and Us long
as they carry these flags in their lit
tie hands there will be patriotism in
their hearts.
THAT flag now floats from the homes
IF the millions. even from our places OF
it is seen from our school
houses; from the shops and the fac
tories: from the mining towns and ii
waves from the camp of the pioneer in
The distant outpost ard on the lumber
mans hut in the dense forest. 1t is
found in the home of the humblest
toiler and what it represents is dear to
his heart.
Rebellion may delay. but it can
never defeat its blessed mission Of
liberty and humanity. | thank you
again for this most cordial and gra-
,ious greeting"
The President spoke slowly and de-
iberately in moderate. but earnest
one. Only once did he raise his voice
when he said the flag whenever it is
lssailed. will be carried to a trium-
phant peace" The cheering which in
errupted his speech at this point fair
Y shook the roof.
At the close of the Presidents speech |
he audience sang The Star Spangled |
Continued on page p