The times., 1899-05-21
Mr.. N'KINLEY RETURNS
FROM THE HOI SPRINGS
He Comes Home Through the
Shenandoah Valley.
Greeted by the People and Present
ed With a Cake.
A Visit to Winchester. Where the
President Was Initiated Into
the Mysteries of Masonry.

President Mckinley returned to Wash
ington at $50 yesterday afternoon after
most enjoyable vacation of twelve days,
during which he has been almost entirely
free from official cares. At Hot Springs
he had thorough rest and pleasant visit
during which he spent his time as he
pleased, and comes back to the Capital in
first rate health and spirits. The last day
of his vacation was, as he expressed it, the
best of ali,' for his leisurely trip down
the historic valley Of the Shenandoah was
replete with incidents of interest and pleas
ant "reminiscences.
AT o'clock yesterday morning the
Presidents train, which left Hot Springs
the night before at 1890, arrived
at Staunton, Va, and was side tracked
near the station until s. The President
then appeared on the platform and talked
for few moments with the small crowd
of people who were present. The train was
transferred to the Baltimore and Ohio Rail-
road and the ride over the Shenandoah
Valley was commenced.
Breakfast was served on the train, which
moved slowly in order that the scenery
could be thoroughly enjoyed, Postmaster
Funkhouser of Harrisonburg, Joined the
party at that point. At the depot great
crowd was waiting for the President with a
band led by drum major with plug hat.
There was much enthusiasm, whistles were
blown. bells rung, and as much noise made
as possible. The President drove TO the
Public Square and made a brief speech.
After leaving Harrisonburg no stops
except for water were made until the
train reached Edinburg, which was
said to be the only Republican town
in the valley. Small crowds were
gathered at the station and the Pres
ident divided his attention between them
and studying the scenery of the valley
which never looked more beautiful than on
this sunny May day.
At Mount Jackson, during the moments
stay, large white frosted cake was hand
ed over the rail Of the car to the President.
At Woodstock, Fishers Hill, Kernstown.
and Cedar Creek brief stops were made.
At Winchester the President and party
left the train and drove to the town,
where the President made speech.
1t was at Winchester in 1864 that the Pres
ident Joined the Masonic lodge, and he had
a desire to see the old register in which
his name is inscribed.
The following note was attached to the
cake handed to the President at Mount
Jackson:
President Mckinley: The ladies and gentlemen
of Mount jackson gave burlesgue cake-walk last
night for the benefit OF the Methodist Church,
and they desire the cake TO go to the White
House, and herewith present the cake 10 Presi-
dent and Mrs Mckinley.
President Mckinley had not been through
the valley since 1864. He noted every
where the well kept farms and general air
of prosperity. In the days of the Civil
War the railroad had not made its appear
ance. 1t now crosses the pike made ia
nous by the stories of 'Sheridan's ride
and the Presidential party viewed the his
torie highway with keen interest.
AT Strasburg Junction an old fellow in
the crowd that had collected shouted, MIR.
President, expect you find 1t pleasanter
on another occasion" Another old man
hobbled up to the platform and said Mr..
President, l want to shake hands with you.
and I'm an old rebel too There is a
large quarry at this place and many Of
the men were on hand TO greet the Presi
dent. Cedar Creek was enc OF the most in
teresting stops. The train was held near
the old mill. The President said:
This ground looks familiar, and there's
the old mill too. The Sixth Corps was
eneamped along the road there, and over
here Sheridan had his headCIarteTs. Turn
ing 10 those on the platform the President
continued, They drove us across this
creek pell NELL Then We came back and
took our old ground
Rev. Mr.. Speigel, of Cedar Greek, whose
house was used as a hospital on the morn
ing of the fight presented the President
with a bayonet and some bullets picked up
by his little boy on the battlefield. Mr.
Mckinley thanked the little fellow and
gave him a white carnation from his but
ton hole. Harper's Ferry was the last
stop made by the Presidents train before
reaching Washington.
When the party arrived at the New Jer
sey Avenue station they were met by car
riages and all driven to the White House
Shortly after arriving at the White House
the President and Mrs. Mckinley dined
and about O'Clock Secretary Alger called
10 pay his respects. Secretary and Miss
Long and Postmaster General Smith We're
also callers at the Executive Mansion dur
ing the evening. Arrangements will begin
within a few weeks for the Presidents Pa
ciic Coast trip, which he expects to take
about the middle Of July. II is understood
The trip Will consume about six weeks or
two months.
Soon after his arrival at the White House
the President walked over to the Hobart
residence in Lafayette Square to enquire
after the Vice Presidents health He found
Mr.. Hobart very much improved, and there
were mutual congratulations on the better
state of health which both enjoy.