Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-10-12
PRESIDENTS JAUNT.
Kr. Mckinley Receives a Delega-
ton Of Workingmen at Chicago.
4 RECEPTION HELD AFTERWARDS.
Estimated That 5000 Persons Shook Hands
with the President In One HOur-Bsn-
quet Of the Commercial Club a.
on for Evansville, Ind.

Chicago, Oct. 1l.-After breakfast
yesterday President Mckinley received
delegation of workingmen made up
principally Of the Bricklayers and
Stonemasons' union. The president
asked many questions relative to the
condition Of Chicago's laboring people
and expressed his pleasure that they
were feeling the effects of prosperity.
He then paid visit to the reunion of
the members Of the Army Of the Ten
nessee. The arrangements for the
public reception were so admirable
that scarcely any confusion resulted,
although everybody in the immense
throng seemed eager to be first to grasp
the presidents hand. The people were
admitted to Memorial hall through
files Of policemen and the exit was be-
tween files Of the Illinois national
guard. 1t is estimated that 5000 men,
women and children shook hands with
the president during the reception,
which occupied one hours time. Gen.
Charles Fitzsimmons acted as master
of ceremonies and under his able man
agement the people were hurried past
President Mckinley at an average OF
50 per minute while an orchestra sta
toned nearby played quicksteps. For
each one the president had gracious
smile and hearty hand clasp. The
number Of G. A. R. veterans in the
crowd was noticeably large. Many Of
the ladies handed punches of roses to
the president as they filed past him.
When he first entered the building
to prepare for the reception President
Mckinley was ushered into the depart
ment headquarters of the Illinois G. A.
R. where he was greeted by number
of veterans of the rebellion, among
them Capt. Inman, department COM
mander of Illinois. Responding to
their welcome, the president said: "Ot
the very many cordial receptions which
/ have had in the city Of Chicago none
has touched me more deeply than this
welcome from my old comrades of 1861.
We are all getting little older, but
our hearts are just as warm for the old
flag as in the days Of 1851 to 1866. !
am soon to take the hand OF all Of you
in the public reception and as you have
already my heart let us go to the peo-
pie" The party then proceeded to
the main hall where the reception was
held. At the end of the hours hand
shaking the president was driven to
the Auditorium hotel where he rested
for two hours before dinner.
The banquet at night given in Presi-
dent McKinley's honor by the Com
mercial club of Chicago was held in
the banquet room of the Auditorium
hotel. The club is limited in member
ship and not over 300 were present, but
they comprised the men most promi-
nent in the commercial life of Chicago.
Cyrus Mccormick presided. He made
a very neat speech while Introducing
the president who spoke briefly.
Vice President Marechal, of Mexico,
followed in talk about our sister re-
public and he, in turn, was followed
by Secretary Of State Hay. His speech
dwelt entirely upon the welcome
which Chicago had extended to the
visitors at the fall fe stival and kindred
topics.
At 1870 p. m. President Mckinley
and the mem bers of his cabinet let
Chicago for Eva nsville, Ind, on spe-
cial train over the Chicago & Eastern
Illinois railroad. His depart ure, with
the cheers Of an immense throng ring
ing in his ears, brought to close
day of genuinely hard work in which
the president had scarcely a moment
of leisure for himself. The crowds
which greeted him at every turn were
so good-natured and SO disposed to
cheer that the president, al though
wearied, expressed himself as having
enjoyed himself.