The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-05-21
PRESIDENTS HOMEWARD TRIP.
TOOK HIM THROUGH HISTORIC
SHENANDOAH VALLEY.


Presented to Him-Stop Made at
Winchester.
Washington, May 2O.-The President and
Mrs. Mckinley, with the friends who ac-
eompanied them, reached Washington at
$50 O'Clock p. m. to-day over the Balti-
more and Ohio Railroad.
The stay of twelve days at Hot Springs
was one almost entirely of rest, the only
break being a days run to Natural Bridge,
Va, week ago The outing has been of
great benefit TO the President. and he re-
sumes his official duties thoroughly re-
freshed and invigorated.
The party left Hot Springs last night
and to-day Travelled slowly through the
Shenandoah Valley, rich in beautiful seem
cry and points OF historic interest.
Thirty-five years ago mr. Mckinley, as
assistant adjutant general on the staff of
Gen. Crook marched through this same
valley participating in the heavy fighting
which occurred during Sheridan's famous
raid. To-day the President went over this
same ground and from the rear platform
of the special train which carried him, re-
called with great distinctness the places
which saw so much bloodshed.
Though the citizens of the various towns
through which they passed had but lit
tie warning of the Presidents coming, the
roadways and stations were lined with
people Men and women of different col
ors, some of the latter bearing babes in
their arms Republicans and Democrats,
Union soldiers and Confederates, Joined in
the cheers and shouts of welcome Flags
were waved, flowers showered upon him,
and If there is any bitterness remaining
over the civil strife there was nothing In
the enthusiasm shown to-day to indi-
cate it,
A Cordial Reception.
The first point where a stop of any
length was made was Harrisonburg. Va,
where a large crowd awaited the arrival
of the presidential train. A gaiiy cos
TUNED band struck up a march, and the
President unable TO withstand the i'm
portunities of the local COMMITTEES, left
the car and accompanied by the gentle
men of the party, drove to the court
house square, and after being introduced
by Col Rohrer of the citizens committee
spoke a few words in reply. Col. Rohrer
said:
"My Fellow Citizens Of Rockingham
County: The great honor has been as
signed to me of introducing to you. as
President of the United States of Amer
lea, one whom We can call for the first
time in forty years, the President of a
united country. There is no North, no
South, no East no West. but one at
last, and forever. We welcome you, our
chieftain and our pilot, not just as the
patriots of the olden times did our George
Washington, as first in war, but as last
for war and first in peace. l have, my
fellow citizens the satisfaction of introduc-
ing to you the Hon. William Mckinley,
the President of the United States, the
grandest country on the face of this
globe.
The Presidents Response.
The President replied as follows:
Fellow Citizens: [ beg to acknowledge
the very warm and generous welcome
which has been extended on your behalf
by Col. Rohrer. / assure you that this Is
altogether an unexpected courtesy and
pleasure, and all the more appreciated,
for, in passing so rapidly through your
valley, had no thought that would be
thus greeted by the people of Rocking
ham county.
II am glad, my fellow citizens, to look
upon your beautiful valley once more, one
of the richest and most attractive in our
great country. 1t Is a rich heritage you
possess and enjoy
Il heartily join with your speaker in
congratulations upon reunited country.
We are now happily one in purpose and
one in patriotism. / congratulate you upon
the evidences of prosperity that l see at
tr .rVatNr
participated in by both the North and
the South. II now rests upon us and those
who follow us to see that this union of
states established by the fathers repre-
sentng liberty and justice, representing
the highest opportunities and blessings.
shall not perish from the earth. / thank
you and bid you goodbye" loud and
prolonged applause)
Gave Him "a Cake.
There was similar scene at Newman
ket, Broadway and Mount Jackson, ex-
cept that the President did not leave the
train. At the last point a huge frosted
cake was handed to the President, to
which was attached $he following note:
1.-THE ladies' and gentlemen of Mount
Jackson gave burlesque on the old-time
eolored cake-wa.k last night for the bene-
At OF the Methodist Church. and they de-
sire the cake to go to the White House,
and herewith present the same to the
President and Mrs. Mckinley"
Passing through the scenes OF the bat
tie of Fishers Hill, Travelling Passenger
Agent Dudrow Of the Baltimore and Ohio
road stood with the President on the rear
platform and pointed out many Of the in
teresting localities.
A Confederate Greeting.
One of the most conspicuous fea-
lures of each stop was the ever
present Confederate veteran, who
pressed forward to grasp Mr.. McKinley's
hand Al Woodstock Gen. James H.
williams. a grey-haired soldier, who COM
manded a Confederate battery at Kerns-
town, pushed 10 the steps of the car, ana
taking the President by the hand, said
eve OF Woodstock are all here to greet
you and to welcome you, Irrespective of
race. color or previous condition Of servi-
tude / want to tell you, Mr.. President.
that this is the town from which the cela.
trated Muhenberg Dutch regiment went
10 the revolutionary war, and there are
sim some of their descendants here. ana
they are all still loyal / was one or
those who shot at you. / am glad I
yoisaad YOU and now | am glad 10 ahaLa