New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-05-21
THE PRESIDENT RETURNS.
REFRESHED AND INvIGORATED BY HIS
REST AT HOT SPRINGS.
ENTHUSIASTICALLY RECEIVED ON HIS JOUR-
NEY THROUGH THE SHENANDOAH
VALLEY WHERE HE FOUGHT IN
THE CIVIL. WAR
THE CIVIL WAR.


WASHINGTON May 2O-The President and
Mrs. Mckinley. with the friends who accom-
panied them reached Washington at o:3O
o'clock this afternoon over the Baltimore and
Ohio Railroad The stay Of twelve days at
Hot Springs almost entirely devoted to
rest the only break being a days run 10 the
Natural Bridge week ago. The outing has
been OF great benefit to the President and he
resumes his official duties thoroughly refreshed
and invigorated
The party left Hot Springs last night, and
to-day travelled slowly through the ST enandoah
Valley rich in beautiful scenery end points OF
historic interest. Thirtyfve years ago Mr.. Nc
Kiney. as assistant adjutant-general on the
staff OF General Crook marched through this
same valley taking part In the heavy fighting
which occurred In Sheridan's famous raid. To-
day the President went the same ground.
and from the platform Of the special train
which carried him recalled with great distinct
ness the places which saw much bloodshed.
Though the citizens Of the towns through which
they passed had little warning Of the Presidents
coming. the roadways and stations were lined
with people anxious to catch a glimpse OF him
or TO grasp his hand where brief stops were
made Men and women OF different colors some
Of the latter bearing babes in their arms; Re-
ex-Confederates Joined in the cheers and shouts
OF welcome. Flags were waved and flowers
were showered on him. and II there is any Bit
terness remaining over the civil strife there
was nothing In the enthusiasm shown to-day
to indicate 1t. From Staunton to Harpers Ferry
II was the same story.
A SPEECH MADE AT HARRIsONBURG.
The first point where stop OF any length was
made Harrisonburg. Va. where a large
crowd awaited the arrival of the Presidents
train. gayly costumed band struck up
march, and the President, unable to withstand
the opportunities of the local committee which
waited upon him. left the car. and. accompanied
by the men Of the party. drove to the Court
house Square, and. after being introduced by
Colonel Rohrer. spoke as follows in reply:
Fellow citizens: l beg TO acknowledge the
very warm and generous welcome which has
been extended on your behalf by Colonel Rohrer.
assure you that this Is altogether unex-
pected courtesy and pleasure, and all the more
appreciated for In passing so rapidly through
your valley had no thought that I would be
thus greeted by the people Of Rockingham
County
/ am glad. my fellow citizens, TO look upon
your beautiful valley once more one OF the rich
est and most attractive in our great country.
II is a rich heritage you possess and enjoy. I
heartily join with your speaker In congratula-
tions upon reunited country. We are now.
happily. one in purpose and In patriotism. 1
congratulate you upon the evidences Of pros
perty that see at every hand. II is COM
mon prosperity. participated In by both the
North and the South. 1t now rests upon us and
those who follow us to see TO It that this union
OF States, established by the fathers. repre-
nd he
highest opportunities and blessings. shall not
perish from the earth. | thank you and bid
you goodby. (Applause.)
There were similar scenes at Newmarket
Broadway and Mount Jackson, except that the
President did not leave the train. At the last
point huge frosted cake was handed TO the
President to which was attached the following
note:
The ladies and gents OF Mount Jackson gave a
burlesque on the old-tlme colored cake-wak last
they desire the cake go to the White House, and
herewith present the same to the President and
Mrs Mckinley.
HISTORIC SCENES REVISITED.
Passing through the scenes Of the battle Of
Fishers Hill. Mr. Dudrow. the travelling pas
senger agent Of the Baltimore and Ohio road,
stood with the President on the rear platform
and pointed out many Of the interesting local.
ties.
At Strasburg Junction. an old man in the
crowd that had gathered. shouted: Mr.. Presi-
dent expect you find 1t peasanter going down
the valley to-day than you did on another oc-
casonw while another old fellow hobbed up to
the platform and said: Il want to shake hanis
with you and I am old rebel, too"
The train stopped at Cedar Creek, near the old
mill which that battle made famous The scene
ot,A h.an
pressed that fact by saying: This ground looks
familiar and there's the old mill. too. The
Sixth Corps was encamped along the road there,
and over here Sheridan had his headquarters'
Cooleys house was pointed out, and glimpses
could be had OF the pike. mile away. on this
pike the members of the Sth Vermont have
erected a monument to their fallen comrades
The rear car OF the train was resting on
trestlework which crossed the creek AS the
scene became more fixed in his memory, the !
running water attracted the attention of the |
President and turning to those on the platform, |
he remarked: They drove US across this creek |
pellmell and then we came back and took our |
old grounds
The Rev Mr. Spegel OF Cedar Creek. pre- |
sented to the President bayonet and some /
bullets picked up by his little boy on the battle
field Mr. Spiegels house was used as hos
pital on the morning OF the fight The President |
gave the little fellow white carnaton from
his buttonholc. and thanked him heartily.
The President noted in an amused way the old |
stone walls, and some one suggested: Mr..
President those were good things to get behind
in those days"
A brief stop made at Middetown. Part
OF the town was from the train. Here IL
was that Early drove the Union forces before
him when they retreated in the first part OF
the fight.
Kernstown furnished more interesting feat
ures AT the small station a crowd had gath
cred and greeted the President with cheers One
old Confederate veteran. after introducing HIM
self told the President how Jackson came up
through the hollow over there
WHERE HE WAS MADE A MASON