Valentine Democrat. (Valentine, Neb.) 1900-1930, 1900-11-29

tive ranks at Ne entrance ana waved
their standards an Mr.. Kruger, bare
headed. passed between them to his
apartments.
APPEARS ON BALCONY.
Soon after. in response to thunder
Gus ovation, he appeared on the bal
cony and repeatedly bowed, but as some
ten minutes elapsed without a sign of
abatement in the enthusiasm. he spoke
a few words, which were interpreted in
French by DR.. Leyds and were followed
by a renewal Of the frenzy.
In order to testify his gratitude he
took in his hand a corner Of the French
tricolor that was flying on the balcony,
between the Transvaal and Free State
flags, and pressed it to his heart again
and again. The enthusiastic people
cheered him until he withdrew to his
rooms, which he found half-filled with
bouquets and garlands presented by his
admirers.
The prefect and mayor then called to
pay their respects, the latter, M. F'las-
stores, making an eloquent speech in
sympathy with the Beers.
Mr.. Kruger replied briefly, declaring
how deeply he had been touched by the
unexpected warmth of his reception in
Marseilles and by the sympathy Of the
French people.
After luncheon and a little repose
Mr. Kruger descended to the hall Of the
hotel, where he received the delegations.
He sat in a gilded chair Immediately
in front OF the fire place, DR.. Leyds and
Messrs. Fischer and Vessels standing
near him. DR.. Leyds briefly interpreted
the addresses of the various speakers
but 1t was evident that Mr.. Kruger was
fatigued and found 1t great stra.n to
follow the gestures of orators speaking
a language unintelligible to him. When
this was going on his eyes frequently
roamed about the room, but he listened
attentively with his hand to his ear.
BECOMES FATIGUED.
Eventually becoming fatigued, he
asked that the other addresses be pre-
sented to him in writing and then with
drew again to his apartments, where he
passed the evening quietly, receiving no
one.
IT CHILLED THEM.
The reception committee, of which
Senator Paulliat was the president, had
been waiting. in the cold, damp morn
ing air for two hours when boat from
the Gelderland landed DR.. Van Ham
mel. the bearer of a message, saying
Mr.. Kruger could not land for another
two hours. The messenger explained
that the commander Of the Gelderland
before Mr.. Kruger left Dutch territory
otherwise the Dutch warship) desired
to render him the honors due to the
president Of a South African republic,
and the commander also wished the Of
ficers and crew Of the Gelderland to
take a solemn farewell of Mr.. Kruger.
who would leave the ship with guard
of honor drawn up on her deck. For
this ceremony the sailors would don
their full dress, which would involve a
delay of a couple of hours.
The message dumbfounded the mem
bers of the committee, who were unable
to conceal their annoyance, as they
recognized that such delay would dis
locate all the arrangements and lead
to the dispersal of the immense con-
course along the route.
The president Of the committee there
fore explained the situation to DR.. Van
and urged him to persuade
Mr.. Kruger to land without delay, as
otherwise he feared that the Marseilles
on the previous day,
would become disgusted and the demon
stration would collapse.
DR.. Van Hammel left with this mes
sage and there was great relief wheH
4 reply was received to the effect that
Mr.. Kruger would land in twenty min
utes.
APPROACHES THE LANDING.
The GeIderland was decorated with
flags in rainbow fashion. An outburst
Of cheering from on board the vessels
in the harbor announced to those wait
ing to receive him that Mr.. Kruger had
eft the Gelderland and a. few minutes
later the barge of the warship, with
the Dutch flag flying at her stern, a
gold laced officer standing at her tiller
and a group of civilians sitting in the
stern, among whom was the unmistak-
able figure of the BOer president, was
seen approaching the landing stage.
His companions, Messrs. Fischer, ,Wes-
sells and others, were baTeheaded. Mr..
Kruger was wearing a tall hat, bound
with deep crepe and much the worse
for wear, thick dark Overcoat and
nuffied and steel-rimmed spectacles. AS
ne approached the shore he raised his
lat and acknowledged the cheering. He
seemed strong and had no need OF a
lelping arm from the barge to the shore:
For a. few minteS the shoute of
'Vive Kruger" "Vive les Boers," rem
Iered every other sound inaudible.
When the cheering subsided. DR.. Leyds
presented President Kruger TO the
French committee.
The sun was then shining down upon
Mr.. Kruger and he held up his hat to
shade his eyes from the glare. AS he
stood in this attitude, his head slightly
bowed, with his hair brushed back, he
was an unutterably pathetic creature.
which at once won the sympathy anu
reverence of every person present.
Hats were doffed until the speeches
md Mr.. Kruger was conducted to his
o. ~ pl