The times., 1901-05-31

| something like nine hours This stay
! however, gave the President an oppor
| tunity to deliver two addresses which
Were of considerable significance. espe-
| cially the one which he made at the ban
| quet. which aroused much enthusiasm
| Memphis was at that time in the midst
of her preparations to entertain the re-
7 cent reunion of the Confederate Veter-
ans. and this fact, coupled with the re-
ceptiOn which the President received
showed that while the past is still re-
membered, the conditions of the present
are not only accepted by actually re-
joiCed over.
1t was there however, that the great
strain upon Mrs. Mckinley began, which
was probably the main cause Of her seri-
Gus illness. The ladies C the city, not
thoroughly understanding I-er frah con-
dition. had planned too much for her. and
expected her participation in events ana
fetes which would have heavily taxed the
strength of an ordinarily well woman.
Through the instrum entality OF one
energetic and enthusiastic little woman,
who had charge of the functions, and who
rejoiced greatly in her complete triumph
over the carefully laid plans and instruc-
tions Of Secretary Cortelyou, Mrs. McKfn-
ley was made to undergo more than she
was physically able to endure.
II was all done, however, in the spirit
of utmost kindness, and for no other pur-
pose than to show to the first lady OF the
land, who was. with her husband, the guest
OF the city, all the h0nors and to extend
all the greeting which the city could be-
no word of complaint or even suggestion
on the part of Mrs. McKinley's intimate
friends that her illness had its origin IN
Memphis and developed later.
The brief stop which the President mace
at Nickshurg was especially interesting, ana
considering the circumstances ana the
size of the place, 1t has been conceded
that in the warmth of the reception ac-
corded. the unique and picturesque dec
orations of the streets and houses, the en-
thuslasm OF the people. the first prize
l. .af~ ~i.aE M ~
side of California 1t even exceeded in
these respects some OF the towns of the
Golden State. The President was espe-
cialiy impressed
New Orleans was particularly inter
esting, the characteristics of the city
being materially different from those of
any other American municipality The ola
town with narrow streets. its peculiar
dwellings, its Cabildo. and other evidences
on every hand of things which existed
and fourished there a century ago, to-
gether with its characteristic Creole popu-
latiOn. and the modern city with ITS
progress and improvement. were OF deep
interest to the President, and he was en-
abled to see conditions which nowhere
else exist.
Then followed the trip across the bayou
district Of Louisiana, and the long jour
ney through the Lone Star State, a vast
empire within Itself capable OF embrac-
ing the whole population of the Unisn,
and maintaining it is plenty without
drawing upon the resources of any other
portion of the world outside of its own
borders.
The other principal stops made at
Houston, Austin. san Antonio. and FL
Paso in the trip Of about thousand
miles across Texas afforded an oppor-
tunity TO obtain but meagTe estimate OF
what this vast territory is capable of.
Houston. thriving and growing. strug-
Cling with san Antonio 20 be the metro
polls Of the State. did all that she could
do to entertain Mr.. Mckinley during the
two hours that he halted there.
Austin was no less hospitable, and had
10 exhibit her big granite State capital
built by Chicago capitalists, at cost of
three million acres Of land in the pam
handle section. almost as large as the
National Capital and quite commensurate
with the size of the great Commonwealth.
From the steps OF the building the Presi-
dent addressed a large audience, many of
whom had come in from the surrounding
ton chief Austin had never before en-
tertained a President OF the United States.
and rarely II ever witnessed so large a
crowd of people.
its adobe dwellings, where many of its
Mexican citizens reside, its broad pIazas
and Its historic cathedral, and Alamo,
where fought and died the brave band of
pioneers OF Texan liberty, extended a
greeting which was in keeping with that
OF her sister cities. Then followed the
long trip of $40 miles across the plains
and along the Rio Grande the longest
stretch during the entire trans-continental
journey.
At El Paso the President and party
rested over Sunday and on Monday re-
sumed the trip across the arid waste lands
Of New Mexico and Arizona, where here
and there are spots made fertile and TO
blossom like the rose by a resort to irri-
cation. Stops were made at Deming
Phoenix, Tucson, and several smaller
places, and among those who extended
their greetings at some of these towns
were the rough and uncouth but big
al
mede that section of the country famous
with their wild life and exploits.
me heat was al times very oppressive,
especially when passing through the
alkali desert of Arizona. but the fatigue
could well be endured for the beauty Of
scenery and delightful climate which were
seen ana enjoyed when the Presidential
party entered the Golden State There
the abundance of fruits and flowers and
the profusion with which they were be-
slowed upon the President and Mrs Nc
hinley ana used in the decorations was
IN striking contrast 10 anything expert
enced elsewhere. At Redlands Los
Angeles, Santa Barbara and the other
towns 1t was the same story with vary
ing scenery, of beauty and interest of
fruits and flowers speaking the joyous
welcome Of the people
Then, In the midst Of all the gorgeous
display. the pomp and honor bestowed, it
was Mrs. Mckinley's misfortune TO fall
seriously Ill, and while the party rested
over Sunday at Del Monte 1t was found
necessary to remove her to San Fran
cisco, where. DR. Rixey could have the
assistance of consulting physicians.
1t was necessary for the President TO
cancel nearly all of the other engage
ments arranged for him from there on
to San Fra nciscO. While he remained nv
the bedside Of his sick wife the remainder
OF his party was left to continue the
journey and fill his place as best they
could. It was sore disappointment to
the people. but they bore il without COM
Diaining IN r'@" "F '-~ - umstances.
followed the
'aiting in the
fire lodi Of