Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1901-05-04
THE PRESIDENTS TRIP.
Royal Welcome at Memphis to the
Head of the Nation.
TRIBUTE TO TENNESSEE TROOPS.

Praises the Men of the First Ten
nessee Volunteers For Their Work
I'm the Philippine Islands.
Memphis, May 1.-The presidential
train passed through the heart of Dixie
yesterday, and at 4:30 o'clock in the
afternoon reached Memphis, on the
banks OF the Mississippi. This was
the first resting place of the tour. The
heat was rather oppressive, but the
weather was not so warm as the presi-
dents welcome. Confederate veterans
at all the stopping places were among
the presidents most enthusiastic au-
ditors, and that he was impressed with
their remarks of love and esteem was
evident from the brief speeches he
made at Huntsville, Decatur, Tuscum-
bia and CoTinth.
During the morning, at the regular
hour for the cabinet to assemble. the
president summoned his advisers into
the observation car, and there, behind
closed doors, the first cabinet meeting
on wheels was held. No important ad-
vices had been received from Washing
ton that required action, but the for
eign dispatches in the papers were
talked over and some of the details as
yet undetermined were discussed.
AT Memphis the party received a
wonderfully impressive welcome. A
committee, headed by Senator Car
mack, met the train at Corinth and
escorted the party to this city. A ma
tional salute Of 81 guns signalled the
approach to the city. At the station
Governor McMillin and others met the
party. A military parade, with a com
pany or grizzled Confederate veterans.
In their old uniforms, acting as the
guard OF honor, escorted the party in
carriages through the principal streets
to Court Square. The city was slabor
ately decorated with flags and bunting.
and banners were stretched across the
streets bearing such inscriptions as
Mr.. President, the city is yours" "The
nations president" etc.
In Court Square, where the omen air
reception occurred, the platform was
30 hedged around with roses and other
blossoms as to make II a flower show
over 10000 people were packed into the
square when the president was intro
duced by Mayor Williams. He spoke in
part as follows:
II am glad to meet the peonls n,
Memphis and of the state of Tennessee
Ihelr history is associated with the
greatest struggles and sacrifices of our
country and their valor has been con-
spicuous on every battlefield of the re-
public. The commonwealth has lost
none OF the zeal and patriotism which
gave to it In the earlier days the name
or the volunteer state. 1t shows II Is
still worthy OF that proud designation
Tor even now its enlistments in the
new army, according to population. ex-
coed those OF any other state in the
Union. Her record In the Spanish war
was distinguished one. I shall never
forget that during the anxious DAYS OF
1893 1t was the Tennessee soldiers in
the Philippines who, with unfalterine
patriotism, led all others In re-enIist-
ments for the new regiments then
| forming.
They encouraged their comrades
and cheered the heart OF the whole
| country. Nor can 1 fail to remember
and recall in their presence and make
| heartfelt Acknowledgement to the GAL
liant first Tennessee volunteers. who
having once embarked on the trans
ports, with their faces turned home
ward and toward those they loved, VOL
unfairly disembarked, and, marchinp
70 the relief of their comrades In dis
tress, fought brave fight, and with
them turned defeat into victory. All
honor to the first Tennessee volunteers
and all the gratitude of which nv heart
Is capable to the noble men and wo-
men OF this city for this magnificent
welcome to myself and my associates"
After this speech the party was driy
en- to the Twentieth Century club. a
ladies organization OF this city. Here
there was a yeritable beauty show.
About thirty charming southern bellies
held court In bower of roses, ranged
around gilded arm chair, which was
designed to hold the president Mr..
! Mckinley, however, did not take the
| chair, but he braved the battery of
| eyes, and after greeting each OF the
young ladies personally in turn made a
| brief speech.
After this function the ladies of the
party were taken in hand by the ladies
OF Memphis. A reception was held In
their honor and later banquet was
given them at the Peabody hotel. At
the same time on the floor above the
president and the gentlemen of his
party. with about 200 prominent bust
ness men OF the city, sat down to an
elaborate dinner
At 1880 this morning the presidential
train resumed its journey for New Or
leans, which will be reached at 4:3O
o'clock this afternoon.
SpineIIO Baby Not Murdered.
New York, May 1.-The coroner's