The Billings gazette., 1902-11-25
MEMPHIS CELEBRATES HIS HOME
COMING.
AN ADDRESS BY ROOSEVELT
President Responding to Toast "Our
Country" Talks About the
Philippines.

Memphis, Tenn Nov. 20.-Although
the days festivities celebrated the
homecoming of General Luke E.
Wright, vice governor of the Philip
pines,. it is no reflection upon the
warmth of the welcome extended to
him to say that President Roosevelt's
presence was the overshadowing fea-
ture of the day.
Excursion trains were run into the
city and number of distinguished
people were present to participate in
the celebration. Among them were
Governor McMillen and General
Joseph Wheeler. The parade was a
long one.
Immediately after the presidents
arrival there was parade through the
streets to the Gayoso hotel where a
breakfast was rendered to the presi-
dent and Governor Wright by the
ladies of Memphis. In the afternoon
the president attended and spoke at
two receptions given in honor of Gov
ernor Wright.
There was Colonial Danes tea at
tonight with an elaborate banquet at
the Peabody, at which the president
delivered a set speech. Including
some brief remarks at the breakfast
the president spoke four times during
the day. Altogether it was splendid
tribute to the affection and esteem in
which General Wright is held at home.
That Mrs. Wright is also exceedingly
popular was made apparent by the ap-
plause which greeted every reference
to her. This was especially marked
at the Auditorium, when the presi-
dent referred to the fact that his
mothers brother served in the con-
federate navy under her father, Ad-
miral Semmes.
President Roosevelt responding to
the toast "Our Country said:
President Roosevelt's Address.
'It is a real and great pleasure to
come to this typical city of the south
ern Mississippi valley in order to
greet a typical American, citizen of
Tennessee, who deserves honor not
only from his state, but from the en-
tire country-General Luke r. Wright.
We have a right to expect a high
standard of manhood from Tennessee.
1t was one of the first two states
created west of the Allegheny noun
tains. and it was in this state that
the first self-governing community OF
American freemen was established
upon waters flowing into the gulf
The pioneers of Tennessee were
among the earliest in the great west
ward march which thrust the nations
border across the continent to the
Pacific, and it is eminently fitting that
a son of Tennessee should now play
so prominent part in the further
movement of expansion beyond the
Pacific There have been presidents
OIL Iue OulIou oldlco LII pue IAo
years, and during 16 of those years
Tennesseeans sat in the white house
Hardihood and daring, and iron reso
luton are of right to be expected
\ among the sons of state which nur
tured Andrew Jackson and Sam Hous
ton; which sent into the American
navy one of the most famous fighting
admirals of all time, Farragut.
Reunion of North and South.
"There is another reason why oul
country should be glad that it was
General Wright who rendered this
service. General Wright fought with
distinguished gallantry among the
gallant men who served in the armies
of the confederacy during the clvl
war. We need no proof Of the com
pleteness of our reunion as people
When the war with Spain came the
sons of the men who wore the gray
We'd with one another in the effor
to get into the ranks and face for
eign foe under the old flag that hae
been carried in triumph under Wln
field Scott and Zachary Taylor ant
Andrew Jackson. 1t was my own goot
fortune to serve under that fearless
fighter, old Joe Wheeler, memor!
of which will always be proud. Blu
if we needed any proof of the unit!
of our interests it would have beer
afforded this very year by Genera
Wright, the ex-confederate, in his al
ministration as acting governor OF thu
Philippine islands. Upon him dur
ing the months OF summer rested
heavier burden of responsibility thai