The Iola register., 1902-04-11
PRAISES THE SOUTH
Roosevelt Talked to Charleston PeO-
pie Wednesday

BY scripps-McRae Press Assn.
Charleston, S. c., April 9.-This
city is crowded with visitors who are
celebrating presidents day at the ex-
position. Governors McSweeney and
Aycock of both the Cardinals are
here with their staffs. The military
and naval parade started to the ex-
position at ten this morning. Cheers
repeatedly greeted the President who
seated in carriage responded with
smiles, raising bis hat. After the
grounds were reached the parade was
reviewed and then the president and
distinguished party proceeded to the
auditorium.
After the addresses OF president
Wagner, both the governors and
Mayor Smith, Roosevelt took the
rostrum. The cheering was so loud
and long continued that some time
elapsed before he could speak.
Dwelling on the strength OF the
Union between the North and South
after the terrific struggle OF the
civil war, the president said: with a
thoughtful courtesy you originally
asked me to come to the exposition on
the birthday of Abraham Lincoln.
When four pears ago the nation was
compelled to fire on a foreign foe the
strength of the reunion became in
stantly and strikingly evident. 1t was
my good fortune to serve under the
exconiederate General, gallant Joe
Wheeler. In my regiment as the one
singled out for promotion on account
OF his conspicuous gallantry in the
field was the son of confederate gen.
eral and citizen of this, palmetto state,
Micah Jenkins.
Roosevelt then touched upon the APP
pointment of General Luke Wright, OF
Tennessee, an exconfederate, as vice
governor of the Philippines and men
toned letter from him saying that
there seemed to be more war about the
Philippines in the United States than
in the Archipelago.
Touching the object of the exposi-
tion he said it was wise TO get in touch
with the West Indies. The events OF
the last four years, he continued, have
shown us that the West Indies and the
Isthmus must in the future occupyl:a
larger place in our national policy.
We have right to take an honest
pride in what we have done for Cuba,
and,when on the twentieth thofneXtmonth,
Cuba becomes free republic, the is
| land will be in better condition than il
was in all the centuries of SPANS rule.
This exposition was rendered possible
because of the period of industrial
prosperity through which we are pass
lag. We must need build a higher
life upon it for great problemsl are
before us; but these are not insolu-
BILE if they are approached in a spirit
of resolute fearlessness and intention
to do justice to all men. This is an
era of great combinations. In many
ways they work for good, but they
mnst work under law. The laws must
be wise and just or they will do evil
to the most powerful labor union and
the richest corporation. Above all
their administration must be fair and
honest.
At the conclusion of the presidents
address former Governor Hughes
Thompson handed him for presenta.
tion to Major Micah Jenkins the $500
sword, the gift of the people of South
Carolina ;as tribute to the majors
gallantry in Cuba as well as a rebuke
to Lieutenant Governor Tillman for
tion to the president to present the
sword previously bought.