The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1902-11-21

Memphis, Tenn, November Is.-Ai-
though the festivities today celebrated
the homecoming OF General Luke T..
wright. vice governor of the Philip
plhes' 1t is no reflection upon the
warmth of the welcome extended to
him that President Roosevelt's pres-
ence was the over>shadowing feature
OF the day. Excursion trains were run
into the city and a number of distin-
gulshed people were present to par
ticipate in the celebration Among
them were Governor Benton McMillin
and General Joseph Wheeler. The pro-
gramme was a long one. Immediately
after the presidents arrival there was
| a parade through the streets to the
Gayoso Hotel, where a breakfast was
rendered the president and General
Wright jointly by the ladies of Mem
phis. In the afternoon the president
spoke at two receptions given in honor
of General Wright, one at the audi
tclium, by white citizens, the other at
! hall in the black section of the city
| by the colored people. Later there was
| Colonial Danes tea ct the Gayoso
| and the festivities closed tonight with
president delivered a speech
including some brief remar..s at the
breakfast, the president spoke four
| times during the day. Altogether it was
a splendid tribute tc the affection and
esteem in which General Wright lis held
| at home. That Mrs. Wright is also ex-
| ceedingly popular, was made apparent
by the applause which greeted every
| reference to her. This was especially
/ marked at the auditorium, when the
L ocf1
mothers brother served n the Con-
| federate navy under her father, who
was Admiral Semmes
Mayor Williams and Governor Nc
| Millin made addresses of welcome and
| the audience was very enthusiastic
when General Wright delivered his re-
| Spon5e. He was greatly touched by the
| compliment paid him by the presidents
| presence and with the demonstration
| in his honor.
General Wright did not go deeply In
| to the situation in the Philippines in
his remarks. but he emphasized the
| fact tnat the administration of the Is
lands under both Presidents Mckinley
and Roosevelt had been OF an abso-
| lutely non-partisan character. Presi-
dent Roosevelt had not intended tn
| speak at this reception, but the assem-
blage would not be denied and he spoke
briefly.
/ The reception rendered by the coll
ored people was truly remarkable.
| General Wright earned their undying
gratitude during the two yellow fever
epidemic 20 years ago, by remaining
here when most Of the whites had des
and seeing that the sick were cared
for. The hall was packed, galleries and
pit, to the point OF suffccation and the
whole spirit Of the proceedings breath
ed admiration fesutheir friend
| General Wright - addressing the
IL n E4G. - l. ~.
future, telling them of the different
! problems between them. He said that
, Ii would perhaps have been better for
both races had the change from slavery
to citizenship not come SO suddenly
! The presidents reception beggars
. description. The colored people be-
came almost frantic, jumping up and
down in their enthusiasm and yelling
themselves hoarse. He made shozs
address to them
At the concfosion of the presidents
remarks. the entire audience Of more
than 1000 united in singing. GOD Be
With You TIL We Meet Again"
There were 200 guests at the banquet.
the attendance being limited TO that
Il number. Governor Longino. OF Missis-
sippi, travelled from Jackson te. be
present Albert s. Caldwell acted a.
toastmaster.
The programme OF toasts was as fol
| lows:
"welcome"-The toastmaster.
Response-General Luke E. Wright.
, Our Country'-President Roosevelt
Guest OF Honor''-w. Crawford
The Consent of the Government
Judge III. III. Lurton.
"Seryice and Civilization. America
IdeaP'-Bishop Thomas r. Gayior-
The Presidency Alexander Z
) Cochran.
J at midnight the presidential party
eft for Washington over the Southern
] railroad. Colonel L 8 Brown. genera
manager of the Southern was In charge
; / Of the train. No stops viii be made
: on the way. The train will reach
! | washington at o'clock Friday MORN
e ing.
Memphis, Tenn. November fs--Presi-
e dent Roosevelt and party arrived in the
T city this morning promptly at 8 O'Clock
i | from Smedes. Miss. on special train
r over the Yazoo ard Mississippi Valie,
\ railroad The jouuIey from Smedes
3 was devoid Of special incident Thf
: president was given an enthustasue
{ demonstratiop, when he alishted fron
(Continued on Filth Pc se.)