The Washington times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1901-1902, 1902-05-17
Praise for Nations Chief
Executive at Fraternity
Banquet.
PROMINENT MEN PRESENT
Speakers Recall Number of Incidents in
Life of Mr.. Roosevelt-Stories Reveal
His Keen Interest in Army, Navy, and
Frontier Life.

President Roosevelt was praised by
Senator Allison and DR.. Merrill E. Gates.
former president Of Amherst College, last
night, for his prompt response to the need
OF the Martinique sufferers, while 900 col
lege men and boys cheered themselves
hoarse. at banquet at the willard, when
the SEVENTEEN annual convention of the
Alpha Delta Phi was brought to close.
There were other addresses made. and
many speakers paid high compliments to
the Chief Magistrate. member Of the
fraternity. The President could not be
present, but sent letter of regret.
A distinguished gathering of famous
men was seated at the head Of the board
as guests Of honor. Those who spoke
were Senator Allison. Senator Quarles,
Col. Thomas E. Sprague. president of the
fraternity; Matthew Trimble, president
Of the Washington Alumni; W. z. Curtis,
Rev. DR.. Watson, r. s. Thaycr, Benjamin
Franklin. of New York; Jefferson Clark.
Hugh j. Jewett, Surgeon General Wyman,
James R. Garfield, Civil Service Commits
sioner; Ed Stanwood. G. Armstrong. Will
lam Frye White. ]. Madison Cults, Charles
L. Burroughs, and Merrill E. Gates.
Mr.. Curtis presided. and introduced Mr..
Garfield as the first speaker. He was
followed by Mr.. Stanwood, editor OF the
Youths Companion
DR.. Gates not only paid glowing trib-
ute to the President, but he told some
interesting stories. demonstrating the
character Of the President.
Calls President Brother.
This brother of ours in the White
House." he said, Tin replying Immediate
ly. without question. to the great neces-
sity Of those made destitute by that dis
aster at Martinique. showed, by the
promptness which this appeal met. his
strenuous nature. He sent our ships out,
and has left nation inquiring more than
ever about this man."
He then told story of the President
The incident he recalled occurred at a
banquet in New York few days before
he was nominated for the Vice Presi-
dency. President Roosevelt. DR.. Gates
said. knew of what would happen.
Why should l want to sit on that |
velvet seat in the Senator President |
Roosevelt said. Suppose Senator Petit |
grew should get up and I should not be |
iDIc u tuTOW my Inallel At MIN.
II remember a visit paid to the White |
House shortly after he became President,
and learned of his wonderful grasp upon
things. In one room hangs a huge map,
The largest j have even seen. The Presi-
lent studied the positions of the various
ships Of our navy. l told him that I had
| negro cook whose son was in colored
roop. the Fifth Cavalry, and that she
vas anxious to find out where he was.
Let me find out myself said the
President. He found the map Of the Phil
ppines, put his finger on one of the
smaller islands, and said: The boy is
here. Tell his mother / put my finger
ipon her son. and that we remember our
,olored boys, wherever they may be-
II told the cook. She said: Praise de
Lawd! Use been mentioned In the White
Iouse.''
Tells of Mountain Trip.
Mr.. Curtis told story about the Presi-
lent on his first trip to the Rocky Noun
aims. He engaged guide, and the guide
ngased horse-a fierce looking brute
nd then urged the President not TO ride
/. The President declared he would. He
ave his watch and pocketbook to the
uide. and said:
" Turn these over to my executors. I'm
oing 10 ride that animal or III know |
he reason why. In half an hour there1I
e dead "critter" around here, or dead
lan,'
''The President-then Mr.. Roosevelt
ung himself on the horse to do battle,
ut for some reason the animal was very
uiet The President rodN him around !
" some time, and then grew disguised.
The ''critter" hasn't any fight in him.
aid the President.
81 bet he heard what you said, Mr.
oosevelt,' explained the guide"
Senator Allison characterized the Amer
an people as first in intellect, energy,
nd culture. "and," said he, I'VE have at
lie head of our Government not only a
rother and friend. but an Executive who
,es that this nation must take its place
the head OF the world. President
oosevelt is endeavoring to bring our
,untry to higher plane"
The Alpha Delta Phi convention closed
ssterday with an election OF officers, and
lie organization of the Phi Rho Beta So
ETY. of the University OF Michigan. The
hcers Of the fraternity we're reelected.