Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-02
PRESIDENT STARTS ON TRIP
he is in Cord Spirits a. He L'sve'
for the West
RIDES IN ENGINE CAB FOR FIFTY MILES
suEEests that Rs Union Fireman
He ought to stoke Fires, but
Finally Abstains to View
Scenery,

hoobtNtil AT S.Uo tnlB morning started on
his western trip under the most favorable
auspices. As the special train pulled out
of the Pennsylvania station the president
stood on the platform of his car tipping
his hat and smiling in response to the en-
thusiastic cheers Of hundreds Of admirers.
As early as s o'clock a crowd began to
gather at the white House to witness the
presidents departure. AS he entered his
carriage to drive to the station the men
made the historic grounds echo with
cheers, while women waved their handker
chiefs and many Of them their hats.
The Pennsylvania station and platforms
were crowded with people anxious to ex-
tend to the president their good wishes for
a safe and successful journey. Notable
precautions were taken to insure the safety
Of the president. The police arrangements
we're under the personal supervision of
Commissioner West and Chief Sylvester,
and uniformed officers. detectives, plain
clothes men and secret service operatives
surrounded the president and covered every
point.
President in Good Spirits.
AS President Roosevelt alighted from his
carriage he was Joined by Secretary Hitch
cock and they walked down the platform
arm in arm, the president stopping now and
then to greet friends He was attired in a
black cutaway coat, dark striped trousers
and wore a black felt hat.
He was in the best of spirits and chatted
enthusiastically about the trip. Near his
car he met Baron Speck Won Sternburg, the
German minister, who had come to see him
off. The two had several minutes con-
vorsation, the president thanking the min
lister for his thoughtfulness in coming to
the station.
No member of the presidents immediate
family except his sister. Mrs. Cowles, was
at the station, Mrs. Roosevelt and the
young children being down the Chesapeake
bay on Mayhower and Miss Alice in
Porto Rico. Several members Of the cabi-
net, including Secretaries Cortelyou, Wilson
and Hitchcock, we're present. The presi
dent and Secretary Cortelyou chatted sew
eral minutes, the president expressing his
regret that the secretary was not to ac-
company him. other members of the cabi-
net had taken their formal leave of the
president at the White House.
Among other notable people at the sta
tion to see the president of were Assistant
Secretary of State Loomis, Colonel Theo-
dore Bingham, Captain w. S. Cowles, Sec
ond Assistant Postmaster General Shallen-
berger and District Commissioner West.
Train ts Handsomely Equipped.
The train Is one Of the finest ever run
out OF Washington by the Pennsylvania
railroad, handsomely equipped and manned
by crew OF picked men. The only change
| In the personnel Of the party. as hereto
fore announced. was that John Mccoy went
as special representative of the Pennsyl-
vania railroad instead OF G. r. Rosenberg
In addition to those oficislly designated as
members of the presidents party three Sc
| cret service men and two postof1ce In
spectors accompanied the president as
personal body guard.
The journey, as planned, will occupy nine
weeks and three days, and the party will
! travel little more than $4,000 miles.
Train Reaches Harrisburg.
HARRISBURG, Pa, April 1-President
Roosevelt's train arrived at 1:10 p. M and
remained here for nine minutes. The run
from Washington to Harrisburg was un-
eventful, the president spending most Of
his time in reading.
The president was greeted in this city by
great crowd, including the members Of
the Pennsylvania legislature and city ofl-
cials. Senator Foch expressed regret that
| they were unable to welcome him at the
capitol. but we're glad to welcome him in
/ the shadow OF Zion Lutheran church, where
| the first Harrison was nominated for the
! presidency.
| The president showed evidence Of surprise
| at the reception. He spoke for more than
| five minutes. He referred to the prosperity
OF the state and the country. and said It
was more due to the individual skill of
labor and capital than to any Of his efforts.
/ He said he left Washington with a light
heart over the magnificent work performed
! by the anthracite coal strike commission.
/ No document he said, handed down by any
association OF men could have the power
/ for more good than that handed down by
| the commission.
After briefly referring again to the gem
eral prosperity of the country the president
closed his remarks by again thanking the
great crowd.
As soon as he had finished speaking the
signal was given and the train pulled out
at 1913 p. m.
President Journeys I'm Engine Cab.
PITTsBURG, April 1.--President Roose-
velt viewed the scenery around the famous
Horse Shoe curve this afternoon from a
seat in the cab OF a locomotive attached 10
his special train, and after a ride OF about
fifty miles expressed himself as delighted
| with his experience. When HE special
reached Altoona at 4:50 the president shook
hands with the engine crews of each and
climbed into the cab Of the rear engine, No.
24Os. In the cab with him were Secretary
Loeb, Trainmaster A. Kaiser. Special En-
gineer Robert McLAren, the regular engl-
neer, H. T. Mccormick, and fireman II. W
Hunter. AS he took his seat the president
remarked that, being a member Of the
Brotherhood OF Locomotive Firemen, he
thought he ought to take his turn at feed
ing the furnace. but he did not do so. When
Galitzen, the crest OF the mountains. was
reached, the front locomotive was detached
from the train and the run to Seward was
made with one engine. Here the president
climbed down from his lofty seat and rttsI
shaking hands with the engineers and fire.
men, went back TO his car rather dusty ond
grimy.
Outside Of his ride on the engine the
president passed an uneventfui dsY, devOt-
ing a large portion OF II to reading. Briei
stops we're made at Baltimore, Harrisburs
and Altoona, but only at one place did tbs
president make a speech 4 large crowd
met his train at Harrisburg, and although
no speech was scheduled for this place, Mr
Roosevelt appeared on the rear platform
OF his car and delivered a short aCGress
which was received with many cheers.
Cowboys VIII breakfast President
ruATuUu aptsrta4pu,.,t III