The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1903-05-05
He Toured Kansas Yesterday and
Was Cheered by Thousands of
People at Every Stop-Children
Strewed His Way With Flowers.
es. and at Topeka Shook Hands
With a Big Negro Policeman
Didn't Criticise ST. Louis.

Topeka, Kas., May 2.-The president
was up stirring about his car at the
Union Pacific station this morning
fifteen minutes before the time sched-
uled for the departure of the train. He
appeared at the rear platform and af-
ter chatting with Senator Long a few
moments was presented to the small
crowd gathered to see him off. Con-
gressman Curtis made the introduce
ton. The president said:
$ l will not attempt to make a speech
to you, but simply wish you good
morning and tell you that have had
a good time in Topeka. I want to say
to you that part of this time has been
a very lively one and that last evening
dence to the auditorium, I rode about
the livelieSt gait of the trip and I don't t
think I ever saw such fast summing
policemen as you have here in Topeka,
and l want to now shake hands. with
one of the sprinters.'
He then reached over the railing and
gave a hearty shake to the hand of a
big cOlOred policeman, who showed his
delight in a huge smile.
After chatting with a friend or two
on the platform the president with
drew into the car, the train pulling out
promptly at S o'clock for Sharon
Springs
Manhattan, Kas., May 2.--y2Le sp.eia
train bearing President Roosevelt ar
rived here at 10 o'clock. Although the
weather was threatening a large crowd
was at the station. All the business
houses were closed The battalion of
the agricultural college consisting of
four hundred students, and the college
band were on hand. The president
spoke for about fifteen minutes.
\ brief stop was made this morning
at Wamego where a large crowd, in
the president. He spoke a few words
to them.
Word has been received from Secre-
tary Loeb that he is improving and
expects to join the president on Mon
day in New Mexico.
Jlnction City, Kas., May 2.-About
10000 people greeted the president dur
ing his brief stop here. Four troops
of the fourth United States cavalry,
commanded by Major Coffin from Fort
Riley and the nineteenth and twen-
tieth batteries Of field artillery COM
manded by Colonel Carr, were drawn
up in line at the station. The battery
fired a presidential salute on the ar
rival of the train. President Roosevelt
and Secretary of War Root each made
short talks. The party remained here
fifteen minutes.
Abilene. Kas., May 2.-The president 5
train stopped for a moment at Chap
man shortly before reaching Abilene.
A band and two hundred people greet
ed the president as he appeared on the
platform of his car. Some admirer in
the crowd presented him with a foot
ball which from it's appearance had
seen service. The president accepted
the gift.
At Abilene a handsome arch cover
ed his passage; school girls threw flow
ers in his path and an immense crowd
greeted him. Senator Burton intro
duced the president Several members
of the Twentieth Kansas regiment act
ed as a guard. The decorations were
beaUt tiful and abundant A cowboy
band furnished the music.
Ellsworth Kas,, May 2.-President
Roosevelt was greeted here by thou
sands of people. He made a ten min-
ute speech.
sand people greeted the presiden. here
this afternoon and he made 15 minute
talk. He was surrounded by thirty
five hundred school children with flags
who cheered him heartily
Assistant Secretary Barnes stated
to an Associated Press representative
that there is absolutely no truth in the
report out from st. Louis which
credited the president with saying
the party had nothing fit to eat while
in St. Louis and were not accorded
decent treatment"
Secretary Root, who Joined the pres
ident at st. Louis, bade him good bye
here, and boarded an eastbound train
for Columbus, Ohio.