Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-24
PRESIDENT JUST ESCAPES
Fires One Shot in Park, Almost Losing Eye
Through Defective Weapon.
RoosEVELTs BRIEF HOLIDAY is OVER
Sees and studies Birds and Beasts,
Only Finding one species He
DID Not Know Before Bur-
rOuEhs Showed IL.

NAENENADAHf mOhAss ARAb
Roosevelt's vacation is at an end. He
greeted the members of his party and a
large humber Of people at the Mammoth
Springs hotel in Yellowstone park today
and tomorrow will resume his tour.
The president, who arrived at Fort yell
lowstone yesterday, is the picture Of health.
His eye is bright and his face bronzed.
Word had gone forth. several days ago
that he would meet the people in the park,
and when he arrived at the Mammoth Hot
Springs hotel, where the reception was
held, he found a couple Of hundred men
and women there to greet him. The pres
ident addressed them briefly, speaking OF
the good time he had had during the past
two weeks, and then shook hands with each
one. He spent the rest Of the day in in
s~pecting the post and riding horseback will
Major Pitcher.
VIII Lay stone To-day.
Before starting tomorrow he will partici-
pate in laying the cornerstone Of the new
gate at the north entrance to the park.
The president spent most Of his time in
studying the habits Of the different species
of game. He lay for hours near a herd of
elk or mountain goats and frequently walked
eight or ten miles to observe them. He
also studied bird life with Mr.. Burroughs
and showed himself particularly we'll posted
on the subject. Mr.. Burroughs was able TO
show him but one bird with which he was
not acquainted, namely, the solitaire.
The presidents camp equipment was
composed OF two Sibley tents and another
tent, with board floors, and while every
thing was simple 1t was quite comfortable.
The party accompanying him was a small
one, consisting Of Major Pitcher, Mr.. Bur-
roughs, a couple Of orderlies and two
cooks. There also was a small force of
men to man the packwagon.
An amusing incident occurred during the
visit to Geyserland. The president and
Mr.. Burroughs were on skis racing down
hill. The snow was soft and Mr.. Burroughs,
who had never used a ski, soon found him
self with his head in the snow and his feet
in the air. He had hardly struggled to
his feet when the president repeated the
performance. Neither one was hurt, but
Major Pitcher secured excellent photo
graphs of the catastrophe, which he has
promised to have developed.
The party was fortunate in running
across game. Thousands Of elk and deer
and a number OF mountain sheep and goats
were encountered, and Mr.. Burroughs also
saw many strange birds, and the latter is
quite enthusiastic over some OF the feath-
cred tribe that inhabit the park.
Empty Shell Draws Blood.
While no accident occurred, the president
had a number of narrow escapes. One day
he fired a new revolver at a tree. The
weapon was defective and the empty she'll
few back and struck him on the cheek.
drawing blood. II It had struck a lit
tie higher. 1t would have injured II not
blinded one eye. This was the emily time
| thn &rnafIAnA .,aAA- n woa~aw .J,rNu@ N1A
tour of the park.
The first three days in camp the weather
was extremely cold and the president was
compelled to break the ice in his bucket
before washing.
Pitcher Keeps Diary.
Major Pitcher kept a diary, which gives
an idea OF how the president spent his days.
1t follows:
April Cleft the post at . a. m. and ar
about 1880 p. m. At night a large nre was
lighted near the presidents tent and after
dinner the party sat around II and told
most a nightly performance.
April 10-Before starting out the presi-
dent announced that he would under no
circumstance fire a shot in the park, even
II tempted to do 50 by a mountain lion up a
tree, lest he should give people ground for
criticism. Rode up the river as far as He'll
Roaring. Saw a number Of deer and elk
and also saw an eagle attack a band Of
elk. Had lunch on He'll Roaring creek,
consisting of bareback and sardines.
April u--Rode about twenty-four miles
and got in among a band of nearly 1000 elk.
One band followed the party for over a
mile.
April 12.-As this was Sunday. the presi-
dent DECIDED that he would take a walk
alone. He tramped about twenty miles, and
spent the time among the elk.
April B.-Started for camp on Slew creek.
Rode SLOWLY and watched the game. Much
snow was encountered and Slew creek was
April 14.-Out looking for game. Found
large herd of elk and the president took
Mr.. Burroughs among them. Arrived at
Tower Creek Falls camp at 1 p. m,
April l6.-President took long walk alone
and saw some mountain sheep.
April 16.-Broke camp at Tower Falls and
returned to Fort Much game
was encountered.
April 17.-Left Fort Yellowstone for Nor
ris basin. At Modern Gate the horses were
was four or Ave feet, deep, the trip was
made without trouble. Stopped for the
night at Norris hotel.
April 18.-Breakfast at 6 and a start made
for Fountain twenty miles distant. Ar
enough to bear the party. President spent
afternoon among the geysers.
April 19.-Sunday-Visited upper geyser
basin and saw Old Faithful play.
April 20.-Rode to Norris.
April H.-Started for Canyon at A. m.
Snow deep and soft In places. but got
through with little difficulty. Visited Can
yon on skis. President showed skin on
snowshoes and Mr.. Burroughs proved him
April 22.-Breakfast 4 a. m; left at s a.
m. for post, which was reached, at Up. a.
EIINcT0N Ackc E0P fIN0IIIpV