Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-04-02
THE PRESIDENT
Leaves Washington on His A.
600 Mile Journey.
Large and Enthusiastic Crowd Wishes
Him Pleasant Trip.
Much Pleased at German Minister'S
Presence at Depot. 49,.

Washington, April 1.-Pres. Roosevelt
at 9.O5 o'clock Wednesday, started on
his Western trip under the most favor
able auspices. AS the special train
pulled out of the Pennsylvania station
the President stood on the platform of
his private car tipping his hat and
smiling in response to the enthusiastic
cheers of hundreds of admirers and
personal friends. AS early as o'clock
crowd began to gather at the White
House to witness the Presidents de-
parture As he entered his carriage to
drive to the station the men made the
historic grounds echo with cheers while
women waved their handkerchief and
many of them their hats.
The Pennsylvania station and plat
forms were crowded with people anx-
ious to extend to the Chief Magistrate
their good wishes for a safe and sue
cesful journey. Notable precautions
were taken to insure the safety of the
President. The police arrangements
were under the personal supervision of
Commissioner West and Chief Sylves-
ter. Uniformed officers, headquarters
detectives. plain clothes men and secret
ident and covered every point.
AS President Roosevelt alighted from
his carriage he was joined by Sec.
Hitchcock and they walked down the
station platform, arm in arm, the Pres
ident stopping now and then to greet
personal friends.
The most notable incident connected
with the Presidents departure arose
out of the presence at the station of
Baron Won Sternberg, the German min
lister. He was the only member of the
diplomatic corps who went to the depot
to see the President off and the Presi-
dent greeted him most cordially, tell
ing him that he greatly appreciated the
courtesy. During their chat the Pres
ident asked the baron whether he
would be here in June when he re-
turned and upon receiving an affirma-
tive reply, the President said: THAT
is good we will have some long rides
together
The baron told the President that his
horses were in India and would not be
here for some time. Instantly the
President turned and gave orders that
during his absence his riding horse
and that Of Mrs. Roosevelt should be
placed at the disposal of Baron and
Baroness Won Sternberg. II should be
much pleased" he said to the baron,
IF you and the baroness would ride
them while I am away
AS the train drew out the President
|called: Good bye 1 appreciate your
coming very much"
No member of the Presidents i'm
mediate family except his sister, Mrs
CoWles was at the station the others
being away. Several members of the
cabinet. including Secretaries Cortel-
you, Wilson and Hitchcock, were pres
ent.
The President and Sec. Cortelyou
chatted several minutes, the President
expressing his regret that the secretary
was not to accompany him.
Other cabinet members took formal
leave of the President at the White
House. Among other notable people
at the station to see the President were
Asst. Sec. of State Loomis, Col. Il. A.
Bingham and Capt. w. S. Cowles, re-
spectively the Presidents military anG
naval aids; Second Asst. Postmaster
Gen. Shallenberger and Dist. Commits
sioner West
The train is one of the finest ever
vania railroad handsomely equipped
run out Of Washington on the Pennsyl-
and manned by a crew of picked men.
Three secret service men and two post
office inspectors accompanied the Pres
ident as a personal bodyguard. The
journey as planned will occupy nine
weeks and three days and the party
will travel a little more than $4,000
miles.