The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1903-05-30
TT PRESIDENT Roosevelt


race becoming extinct, he certainly
had cause to change his views when he
stepped upon the platform at the city
and county building yesterday morning
and gazed out over the vast sea of
young Americans-the school children
who gathered there to see and cheer
the nations chief executive. Probably
never before was there such a gather
ing Of children in Salt Lake as that
presented by the grounds of the county
building. More than 1900 boys and
girls-the future mensand women of the
natiOn-gathered about the presidential
stand and manifested their patriotism
and loyal devotion. in a manner that
Vlsibly moved the chief executive. Ev-
cry available inch of ground on the
west side Of the building was packed
with children, from the little tot of the
kindergarten TO the nearly grown young
men and women of the higher schools.
Their enthusiasm was unbOunded.
Cheer after cheer that made the atmOs-
phere Vibrate with patriOtism's stirring
music rose from the young Threats in
swelling volume. There were children
everywhere, yet not a child to spare
Twelve thousand flags waving in wild
confusion formed a sea of stars and
stripes over which rolled a reverberant
storm Of welcome as the president
Y
eager faces smiled a greeting. lively
thousand pairs Of ears strained to catch
the words Of praise and appreciation
spoken by the foremost man of his
country. Teachers and instructors
filed every available bit of space about
the platform and people in rigs and on
foot completely blocked State street
from Fifth to Fourth South streets.
Every window and balcony on the west
side Of the building was filled with
faces.
Reviews the Parade.
From the platform the president, aft
er making a brief address to the stu
dents reviewed the magnificent parade
of civic and military organizations that
turned out in his honor. Surrounded
by members of his party, the staff Of
Governor Wells and his body guard Of
secret service men, President ROose-
Welt stood, hat in hand, bowling and
smiling recognition to the demonstra-
tons in each division He evidenced
his pleasure by frequent spicy COM
ments of praise. He paid the rough
rider contingent a special compliment
The entire review was carried through
with scarcely an interruption TO mar
its beauty. But one accident occurred
and that did not result in injury to any
one.
The platform from which the presi-
dent addressed the children was con-
structed upon the steps at the west en-
trance of the building 1t was decorated
with bunting and palms Over the arch
was festOOned more bunting. Old
Glory unfOlded its stars and stripes
over the doorway. Above the arch was
an oil painting Of the president draped
IN national flags The entire west pOr-
tion of the grounds was rOped on for
the school children. The driveway from
the southwest entrance TO the north
-r--srr7 r-f1n fnTs a
passage of the parade. Long before 9
O'Clock the children began TO gather.
In SQUADS Of 100 and more they
marched like soldiers from the various
schools of the city. Each grade was
in charge of its teacher. The little ones
headed the procession. With hags in
their hands and the national COlOrs
decked about their clothing, the chill
dren marched on to the grounds, shout
ing their class and school yells. Places
on the lawn were reserved for each
school II was so arranged that the
smaller children were in front and the
larger ones occupied the back space.
BY 9 o'clock the grounds were packed
until scarcely another child could have
gotten in. Such a squirming, murmur-
ing mass Of humanity was never before
seen on the grounds. Scores Of the ad-
venturous youngsters climbed into the
bushes and trees until every available
limb was loaded TO its capacity Teach
ers anxious about the safety of the
children, adnOnished them to get down.
in vain They wanted to see the pres
ident and they saw him. Fortunately
the children did not have long TO wait
after they arrived
Cheers Greet the President.
As soon as the presidents carriage
entered the grounds every flag went
into the air. and IL was waved with
07f1Hvor, hidden 10
meath huttering stretch of red. white
and blue. Though they were hidden
they were heard. Every mouth was
open and the cheers that welled up
from that vast cOScOurse reVerberated
TO the blue dome Of the heavens In
recognition Of this welcome from the
future generation, the president lifted
his hat and rode with barred head along
the line OF children. The CaTriag eS
bearing him and the governors party
passed around the west side to the east
door. There they alIghted and the
president was escorted through the
building 10 the platform. Around him
gathered Governor Wells and stan,
Mayor Thompson. the United States
senators from this state and the secret
service men AS the president stepped
upon the raised platform he was greet
ed oy another prolonged shout and more
waving Of the flags For nearly "A min
ute this enthusiastic greeting lasted
The president stood smiling and bowling
tcshis youthful audience As he gazed
owe. that concourse Of students he was
visibIy affected.
When the shouting had subsidized
Mayor Ezra Thompson stepped TO the
platform TO introduce the chief execu-
tive
children" said he, Il present to you
President Roosevelt. the chief eXecu-
tive of our nation
There -was another deafening refund
of applause and more waving Of the
flags.
Makes Brief Address.
My dear children" said the presi-
dent. Il have got but one word to say
to you. I am glad TO see you. / believe
in work. Play hard when you play.
When you work don't play at all. This
is good advice for the old as well as the
young am glad to see you. Goodbye.
Good luckl'
Bowling, the president stepped from
the platform while the children made
the air ring with their shouts.
For a brief moment President ROOse-
velt spoke with Superintendent d. H.
Christensen and complimented him
upon the magnificent showing the
schools Of salt Lake had made. He