Columbia courier. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1902-1905, 1903-05-15
ROOSEVELT, san FRANCISCO
A HEARTlER GREETING WAS
NEVER GIVEN A PRESIDENT.
Miles and Miles of People Greeted the
Nations chief-Greeted by Mayor
Smith-Mr. De Young, President OF
Reception Committee, Made Welcom-
ina Address-The Parade.

San Francisco. May 14.-Heartier
greeting was never given president OF
the United States than that offered Dy
the city of San Francisco to Theodore
Roosevelt. Through miles and miles
of densely packed, cheering, patriotl-
cally enthused humanity, the nations
chief passed, bowling his acknowledge
ments, evidently tired from maintain
ing an erect position In his carriage.
but buoyed up by the impressiveness of
cent ovation and one that will doubt
less wildly remain in the presidents
recollections of his eventful tour.
The presidential rain. drawn by n
handsomely decorated locomotive, ar
rived at Third and Townsend streets
promptly at 2:15 o'clock. A large
gathering of federal. state and city Of
ticials, army and navy officers, foreign
consuls and distinguished citizens, was
in waiting to welcome the chief mag
istrate. Mayor Schmitz stepped
aboard the rear car and formally greet
ed Mr.. Roosevelt, the president maxim.
brief response.
M. H. de Young, president of che
citizens reception committee, then
shock hands with the distinguished
visitor, and said:
"Mr. President: In the name of the
citizens of San Francisco, extend you
a hearty welcome. In the days Of ODD,
when our land was owned by the
Spaniards, who were noted for thei'
hospitality, when.they received guest
they generally saluted him with the
remark: Our house, and that that is
in it, is yours We say to you today
Mr.. President, our city. and that that
is III it., is yours. and with it we give
you our hearts, and you will have ev
dence as you pass through our deco
rated streets of the hearty sentiment
for you that prevails in the bosoms vi
all our citizens. We will try to make
your stay with us pleasant. and W.
hope that when you leave us you will
do SO carrying with you the memo"y
of one of the most delightful visits of
your trip throughout the west. Mr..
President, you are welcome"
Mr.. Roosevelt expressed his ranks
in few words, and was then into.
duced to Admiral Bickford Of the Brit
ish Pacific squadron. who convened
the good wishes of King Edward, and
said that the arrival of the flagship Of
the squadron to assist in the greeting |
was another instance of the cordial |
relations existing between the two na-
tons.
President Roosevelt said he appre-
ciated the evidences of friendship and
begged that his good wishes be given
to his majesty.
Before entering his carriage Mr..
Roosevelt stepped up to the engine and
warmly shook hands with Engineer
Grail and Fireman Everly, who had
safely piloted him from the south.
In the parade the line was headed
by troop of colorei cavalry, this be-
ing the first instance in the west where
negro soldiers held the position Of
honor In public procession. Follow.
ing the president came United States
troops from the local posts, sailors and
marines from warsnips in the harb"r
and at Mare island, regiments of the
state militia and a number of semi
military organizations. A notable feat
IRE was the fancy marching Of the
Cleveland Grays, VIII. came from Ohio
to participate in the California greet
ing.
After reviewing the parade the presi-
dent was driven to the Y. M. G. A.
building, where throng had assem-
bled to participate in the burning OF
mortgages and notes representing the |
total Indebtedness of $115,2s0 upon me
property. The president, by request,
touched lighted taper to the docu.
ments. and as the flames licked up the
papers he joined with the assemblase
in singing. praise God From Whom
All Blessings Flow"
The president made an address.
CT