The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-04
HUNDREDS CALL
 ON THE PRESIDENT Roosevelt Signs Numerous Bills
 During the Day RAIL ROAD TRAFFIC HEAVY Governors of Several States, Accom- panied By Their staffs, Call at
 the White House and Pay
 Thela Respects
RAIL ROAD TRAFFIC HEAVY

Washington, March 3.-Presldent Roose- velt,s final day before his formal in auguration to the presidency was almost a continuous reception. So great was the pressure from visitors on the Presi- dents time that the regular semi-weekly cabinet meeting was abandoned and the President gave up as much of his time as he could spare from executive busi- ness to greetings and shaking hands with callers. The callers were received prac- tically as they appeared at the executive offices, all of the White House members cooperating with the President in the effort to avoid any unnecessary conges- ton in the offices.
 The President appeared at his office early and plunged immediately into the mass of work which had accumulated since yesterday In the intervals of the reception of visitors he found time to dis cuss with Secretary Taft, Attorney Gen eral Moody and James R. Garfield com missioner of corporations, questions of importance, but the conferences were brief. Many senators and representatives called to talk a moment with the Presi- dent regarding measures either pending in Congress or already before the exec utive for approval. Most of them in ad- dtion to their official errands, presented constituents who are in Washington for the Inauguration.
 Signs Numerous Bills.
 Toward 1 o'clock the President devoted some time to affixing his signature to bills which had been enacted by Con- gress. He approved several hundred measures during the day including four of the appropriation acts.
 Sir Mortimer Durand. the British am bassador, presented to the President to- day a personal letter of congratulation on his approaching inauguration and the beginning of the new administration from King Edward of Grea. Britain. Sir Nor timer Durand received the cordial thanks of the President for his kindness in de- lIvering the letter. The letter was sealed.
 Throne at White House.
 There was an immense throng at the White House including many Rough Rid CTS and cowboys. Many of them were friends of the President of years stand ing. and were given a hearty welcome. Mike" Donovan, the former pugilist. who gave Mir Roosevelt boxing lessons at one time was another caller.
 Among the governors received by Presi- dent and Mrs. Roosevelt were Governor Higgins of New York, Governor Bell of Vermont, Governor Herrick of Ohio and Governor Blanchard of Louisiana. All of them were accompanied by their staffs
 The traffic today was very heavy on all railroad lines entering Washington. Many of the minor trains discharged their pas sengers at points far distant from the station Among the host of arrivals were members of the Tennessee legislature. The steamship Arcadia, with Porto Rican troops aboard. which passed in the Ches- apeake capes yesterday, Is reported hung up in the ice at Matthew's Point, some distance down the river. Two naval tugs have been sent to her assistance, and she is expected to arrive here this evening.