The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-05-11
BANQUErrED BY DEMOCRATS.
President Roosevelt the Guest 0
Political Opponents.

President Roosevelt the Guest of
Political Opponents.
Chicago. May 1l-Honoring, and
honOred by, his political foes, but per-
sonal friends, President Roosevelt was
the chief guest at a magnificent ban
quet rendered him by the Iroquois club,
the leading Democratic organization of
Illinois. Surrounded by men who have
fought against him in the two national
campaigns who deprecate many of his
avowed policies, and who have frowned
upon some of his political actions, the
president was cheered to the echo as he
entered and left the banquet hall, was
applauded with enthusiasm throughout
his address and at its close, and was
given to understand that, in his case,
political differences were not a personal
issue.
The banquet, which was from first to
last an ovation, was given entirely by
Democrats to the leader of their politi-
cal opponents and many of the kindly
personal references made by the speak
ers of the evening, the majority of
whom are men of Democratic faith,
deeply touched the president In his
manner and words he evfnced throughout
the evening a deep qualification at the
warmth of his reception from men who
have fought him in political battles be-
fore now and are ready to fight him
again if they considered it necessary.
Throughout the entire evening, ran the
0CAAllllcAt4l mute VI sdAAilti Il tlDil III the
character of, and friendship for, the
man himself.
Shook zoo Hands.
Prior to the banquet itself which was
set for o'clock, the president held an
informal reception in the rooms of the
Art Institute, adjoining the Auditorium
on the north. He shook hands with ev-
cry one of the 700 men who were pres
ent at the function Immediately follow
ing the reception, and had a pleasant
word for all those who were known to
him personally or by reputation
President GUnther introduced as
POSTMASTER of the evening, James Ham
iIton Lewis. who was greeted with
much cheering and applause as he rose
to take the head of the table Mr.
Lewis spoke as follows:
Mr.. President, I do not present you
to the Iroquois club. I present them to
you. They are Democrats. Their De
mocracy is as your Republicanism.
First to their flag ever loyal; to their
country ever devoted, faithful to their
fellow man and true to themselves.
Gentlemen of the banquet board, it
is to be marveled that such as these
sought the counsel as tonight they de-
/ light in the companionship of a presi-
dent of the whole people of the United
States; one whose sentiment of public
conduct is-not partyism, but patriot
ism; whose theme, in his commingling
with mankind, is more of the Latin poet
! Terrence, saying: I am a man. and all
things human touch me- "
When Mr.. Lewis arose to introduce
President Roosevelt he was at first given
no opportunity to speak The entire as
| sembly was on its feet, waving hand
/ kerchiefs and napkins and cheering with
vigor. When his voice could be heard,
Mr. Lewis introduced the president.
/ At the conclusion of his speech, the
/ president again was chesTed with en-
Z thusiasm. Several members of the club
: nearest him pressed around him to
shake his hands warmly in congratula-
ton.