The Grenada sentinel. [volume] (Grenada, Miss.) 1868-1955, 1907-10-12

Memphis, Tenn.-With bands playing
children singing and enthusiastic men
shouting the slogan of deep waterways,
Memphis threw wide her gates today
to the president of the United States, a
score of governors and many other dis
tinguished personages from the states
in the fertile Mississippi valley.
Assembled in the Lakes-to-the-Gulf
convention city was the most notable
gathering of public men which ever has
been seen with the possible exception of
congress in Washington.
This fact in itself demonstrated the
vital Importance of the deep waterways
plan-an undertaking which is of SUI
preme moment to every state between
the Rockies and the Alleghenies, and
from the Canadian border to the Gulf
of Mexico. In this cause there are no
party lines and never will be. The
guests of the city were chosen, not for
what they had been in politics, but for
what they are doing for the benefit of
the Mississippi valley.
1t was fitting that Memphis should
be the convention city, for no other in
II SiIiIt NalleN VIII DcIeuU lIOlc HUH
the completion of the 14-foot channel.
And, therefore, it was a fitting recep-
ton which Memphis extended to her
friends.
Despite the rain storm, Memphis shone
respondent to justify the predictions
that had been made for her present and
as an earnest of the glorious future
which no hand can stay.
With GRATIFYING nDanimitv tho mor-
chants and business houses had respond
ed to the call for decorations and sub
scriptions. 1t was a call to put the
best foot forward and there was no dis
position to lag behind.
So it was that, when the whistles AN
nounced the approach of the presiden-
tial fleet, the city was a waving mass of
color, not only along the line of parade,
but. on many other streets as well. Ev
~erywhere were pictures of the guest of
honor. From the facades of the houses
dropped thousands upon thousands of
yards of bunting, while above the streets
banners and flags fluttered in the South
ern breeze. Here and there along the
line of parade rose graceful arches, be-
meath which were to pass the carriages
bearing the distinguished guests, while
tightly drawn cables held back upon
the sidewalks the hundreds of thousands
of people, good-natured and full of the
spirit of the hour, jostling and crowd
ing to get a glimpse of the famous men
who honored the city with their pres
ence.
Upon every hand was welcome and
hospitality, in every mouth a cheer and
in every breast q ~fervent hope that the
cause for which the delegates had as
sembied would fructify for the honor and
glory of Memphis and the Mississippi
valley.
The president arrived in the biggest
squadron Of vessels that has entered the
Memphis harbor at one time since the
Civil war.
The president stood at the bow of the
flagship, the Mississippi and lifted his
hat repeatedly to the wild cheers of the
$4,000 people who lined the river front.
Every steamer in the harbor turned
loose its whistles, while those of the
presidents squadron screeched a reply.
For the thousands of visitors that
lined the streets despite the unfavora-
BILE weather, the event of the day was
the big parade. It started from the
1evee as soon as the president stepped
into his carriage.
1t was an imposing spectacle as the
head of the huge pageant neared Main
and Madison. There were seven bands
in the parade and all were playing their
Ioudest. The presidents carriage was
of course the center of attraction.
Preceded by a band of music came
the military escort. First was Company
4, Confederate Veterans, with Captain
Malone in command. The sight of the
company was sufficient to arouse en-
thusiasm along the line of march Sec
ond only to that accorded the president.
The only stop during the parade was
at Court square, where the school chill
dren were assembled.
When The parade reached Court
square the presidents carriage was driv-
en- in front of the grand stand, while
5000 children sang patriotic songs. The
first song was america" and the ma
TONS chief executive stood in the car
rage with barred head as the children
sent forth the national hymn. Then
came Dixie" and the crowd went wild
with enthusiasm, while Mr.. Roosevelt
smiled his pleasure.
Suddenly the leader gave a signal and
Fourteen Feet Through the Valley"
was started. eve represent the people
who want the waterway" sang the
girls and boys, and the president bowed
to right and left. Then came Miss
Memphis" another of the convention
songs, after which the presidents car
riage was driven forward to its place
ut the head of the procession.
When President Roosevelt reached the
Auditorium, where the Deep Waterways
convention was in session, he was at
once escorted to the stage. There was
no confusion or delay. Under the eff
Gent direction of Col. John I. Martin,
sergeant-at-arms, an open p~assageway
had been prepared direct from the car
riage to the seat on the platform. The
other guests were also quickly seated.
Cheer upon cheer broke loose as
Roosevelt stepped on the stage. 1t was
.r enthusiastic welcome of which any