The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-23
PRESIDENT AT CHATTANOOGA.
Crowd Is So Great and Excited That
 Panic Almost Occurs.


 Chattanooga, Tenn. October 22.-Prob- aply 2o'ooo people were in danger of injury this evening at the central station when President Roosevelt's special train rolled into the shed at 6:10 o'clock. It was q surging mass of humanity that could not be controlled. The demonstration was so great that It was practically impos- sible for the President to speak. He made many attempts, but finally gave up. He pleaded with the crowd to have a care for the women and children-be knew there was danger of panic. and he did all in his power to avert a catas- uophe. The cheering wassalmost inces- sant, and in the wild rush to get close to the Presidents car women were ca< ried off of their feet and men had almost to fight back the avalanche of humanity.
 When the train arrived President Roosevelt was riding upon the rear plat form. The cheers that greeted the ar- rival of his train, and began as soon as / the headlight cast it's first rays throughi, the big shed, were renewed with inf1nite- ly more volume when the Presidents s well-known face and figure came into view. The band of the Twelfth cavalry, that had come into the city from Fort Oglethorpe for the occasion, broke out with Hail to the Chief" and all troops volunteers and regulars, came to present arms. Hon. H. Clay Evans was the first person recognized by the President and was at once invited to the car platform
 The President declined to shake hands. To a. newspaper man who was standing near the President said: Do not ask me to shake hands. If I begin it there will be panic here. That crowd will surge in here with force no power can resist. know. for I've tried it before
 The President then glanced about him, sizing up the crowd that surged and cheered without any indication that it would ever cease. MT. Evans held up his hand, beckoning for silence, but he might as well have beckoned to a cyclone or an approaching avalanche.
 My fellow citizens" said MT. Evans, but his fellow citizens heard him not He wanted to introduce the President The crowd felt fully acquainted . and deemed no introduction necessary. Then MT. Roosevelt tried his hand. He went to the rail. The people in that direction cheered and the President smiled He leaned over the rear rail of his car and the thousands in that direction cheered. He looked to the left and again tumult of applause greeted him. He could but smile and bow and wave his hand. No B roar of cheers.
 Presently 1t ceased for @ little while. Then with all his vocal power MT. Roose- welt said: My friends and fellow cti- zens-Be as quiet as you can and I'll try to say few words in appreciation of this magnificent ovation. This Is the most enthusiastic crowd-and the largest one-that has greeted my arrival in any city during this great trip through the southland"
 Then the crowd began to surge. The President held up a warning hand: Don't. my good people; remember there are women and children in the crowd It is dangerous. Try to be quiet
 The President tried vainly to speak The few sentences he had uttered had con- sumed 1s minutes. At 6:3i the train was signalled ahead. As it r f
 President waved response
 followed him as long as h