The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1908-04-24
SECRETARY TAFTs OWN STORY.
He Tells of His Tour Around the
Notwithstanding in Russia
Meets the Gar.
(From the National Magazine

sumed on the long trip across ST.
IBERIA and Manchuria to Moscow: in
the same length of time 1t would be
possible to cross the continent of
North America three times. This
tremendous expanse reminds the
thoughtful traveller that large as are
the great plains of the west Of our
own country, there yet remain in
other continents even larger areas
for future development and settle
ment. The cars placed at the dis
posal of the American party were
very comfortable, being built with
corridor or aisle running along one
side and with seats so that the oc-
cupants faced each other, on the 9th
er side. The average speed Of the
trains was good and the road bed
was excellent though the rails are
much lighter than those used in the
United States. Three times a day
the train stopped and the party made
it habit to get out and stretch their
legs. Officials almost invariably took
the opportunity of saying friendly
word to the American travellers, and
the small American boy discovered
many a strange dish which he
promptly sampled. Meals were serv-
ed to the American travellers in pa
latial dining car. Substantial look
ing farms are met everywhere, the
people appear prosperous and happy
and there is little to remind the trav-
eler of exile or privation. ;.
The seasons come and go with sur
prising rapidity on trip around the
world. Torrid heat of the tropics,
with white ducks and linens, gives
place almost Immediately to the cold
of the north, where furs and heavy
clothing are greatful changes. The
variation of climate comes within
the brief period of days rather than
months. Day after day, as the train
pushed along over mountain and
plain, the magnitude of the great
Siberian country was revealed, with
sights and scenes of varied interest
that makes the longest railway jour-
neys notable feature of world
tour,
Arrival at Moscow.
The glory of beautiful and pic
turesque Moscow is the Kremlin, the
fortress and the palace of the cars.
Fortune favored us and we spent
Sunday in this historic CITY, We
were enabled to witness the elaborate
ceremonies of the Greek church, Wis
tied the splendid museums, saw the
royal armor plate, inspected the rare
jewels of the empire, and enjoyed
studying the old medieval walls of
the ancient city.
MooCoW ID ClCy VI oil du5C duu
complex impressiveness. 1t recalls the
dim and distant past and yet it is
alive with the freshness of the pres
emit. 1t is cosmopolitan city above
many others, excellent English Is
heard, splendid horses speed about
in front of odd sleighs, there are
modern shops where the best of the
worlds products, from every cline,
can be had, and yet 1t is occasionally
made the scene of disastrous bomb
throwing.
Although I was driven about the
city with officials, a number of
times, the bomb throwers were very
considerable and not until after had
been safely returned to, my quarters
by Governor Hoerschelanan did that
courteous official become the target
for missile. Fortunately the bomb
did little damage, though 1t threw
the governor out of his sleigh into
a snowdrift.
Extreme cordiality is the keynote
Of the Russians in their treatment
of the American visitor. Kindlier
of personal and official
feeling are met with nowhere in the
world than in the dominions of the
,zar.
Audience with the Oar.
PERSONAL audience with the car
s basis for the statement that the
,ulk Of the newspaper and magazine
descriptions are very misleading in
he impressions which they create.
The American visitor prepared to
meet very small man, of frail ply
'ique. and delicate constitution, will +.
,e much surprised in meeting a man /.
II quite the average height, of rud- /.
ly complexion, clear blue eye, who d.
peaks English with great fiuency, .
SKIS friendly personal questions,
md seems especially interested to
'btain correct impressions Of Ameri- .
an affairs from re1iah1n courroo