Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-05-12
ROOSEVELT TALKS OF BATTLE
SHIPS.

Brilliant, impressive and significant
we're the ceremonies attending the laying
of the cornerstone of the new Pan
American Peace Palace under the aus
plces OF The Bureau of American Re-
publics yesterday afternoon in Wash
ington.
Significant was the manner in which
President Roosevelt digressed for so ex-
temporaueous declaration in favor OF
preparedness for war, which was not at
Ill pleasing TO Mr.. Andrew Carnegie,
who also disgressed from bis prepared
manuscript to the extent OF declaring be
could not agree with the president.
The presidents speech had been pre-
pared 10 advance, There was nothing
ia the advance copies concerning the
ideas interpolated when be took the
rostrum. The president followed bis
prepared speech scrupulously until he
reached the expression:
"Our battle feet has just finished lie
trip around South America, and | wish
to thank the rulers and the peoples OF
South America aud of Mexico for the
generous and courteous hospitality
which has been shown this feet on
every possible occasion throughout the
trip"
Up to this moment everything tina!
had been said was plea for interna-
tional peace and friendship. Cardinal
Gibbons appealed for peace IN his invo-
cation. Secretefy Root plead fersently
for peace in his utterances In favor oil
closer relations with the rest of the
world, especially South and Central
America. Then came the president
reference 10 the battle feet. The pleas
for peace had all been applsuded, but
the mere mention OF the hset elected a
round of applause beside which the other
demonstrations could not be compared.
A broad smile played around the pres
idenrs features when the applause came.
In an instant he lesped into touch with
his audience aud said:
81 am glad TO hear you applaud the
feet"
There was another demonstration oil
applause mingled with good-na.ured
laughter.
al believe in peace and arbitration,
and l alec believe in keeping 10 such
rim that 1t shsll he temptation to no
body to wrong US.
A third round Of strong applause fol.
lowed. When the president said this he
turned with smile toward the diplo'
matte section where Baron rskahira, oil
Japan, sat. There was perhaps no in
lentioual significance in his movement,
but it was commented upon.
The president 10 turning caught a
glimpse OF Secretary Root with the man.
us ,ript Of his speech in his hand. he
had seed Mr.. Roots tpeech q week be-
fore 1t was delivered. Leaving tn. rOs.
trum, the president stepped hastily back
to where Mr.. Root sat, took the manu-
script from his hand. and returning to-
ward bis audience said, with q smile.
This Is an interlude."
Then he interpolsted few moro ex.
!emporaneous uttersnces with reference
TO Mr.. Roofs speech.
The presidents references TO military
preparedness were the surprise of the &C.
cssion and occsSioned great deal OF
Comment. They were warmly Endorsed
and could not help attracting attention,
being delivered 10 the impromptu man.
ner Ia which they were, and when
Andrew Carnegie Was called upon for
bis sp1ech he went TO the speaker 1
stand with manuscript In hand, lesned
forward with his arms RISING upon the
table, and Immediately made eAtempo-
raneous reference 10 the presidents re-
marks.
"The president" said Mr.. Carnegie,
sis not so sanguine IS | am regarding
the abolition OF war throughout the
world, "but," Mr.. Carnegie added
with twinkle of his eye, che haa not
lived as long as have. When Ae gets
as old ss sm he will take different
view OF the matter"
Then Mr., Carnegie, still departing
from bis speech, pointed out that he ard
the president stood hand 10 baud on one
thing--in declaring that we stand for
peace among ourselves. j"
III offer q friendly compromise" he
said, turning toward the president. 81
will not join In what you say about a
wIrld peace. l j0in you in advocating
peace among ourselves"
Mysterious Murder.