Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-09-07
REAL news FROM LONDON
AMERICAS PRESIDENT-SPoRT
MAN ORDERS ENGLISH OUTFIT
Wants British Guns, Etc, for Afri-
can Trip-Slays Lions in
Hand-to-Hand Fight.

From the London Chronicle. August Is.
London is to have a hand in the prepa-
rations for the hunting tour which Presi-
dent Roosevelt will undertake in Africa
when he leaves Office next March. Only a
few days ago the President wrote to a
friend in England asking him to make
arrangements to obtain his outfit in this
country.
The friend is Mr.. E. c. Selous, who.
after many years spent In the jungles of
Central Africa, now enjoys rural life at
Worplesdon. in Surrey. Although ap-
preaching sixty. he is still devoted to
sport Of various kinds. Saturday, for in
stance, he was taking part in village
cricket match. showing as much eager
ness in chasing the ball as he did. in by
gone days. In chasing elephants.
Selous Started African. idea.
Three years ago, when Mr.. Selous was
visiting the United States, the President
wired to him to come and stay with him
at the White House. There Mr.. Roose-
Welt entertained him with tales of his
early ranching days in Dakota, and Mr.
Selous, In no less enthusiastic terms,
spoke of his elephant hunts in Africa
Whether Mr.. Selous on that occasion
unconsciously implanted in the Presi-
dent yearning for similar experiences
m Africa can be only matter for con-
lecture; but 1t is significant that many
months ago. when. apparently, he had
put aside all thoughts of a third term
OF office. Mr.. Roosevelt wrote to Mr.. Sc
lous telling him of his desire to hunt big
game in Africa. and asking his advice on
the important question of the route he
should take. Mr.. Selous was naturally
glad to give the President the benefit of
his large experience, and his reply led to
further correspondence.
Now. as Daily Chronicle representa-
tive gathered from brief conversation
with Mr.. Selous. the President has def
nitely formed his plans. He proposes to
leave New York, accompanied by his son,
in April. They will proceed to Mombasa.
on the coast Of British East Africa, and
In this region. with its vast swamps.
dense forests and snow-capped noun
tains. Is to be found a remarkable variety
Of climates. The rainfall in some parts
is as much as a hundred inches year:
while In certain districts no rain may
fall for two years at a time. After tour
ing Uganda the President will follow the
course of the Nile.
Presidents Fierce Fights.
Although his eyesight is by no means
good, Mr.. Roosevelt is one Of the most &C
curate shots in America His most sue
cessful hunt took place one winter about
seven years ago. On that occasion he
killed over a dozen mountain lions. Some
Of them he dispatched in almost hand-to-
hand struggles, using his long knife.
1t is related that one day during that
hunt the Presidents hounds tracked a
female cougar to her rocky lair. After
a desperate fight with the dogs she escaped
and found refuge in a tree. Here for
some time she vented her anger. and
then. anxious for revenge. she dropped
Unexpectedly among the dogs. maulins
them terribly.
When President Roosevelt came on the
scene she instantly flew at him. Fortu-
nately one of the dogs fastened on to her
hind leg and impeded her movements.
With a stroke of her paw the cougar killed
the dog. but when she turned again the
President was ready with his rifle.