Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-07-04
Lively Time at Covington.

Lively Time at Cov1ngton.
Some of the liveliest incidents on the
trip from Washington occurred near the
end of the run and close on to midnight.
There were probably 800 persons out at
Covington, a junction on the Chesapeake
and Ohio. when Mr.. Taft's train pulled
in there about 11:30 Judge Taft and
Frank B. Kellogg. the trust buster and
ohar Thn ena we're asleep IN
didate had of the crowd was loud
thumping on the window pane about a
foot from his head. Judge Taft jumped.
Bill. Bill Taft" shouted the crowd. fol-
lowing the example set by Taft's class
mates at Yale Then there was cheering.
Judge Taft looked at his watch and ap-
parently decided 1t was too late. Further
more he wants to avoid making any po-
formally notified in Cincinnati on the 28th
wake up. wake up" roared the crowd
and Judge Taft smiled to let them know
that he was complying with the request
But still he declined to go out. In fact
the only evidence that there was a crowd
outside was the sound of the voices. It
was pitch dark. The crowd waited few
seconds longer. and then somebody shout
ed, IF we don't get talk. we'll vote for
Bryan"
This brought the candidate to his feet
Up went the window apd he peered out
into the darkness. The crowd sent I'D a.
cheer. but a second later cry of disap-
pointment sounded on the other side Of
the car.
Come to this side there are ladies
here" shouted half a dozen voices. Mr.
Taft took their word for 1t and poked his
head out Of window on that side Of the
car.
DO you sit up till II o'clock every
night in this tramp asked the candi-
date as he rubbed his eyes.
only on special occasions" was the
reply from the darkness.
Il reckon you're elected right now down
in this town. said another voice, and
there was a shout of approval
''Is this the end Of the big division?'
asked Judge Taft. for lack Of better
subject.
This is the end of-the end of-this is
Covington.' said another voice out of the
darkness.
How far are we from the Springs?"
asked Judge Taft suppressing yawn.
A Long, Steep Climb.
twenty-five miles. twenty-five long
miles. with a 24O-foot climb to the mile, -
replied one of Covington's rooters.
Speech. speech. speech" shouted the
crowd.
"You don't want a speech from me to-
night said Mr.. Taft.
Yes we do" the crowd insisted.
But" said Judge Taft. II am coming
up here to get an inspiration
Well replied one man. they sell that
any of it here.
AS the train pulled out Judge Taft in
vited the voices over to see him at the
springs. and they said they would come.
At Clifton Forge, at about 1870 o'clock.
an hour before the Covington incident.
Mr.. Taft was led out of his car by a COM
mittee of local politicians. The train was
scheduled for only few minutes stop,
and Judge Taft didn't want to get out.
but the local committee insisted.
This hyar county" said one of the
committeeman. lis the only republican
county in Virginia, and you must come
out and see the boys
So the committee led and Judge Taft
followed. They took him over to a fence
near the station. and then he held a re-
ception.
'Mr. Taft" said an old negro, will you
make little appropriation for me. sah?'
But before the candidate could answer
the negro had been elbowed out of the
way. The Clifton Forge crowd held Judge
Taft out SO long that he had to sprint for
the train. AS he said later. II didn't
know which car l was in until Charlie
dropped a firecracker under me, and then
knew l was all right
Charlie Enjoys Himself.
Charlie. by the way. started that Fourth
of July celebration of his soon after the
train left Washington. He had 81 cents
worth of crackers in valise and he
dropped one or two Off the rear of the
car at every station.
Hurry up, there" said he to the news
paper men when the train stopped at
Staunton. Pops going to spout" Then
a moment later he came running back
Nope. nothing DOING
i