Omaha daily bee., 1908-07-29
CROWD HEARS TAFT
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crash and echoes Of the shots, reverbera-
ting from the seven hills, were heard
throughout the city and far into the coun-
try giving notice that the day Cincinnati
had long awaited as a time OF holiday and
merry making had at last arrived.
Probably never before in its history has
he city been more profusely decorated
han now. BY day the streets are a mass
II waving c%olors, while by night countless
electric bulbs outline tall buildings in
vari-colored splendor and from decorative
designs OF unusual beauty. Following the
suggestion Of the local committee in charge
# notification day arrangements. the Amer
can flag has been almost exclusively used
IN the decoration Of the city and from
practically every downtown building the
stars and stripes were fluttering through
put the day. Several Of the taller Sky
scrapers' Of the city. rising sixteen stories
aud more above the sidewalk. displayed a
flag from every window. the effect being
The most striking OF any employed in the
general scheme OF identifying the city.
Streets ThrOnEed with Visitors.
The downtown streets and the thorough
'ares leading TO the residence OF Charles
2. Taft at Fourth and Pike streets early
we're thronged with visitors, sightseers and
residents OF the city anxious to witness and
take part in the days celebration. A mill
lary band In Government square began at
':8 O'Clock this morning on the concert for
he entertainment of the downtown crowds.
Frank H.. Hitchcock, national chairman
u the party and a member Of the %notifica-
Non committee. from Alaska by proxy, ar
rived from Chicago during the morning.
Before he had had breakfast application to
see him had been made by several Of the
ohIoes state leaders, who yesterday attended
the meetings or the state central ana ex-
ecutive committees and who remained over
TO participate in the ceremonies at the TAFT
home. Mr.. Hitchcock's time in the city Is
limited. however, for he leaves at 6 O'Clock
this evening for Washington. where he has
a number Of important engagements to-
morrow afternoon. From Washington Mr..
Hitchcock goes 70 New York to formally
open the national headquarters in that city
on August l. The national chairman went
carly to call upon Mr.. Taft and expected
TO be near him throughout the day.
Flag Given to Candidate.
The ceremonies OF the day at the Taft
residence began at $40 a. m. with the rails
ing Of a large American flag to the top of
a foTty-foot staff. This was largely a
neIghborhood affair, for the flag was pre-
scented by Mr. Taft's ~neighbors and fellow
citizens of Cincinnati. The conditions OF
the gift are that the flag shall be raised
whenever the candidate is in the city.
Judge Jacob II. Bromwell, who made the
presentation speech, declared that the lem
onstrhtion was in no sense partisan or DO
litical.
For the time being" he said, I'VE have
obllttrBted party lines and Ignored national
platforms. We are here simply as citizens
Of Cincinnati and as friends. neighbors and
admirers Of William Howard Taft"
The flag was accepted by Charles p. TAFT,
at whose house the candidate will make his
campaign headquarters during September
and October.
Candidate Taft was an interested. though
invisible listener to the flag raising exer-
clses from lust inside the front screen
doors Of the TAFT residence. To adhere
strictly to the program he could not respond
to the REPEATED calls for his presence when
The speeches had been concluded. Mrs.
TatttS tHstefdfly gowned in black wolfe,
black hat with white plumes and tiger
lilies at her waist. sat on the verandah
and heartily applauded.
The escort OF citizens gathered early at
the Hotel Sinton. from which place the
notification committee. In carriages, moved
toward the TAFT residence at 1O:4S a. m.
Taft Thanks NeIghbors.
Just prior to the notification ceremonies
Judge Taft gave out the following state
mint:
EThe formal and political speech OF ac-
ceptance written to greet and thank the
republican representatives OF all the states
a4n territories OF the union offers no op-
portunity for Mrs, Taft and me to express
ths feeling OF gratitude which wells up in
ouf hearts at this cordial and enthusiastic
reception from our friends, fellow citizens
Of CinclnnRu without regard to party. Born,
reared and educated within the limits of
tfes dear old city, We return to II after
eight years absence TO meet the nonpar-
tisan good win and rejoicing at the honor
which has recently been conferred upon me.
We are deeply touched. We offer our sin
cSfe thanks to the committees OF arrange
ment, which have organized and made
Beautiful this expression Of neighborly good
WI. Popular elections are uncertain, but
whatever betide me as a candidate. we
S4h never be deprived Of the Joy we feel at
this welcome home"