The Greenville journal. [volume] (Greenville, Ohio) 1850-1918, 1908-01-09
MANY SEE PRESIDENT
IMMENSE THRoNe ATTENDS NEW
YEARS RECEPTION.
ALL oFFIcIALDoM THERE
Brilliant Scene In the White House
Mr.. Roosevelt Especially Greets
Centenarian Resident of
Washington.

SCnlendTlGH hSSluSnL OF
Washington.
Washington. - Theodore Roose-
velt Wednesday oficiated for the
seventh time as president of the
United States at the New Years recep-
ton at the White House. Assisting
him in exchanging the salutations of
the season were Mrs. Roosevelt and
the members and ladies of the cabinet.
The nlceties of diplomatic etiquette
were religiOusly observed in the con-
duct of that part of the reception
which has grown during the past hun
dred years and more to partake large
ly of the nature of an official function.
In this way, but without appearance of
prearrangement, the president greet
ed first the vice president and the
members of his cabinet, then each for
eign nation represented in the person
of ambassador or minister; the judici
ary, through the personnel of the SUI
preme court bench and the judges of
the local federal and district courts;
senator's and Representatives in con-
gress; officers of the army, navy, ma
rine corps and militia of the District
Of Columbia; heads of government
bureaus, and members of government
commissions; organizations of vet
Grams, and Oldest Inhabitants asso-
citation of the District of Columbia.
Public There In a Throng.
Then came the public gathering in a
constantly lengthening line at the west
people had stood since nine o'clock in
the morning. 1t was one o'clock when
the gates were opened to admit them.
The line, kept intact by a special de-
tail of police, now extended in double
column for two blocks up Pennsylvania
avenue and for two blocks down Sew
enteenth street past the state, war
and navy building. 1t was a joyous
holiday throng and left its impress of
good feeling on the president, who,
after more than four hours of hand
shaking, expressed exhiliration rather
than exhaustion.
Three members of the recent Cen
trail American peace conference, who
still remain in the city, were specially
invited guests, including Senor Don
Policarpo Bonilla, eX-president of
Honduras; Senor Don e. Constantine
FiallOs, minister of foreign affairs of
Honduras, and senior Don Jose Madriz
Of Nicaragua, secretary to the confer
ence. w. w. Rockhill, United States
minister to China, also was in attend
ance. Assistant Secretaries Bacon,
Adee and Wilson occupied themselves
actively in entertaining the diplomats.
Admiral Dewey, who has just passed
his seventeen birthday, headed the
naval contingent, and was heartily
greeted by the president.
Admiral Brownson Calls.
Rear Admiral Brownson was one of
the first officers of the navy to greet
President Roosevelt. To do this he
left his place in the line as soon as he
entered the White House and made his
way through the crowd and into the
red parlor, passing Rear Admiral
RiXey and taking his place immediate.
ly after the army officers who pre-.
ceded the navy. Admiral Brownson's
hand was grasped by several of his
brother officers as he was making his
way ahead of them. After his greeting
to the president, which was cordial,
he remained in the east room for some
time chatting and receiving greetings.
President Roosevelt took occasion in
his New Years greeting to DR.. Starr,
who has just celebrated his one hun.
dredth birthday anniversary, to con-
graduate the veteran member of the
Oldest Inhabitants association and
wish him many returns of the day.
You, sir, have seen the growth of
this republic" said the president as
he recognized DR.. Starr, and recalled
his previous New Years visits.
DR.. Starr made an earnest reply,
whereupon the president remarked:
amy word from you, sir, will receive
instant consideration"
Secretary Cortelyou, who has been
confined to his home for some time
past with an attack of the grip, had so
far recovered as to be able to attend
the reception. He was warmly greet.
ed by the president and his fellow cab.
met members.
Shakes Hands 5,645 Times.
The last person in the line, a news
paper man, asked the president if he
was tired. Not a bit," he replied,
laughing. Just then Chief Usher
Stone informed the president that he
had shaken hands 5,645 times. Be-
yond another laugh the president
made no answer.
Throughout the long reception Mrs.
Roosevelt and the ladies of the cabi-
net stood with the president in the
blue room. They appeared to be not
fatigued by the ordeal The reception
terminated at 1857 p. m.