Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1909-05-20

tariff on lumber for protection, they
haven't any great amour, of dispute
between them. Personally. | am not
in favor of a 81 tariff on lumber for
any purpose. But 1t all means. my
friends. that we are working closer
and closer together along different
routes. The Southern congressman
who have been SHARPLY criticised by
their home papers for deserving the
sacred principles OF free trade come
about as close to knowing what their
constituents at home want as do the
leading papers of the same commu-
nitv. This again is lat further IL
ms,ralion OF the fact that We are get
ting together"
Scene Was Unique.
As the President stood addressing
the srea, throng In the growing shad-
ows of dusk the scene about him was
one of unique and picturesque inter-
est. The President and a score OF
distinguished guests had eaten late
luncheon on the wide veranda of Cen
Ter Hill mansion. she home of Charles
Hall Davis president of the Peters
burg Country Club. while thousand
others dined at turf-coyered tables
nder the towering old trees on the
lawn. There were several Alter
luncheon speeches from the yeranda,
and then the President and the guests
proceeded to the rear lawn. which had
been thrown open TO the public.
Beneath the knoll from which he
spoke were gathered several hundred
school children who sang: The Star
Spangled Banner Dixie, and
America" with equal ferver. The
crowd overspread the lawn for a hum
dred wards or more in each direction
Far beneath the slopes OF the grassy
little promontory on the streets be-
meath the wall surrounding the man
sion grounds. the colorcd residents OF
the community were gathered by thol-
sands. They spread fan-like for two
blocks in each direction. The Prcsi-
dent himself declared that he had in
tended to make but a few brief re-
marks in after dinner vein. but the
crowd inspired him 10 a more serious
effort
Governor Swanson, citizens of Viz
President the regret fell everywhere
that Illness had prevented Mrs. TAFT
from coming 20 Petersburg
Closed With Lawn Fete.
The day, which will long be memoir
able in the history of Petersburg. was
brought to a close tonight with a
lawn fete and reception on the Center
Hill grounds The President and his
party left late tonight for Charlotte
y. c.. where Mr.. Taft tomorrow will
attend the Mecklenisirg celebration.
At his Center Hill mansion address.
President Taft said:
Governor Swanson, citizens Of Viz
ginia my fellow guests: ! must first
answer the courteous chivalric and
kindly expression of good will that
your governor on voIr behalf has ut
tered in expressing regret at the alb
sence Of Mrs. Taft from this most in
terest ting occasion. ! share that re-
greet with you. and if you knew that
her presence would be certain to re-
strain and make my remarks less. per-
.haps you would have an added pleas
ure in her being here. Qaughter).
Demonstrations Were Sincere.
Il know the Southern heart is full
OF sentiment / know that 1t is easily
aroused. but you shall not convince me
today that it was not a sincere recep-
ton that was given to the brave old
veterans of Pennsylvania and to the
President Ct the United States as We
came along the streets OF this historic
old city.
Il could not but feel this afternoon
as sat and listened to the truthful
ard unexaggerated statements of Vir-
Cinia heIoism. Of Virginia sentiment.
of Virginia ability made by President
Alderman. of the University Of Vir-
gina. that Virginia had right to the
feeling of pride in her past. and had
q right to the strength of sentiment
that United Virginians wherever they
are: and ! could not but feel rejOiced
because believe that ] speak the
truth when saw thai as we look for
ward we can count on that Virginia
sentiment. that Virginia hercism. that
Virginia patriotism as being directed
in the common flow OF patriotism in
support OF the grand cid government,
and the grand old starry flag that We
all 50 much love
u heard something about the Dec
iaraticn Of Independence in Phiiadel-
phia when Virginia and Pennsylvania
we're the only ones for a time to TO-
spoud. but I am going to North Caro-
lima tomorrow. and ] want yol gentle
men 20 understand me with References
o. declarations Of independence. there
are other pebbles On the beach. and
my brother Alderman had better b.
a little careful On his expressions com
hitting himself too mach TO the Nir
GINA and PENNSYLVANIA declarations
when he visits The home OF his na-
iivifv.
Vow. there is MOI the slightest
doubt tha' the danger 20 the couatry