Omaha daily bee., 1909-09-26

WAAOMMEWEMJRH also have thousands OF
WGSSQ %GOH knights exclaimed as they
-h have knelt to receive their
spurs and take the oatn of allegiance.
But the humber subjects and the more opulent
knights of the realm have not been the only ones to shout
in glad acclaim to the health of his majesty and kneel
while he deigns to notice them. Many have been the
great men of other states and localities of this great ma
ton, and of other nations and the islands of the sea as
well, who have made obeisance to King Ak-Sar-Ben
when they have visited the realm of Quivera during the
fourteen years of its existence.
The visit Of President Taft and his party to the Den
on Monday evening, September 20, was the browning
event of the season of opera" of 1909. The affair was
made notable in a great many ways, the king and his
court having made the most elaborate of preparations
for the evening. From a special box the president
viewed the performances of Paprika Schnitzel, and after
having heard the opera ne paid his praise to the king and
his subjects.
The show at the Den was a fitting climax for a busy
day and the president seemed to enjoy "Paprika schnit-
eel" as much, If not more, than any of the 1900 others
who were there.
81 understand that you possess the right to be adj
dressed as sir knights. and l will address you as SUCH"
said Mr.. Taft after he had been introduced by c. H.
Pickens, president of the board of governors II have
enjoyed this entertainment very much-parts that l
keenly appreciate. 1 only hope that in the 1900 gentle
men whom l am addressing there are a majority who
have had sense enough to learn the benefits of golf and
to understand the training of character and the lessons
in self-restraint and self-abstemeousness And the de-
lightful breath of the fresh air nature has given for those
who tread the links.
81 am delighted to be introduced to your company
(on this side of the f~ootlights) and to look at the goat
from this side of the railing. l watched my friend and
your now fellow knight, Ex-Governor Sheldon, with great
interest, because he and 1 went through similar condi-
tons In Nebraska last November. y
ct assure you I have never had occasion to make a
speech under any similar circumstances, but this is the
most exceptional show 1 ever saw. l want to congratu-
late Omaha that it has such a splendid body of men with
enthusiasm and sense of humor enough to put on this
.hAv 7 kA-o 7 hoo AhaA 49,. iii =
tion to these hours of pleasure and enjoyment many ben
ehts will come in the way of civic virtue, with that striv-
ing for better things which such a distinguished body is
capable OF. 1t is hard to measure the dynamics OF such
an organization. 1t takes a good deal to bring men to-
gether each Monday night as you gather here at the Den
and it speaks we'll for the future of Omaha"
The Den was rich in colors and the decorations were
exquisite. The presidents box was built far into the
arena and had seats for thirty, including the presidential
party, the board Of governors, the guests of the evening
and a few prominent citizens. From the box the presi-
dent had a splendid view of the oprey and "Paprika
Schnitzel" was never sung better. Directly opposite the
box was the presidents flag. Illuminated by a border Of
lights. Huge pictures of the president we're hung all
around the room and the national colors were shown in
profusion.
Coming and going through Nebraska, presidents, am
bassadors, senators and congressman, generals and
statesmen, business men and prominent citizens have
honored the Gate City with their presence-and have in
sidentally done honor to the city's greatest institution,
Ak-Sar-Ben, than which there has been no other organ
cation more vitality interested and deeply active in the
communitys welfare during the decade and a half it has
influenced Omahas and Nebraska's destiny.
First among the truly great who bowed to the author
ity Of the king, was William Mckinley. AS the nations
chief executive and foremost citizen on October II, 1898.
Immediately following the close OF hostilities with Spain.
he visited the city with a large party CT military, diplo-
matte and national figures, was royalty entertained and
in return. forgot not to doff his hat to the rising import
ance Of the realm of Quivera.
Though the peace jubilee of the Transmissfssippi was
the main reason for President McKinley's sojourn in the
city, 1t did not engage his entire time. In fact, his most
pleasant hours were spent as the guest of the Board OF
Governors Of Ak-Sar-Ben, who were afterward chron.
icled by the press of the realm as having given the pres.
ident the most splendid reception ever accorded any Wis.
itOr TO the kingdom.
He was met at the depot by the Board of Governors
escorted along brightly lighted thoroughfares to the cit,
hall, and seated there in a reviewing stand constructed
especially for the occasion, Then. headed by tn,
eighty governors In scarlet coats. the combined day ant
night pageants Of Quiyera's dominion passed in review
receiving the plaudits of a delighted president and hi
party. The parades were being repeated in Mckinley
honor, yet they and he as a combined attraction aroused
more enthusiasm on the part OF the commonwealth thai
all previous pageants, had created. And when Kin
Ak-Sar-Ben ", the newly crowned monarch Of the EN-
pire, rode past the reviewing stanu in his gorgeous car o
state, the cheers we're long and loud. Mckinley cheere
too. Yes, he even arose from his seat and lifting his hat
bowed graciously and gracefully TO the king.
SO did the head OF the greatest nation in the worl
bend low 10 his majesty. Ak-Sa~Ben. The previou
floats had been The Eagle Of the Republic" Heroes c
Land and Sea-" and Our Country" for which IN
presidents deem DatriOtism hOfIed oVer ht hts ntbus