Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-06-01
TAFT WISHES TO Be
.PEOPLE'SPRESIDENT
Chief Executive, in Address Al
Pittsburg Synagogue, Asks
That He Be Given the Support
of All.

PITTSBURG, May 29.-President Taft
and party reached this city at S:4S a. M,
today. The president left the train at the
East Liberty street station, where he was
extended a hearty welcome by as many
Pittsburgers as could crowd into the biz
depot. Secretary of State Knox, Mayor
Magee, United States Senator oliver,
Congressman Burke. well-known yale
men from all the middle western cities
and men prominent in business circles OF
the city were at the station to greet the
president.
The chief executive was driven to the
home of Thomas X. Laughlin, Jr.. a
brother-in-law. The program for the
president included an address at the Rode
Phi Shilom Temple, a brief address at the
dedication of drinking fountain erected
by the Daughters of 1872 in Arsenal Par,
drive of five miles to the Fort Pitt ho-
tel, and taking part in the business ses-
sion of a convention.
The president will remain here until late
tomorrow evening when he departs for
the battlefield at Gettysburg, Pa, where
on Monday he dedicates a monument in
honor Of the regular army. AS a member
and former president Of the Associated
Western Yale clubs. President Taft came
here to take part in the fifth annual con-
vention Of the organization, which began
at the Fort Pitt hotel yesterday.
PRESIDENT SPEAKS.
81 never have claimed to conform strict
ly to religious services" said the presi-
dent in Temple Rodoph Shalom, where he
made his first address of the day to Rabbi
Levy's congregation, land 1t has remained
for Pittsburg to bring me to church both
on Saturday and prospectively on Sun
day.
at is a great privilege feel to appear
before this intelligent and patriotic au-
diehce at the instance of your leader, who
was close friend of my predecessor, and
who l believe has transferred that
friendship for the time to me.
II do not feel altogether out of place III
a Jewish tabernacle for the church l at
tended in Cincinnati during my boyhood
and early manhood was next door to the
tabernacle of Rev. DR.. Wise. and there
were oftentimes a change of pulpits be-
tween the two churches.
IT am glad to be here to show, If posi-
BILE, by my presence how much ours is
government of all the people and how
wise was the constitutional provision
that no religious requirement or qualifica-
ton should be necessary, in this country
In this Jewish tabernacle, as president OF
the United States, / feel as much at home
and feel as much support as I would IN
any other church in the whole country.
tened, so full of love and human kindness,
should make us feel ashamed of all mar
rowness and bgotry. Never in the histo-
ry of the country, in any crisis or under
any conditions, have the Jewish citizens
failed to live up TO the highest standard
of patriotism. I am not a preacher and
not in the habit OF appearing in pulpits.
I never had done so until 1 went to the
Philippines, where stood first in Pres
4 III to LTra4d
palian.
PRESIDENT OF ALL.
Returning to this country, I have APP
peared in the pulpit of my own church,
the Unitarian, and now am in a Jewish
tabernacle. That is round which I
think justihes me in saying that I hope
to be the president of all the people and
hope to have your support, as you have
given 1t to my predecessors, without stint
and with every desire to make this tru-
ly good and great country"
From the temple the president was es-
corted to Arsenal park, where he partic-
ipated in the dedication of a fountain
presented to the city by the Daughters OF
1912. Here the president in a brief adj
dress dwelt upon the necessity of provid-
ing Fairgrounds for the people.
During the morning the president was
the guest of the state and city. At noon
he was turned over to the Yale enthu-
siasts. At noon President Taft decided
to leave the Allegheny Country club at
8 o'clock this afternoon In order to get
him to the National league ball grounds
when the Pittsburg- Chicago game is
started. The official program placed the
president at the Country club until late
this afternoon, but when he learned Of
the ball game he decided to see it.
Reservations were accordingly made for
him.
With this exception the program for the
day has not been altered.