Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-01-19
TIT TELLS BOYS HE
BELIEVES IN SPORTS

The unbridIed democracy of six hum
dred students of the Georgia School OF
Technology, demonstrated by the unre-
stricted cheers of "BiIl. Bill, BILL Taft.
Taft, Taft" and mingled with the slo-
gan of Yale and the Tech war songs,
gave President-elect William Howard
Taft welcome the like OF such he has
not received in any southern city.
Cheering madly from the time that the
big automobile carrying the president
elect arrived at the college, until he was
whisked away to Big Bethel there was
no Cessation to the dhurricane welcomS
that was given When he spoke. IN the
chapel of the institute there was re-
spectful silence, but when some point
touched the minds OF the students there
was the never-failing response that has
often been heard on the gridiron or dia-
mond OF the white and gold.t ar
The president-elect was paid homage
that even exceeded the hearty welcome
that was given to President Roosevelt,
and the big, genial smiling successor
to the present occupant of the white
house more than appreciated every hon.
or that was given him. -
Long before the scheduled time for his
appearance, which on the official pro-
gram was 10 o'clock, the students had
lined up in front of the main entrance
of the school Over the main porch
were draped the colors of Yale, the alma
mater OF the president-elect These col
ors were conspicuous on the walls of the
chapel Snd the white aud blue Of the
New Haven college were intertwined with
the college colors Of the Tech. - -
1t was seven minutes past ten O'Clock,
when the big automobile, carrying the
president-elece and his party whirled up
the driveway. The Tech band, COM
posed of twenty-three people began
playing the. Tennessee Volunteers"
"Cut that" shouted some enthusiastic
student, "and play Dixie instead
Immediately the strains of the old stir
ring song of the south fioated out its
welcome to Mr. Taft Even before the
rose in his automobile and took off his
hat His acknowledgement brought its re-
sponsive answer from the students.
Hey, fellowst" shouted the leader, "Hi
vi Taft, three times-one, two, three
Then came the "hi VI Taft, three
times" and the president-elect again bow
ed his thanks
The members of the Tech faculty were
introduced and their wives. There was a
hearty II am glad to meet you" from
Mr.. Taft. A little girl, in the crowd.
stood on tip-toe, and cried, "Oh, Mr.. Taft,
am so glad to meet you"
The big president ELECT leaned down,
shook the little girls hand and said,
why, / am just as glad to meet you,
yourself. .lN -r
One old lady said: "Mr Taft, I have
friend in Cincinnati and he knows you
saw him the other day" 'r e@c
is'Give him my love, when you see him
again" answered Mr.. Taft
The president-elect was then escorted
by Colonel Harris to the chapel, where he
was to speak
The big crowd of students rose from
their chairs as the party came into the
chapel. -tt 1893
"Say, you fellows cried the irresistible
leader of the students, give three Hi Yis
for Taft" The cheers came. NOW three
for Yale again shouted the leader, and
the "Rah. Rah, Rah, Yale" echoed
through the building.
The conclusion of Judge Taft's speech
was greeted with thunderous applause,
and college yells for Taft, after which
the assembled crowd sang America"
the president-elect Joining heartily in the
singing. .t