Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-01-16

| charge their duties well, ana whose |
presence in important positions will |
remove. if any such thing exists.
the sense of alienism in the govern
ment which they represent.
ATLANTA, Ca, January 16.-William
II. Taft was all day yesterday in the cor
dial and hospitable embrace OF Georgia.
Recognizing the climax of the varied and
continuous demonstrations in the brilliant
and imposing scene presented at the ban
quet here last night, he exclaimed with
evidences of great feeling:
Il had not hoped to win the south, but
the south has won me-"
The banquet was the most ambitious
event of its kind the city has ever under
taken. Though participated in by more
than 500 Of the city's representative men,.
it was gloried in by the entire population.
1t, and the preceding eloquence of well
come extended to Mr.. Taft in his recep-
ton at the capital and at the Piedmont
Hotel, where he was sought by thou
sands, constitute brilliant chapter in his
record of achievements south of Mason
and DiXon's line.
Talking through Georgia" is literal
description of his trip yesterday from Au-
cial train, which Atlanta provided. came
to halt, there were cheering crowds evil
dencing their cordiality by floral tributes,
by cheers, bands and speeches in which
Mr.. Taft was told that he was respected.
admired. loved.
A little bunch Of violets, plucked from
the grave of Alexander Stephens, and
presented by grandniece of the distin-
gutShed Georgian, touched tender cord
and brought forth a warm tribute to the
memory IF StanheDS Ora uyfnrISville
Cheered by Students.
The young men Of Emory College were
cheered on their way at Covington, and
the girl students Of Agnes Scott Institute
at Decatur, were addressed as my girl
friends" and talked to pleasantly. When
Mayor Butler of Madison predicted "a
term of eight years for Taft" the big
Ohioan responded by saying he hoped the
mayor was true prophet.
Atlanta's welcome to Mr.. Taft began in
the railroad yards, where all locomotives
tied open their whistles and ceased only
when he had retired for the night at his
hotel. Thousands were at the station,
thousands followed him through the
streets as he was drawn by four cream
colored horses to the capitol. Gov. Smith
and committee Of seventy gave him a
formal reception, after which the gov
ernor presented him to the tremendous
crowd. and Mr.. Taft once more voiced his
reciprocity of cordiality and good feeling
at his reception. He was at once es-
corted by squad Of mounted police to
the Piedmont Hotel, where he was ten
dered a reception by the chamber of COM
MERGE the Ohio Society and Yale Alumni
Ciov.-elect Brown came with Mr.. Taft,
Gov. Smith received him and the officials
of the city and state generally partici-
pated In his welcome.
On his trip here yesterday he made
Greensboro, Madison, Social Circle and
Decatur.
'Possum and 'Taters.
The features of the banquet included
not only the striking appearance Of the
high-pillared room, with Its white walls
and flag scheme of decorations, but a
quaint program OF old-time negro songs,
illustrating the primitive life and tastes
of slavery days, sung as solos by preach
ers, doctors and judges.
The tables were the streamers of two
huge flags, the field of each being formed
by the speakers table, set before forest
Of palms and ferns. Directly behind the
guest of honor was an electric flag which
not only waved. but flashed forth like
ness Of Mr. Taft when the President
elect arose to speak.
After the 'possum, 'taters and 'simmon
beer had been served. ana the many ether
courses of the feast, the guests, led by
the orchestra, broke into song. Judge
Taft Joined heartily in the merriment
He was presented with a Billy pos
sum-" constructed after the manner of
the Teddy bear" to be the emblem of
his administration.
He was also made the recipient Of a
silver pocket water flask. bearing the
coat-of-arms of Georgia, th2 gifT Of Mrs
James Longstreet.
Besides Mr.. Taft, the speakers were
Asa G. Gambler, toastmaster; Gov. Hoke
Smith. Mayor Robert L. Maddox and
Judge Thomas G. Jones, Alabama, of the
federal bench.
What was taken as the most lasting
and satisfactory feature OF Mr. Tafts
speech was his expressed desire to APP
point to federal positions in the south
only such men as stand high as citizens
in the localities in which they live.
Refused to Be Warned.
AS prelude to his written speech Mr..
Taft, who began to speak shortly before
midnight, paid his respects to those who
had spoken before him. He then told how
he had enjoyed the possum. notwith-
standing he had today received a letter
from Chicago begging him for the ma
tons sake, for his own sake and for
| Gods sake, not to touch the possum, and
referring him to the eleventh chapter of
Leviticus
Mr.. Tafts speech was received with
great enthusiasm. When he had finished
his health was pledged with hearty
cheer.
Gov Hoke Smith touched slightly upon
the question of political solidarity" in
Ibis speech. though his remarks related to
the New England states rather than to
the south. After referring to the fact
that Georgia had never furnished a
President Of the United States. but that
she claimed in part President Roosevelt,
whose mother was a noble daughter of
this state" Gov. Smith said:
I'VE have not furnished a President
| ~ i.,