The Washington times., 1909-05-29
Banquet With Classmates
Will Conclude Busy Day
for President.
GREAT CROWD HEARS
HIM MAKE ADDRESS
Speaks at dwelling of Memorial
to Heroes Killed in War
of 1912.
By JAMES HAY, II.

PTTTSBURG, Pa, May 29.-The Presi-
dent came to Pittsburg today and found
il a Wilderness Of policemen and silk
hats. all bathed in a flood Of sunshine
That old story of this town lying per-
petuaily under a pail Of smoke was shot
to pieces, for the day was perfect. and
the SCOT and cinders were not on the
job.
Incidentally, Mr.. Taft made it known
that he is in favor Of turning the arse
nails OF the country into Fairgrounds
for the children wherever and whenever
such a course Is possible.
The thing that looks best TO me
here" he said. at the arsenal grounds.
where the fountain In commemoraton
of those who fell in the war Of 1872
has been erected. lis those children
singing in those swings
He pointed to the opposite hill. where
the boys and girls were having the
times Of their lives. evidently convinced
that the swings were a fine amusement
Given Warm Welcome
But the city Of Pittsburg gave the
President a royal welcome. Everything
went OF with the regularity and ac-
curacy of clock work. There were
enough policemen out to capture a
principality. and twenty miles Of rope
was used to keep the crowds on the
sidewalks along the streets where the
Mr.. Taft and his party, consisting of
his fatheF-lu-laW, John W. Heron, and
his usual escort. left their car at the
East Liberty street station on the Penn
syivania railroad at O'Clock, from
there escorted by the mayor, Secretary
OF State Knox, Representa- tive James
Francis Burke, in whose district the
fountain Is located, and many other
prominent men AIF. Tart went 70 the
home OF hrs brother-in-law. Thomas K.
After short stop there, the party
went in automobiles 70 the Rodeph
Shalom Jewish Temple. There the Pres
ident made a brief address.
Applause Checked.
Although he spoke in the midst Of the
regular Sabbath services OF the church,
the rabbi had TO caution his audience
not 20 applaud the distinguished speak
eT. When the speech ended, an outburst
of applause was prevented only by d
request from the rabbi.
From the temple the President went
20 the arsenal grounds. Ten acres OF
these grounds have been leased 10 the
city by the Federal Government 10 be
used as playground, the lease 70 be
revoked on the condition that the c0un-
try might need the ground FOR prepara-
tions for war. In the center OF this ten
acres the Daughters of the War OF 1872
have erected q fountain in memory OF
the men who fell II was to assist in
the dedication OF this fountain that the
President was invited 10 be present
After the Secretary Of State had given
the fountain 10 the city on behalf OF the
Daughters, il was accepted by Mayor
McGee. In his speech. Mr.. Knox said
he was certain the President was with
him, heart and soul in the hope and
belief that the time Would soon come
when war would be unnecessary and the
troubles Of nations would be submitted
TO an international court, conducted on
the principles Of everlasting justice.
Boost" For Burke.
Then the President spoke. In his
speech he took occasion to give Repre-
sentative Burke one OF the greatest
send-offs man has ever had. He said
Burke was the one TO thank for the
ten acres of playground, Burke was the
best OF fellows, the hardest working OF
Congressmen, and man who was on
the works every minute. Burke looked
embarrassed, but he probably got con
ISOLATION out Of the thought that the
President was piling up votes for him
in the next election.
After the arsenal exercises the Presi.
dent followed BY his party and the city
officials in automobiles, made a quick
trip to the Fort Pitt Hotel, known to
cay as Yale headquarters. AS a matter
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