The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-10-27
Taft F10tilla Is Delayed by Shal.
lOWness of Water.
Numerous Sand Bars Encoun-
tered on Trip to Memphis.
CROWD WAITED LONG.
Thousands of Citizens and Visi-
tors Throng the Wharf.
Next Stop Will Be Made at
Helena, Ark.

Memphis. Tenn. Oct. 27.-Thousands
OF threats called a loyal and truc
southern greeting to President William
H. Taft on his arrival at the wharf here
this morning. Hundreds of whistles
and changing bells all over the city
took up the refrain and in no city visit
ed by the president in his history MAX
ing trip across the continent has been
given more enthusiastic reception.
President Taft and his party were
delayed on the river during the night
owing to the extremely low stage of the
water and the numerous sandbars and
did not reach Memphis until IL O'Clock.
All Memphis and thousands of Wis
1tors thronged the wharf and bluffs
long before the imposing f1otilla made
Its appearance On the broad expanse
of the Mississippi river above Hopefield
bend and waited with eager expectation
the arrival of the distinguished guests
hours in Memphis.
When the fotilla did appear with the
steamer Oleander, bearing the presi-
dent and his personal retinue, three
hundred yards in advance of the long
column f1anked on either side by the
tiny torpedo boats. the populace shout
ed greeting which echoed across the
river to lose itself in the sister state of
Arkansas
Mayor James H. Malone, in welcom-
ing the president, said:
I'VE remember with much pleasure
that While you were a United States
circuit judge you came often to Mem
phis and here dispensed justice with SO
even hand as to win the confidence
and good will of all whose fortune it
was to appear in your court
Mayor Malone said the attitude Of
PRESIDENT Taft towards the southern
states presaged nothing but good for
the south during the Taft administra-
ton.
When Mayor Malone turned to the
question of river Improvement and IA
feet through the valley, staunch de-
Tenders of deep waterways from the
lakes to the gulf gathered near and in
terrupted the speaker with cheers.
Parade in Automobiles.
President Taft's reply was brief and to
the point. He had on previous occasions
declared himself on the waterways pro-
position and today he repeated his de-
ciarations.
Following the welcoming exercises the
president and the other members OF his
party entered automobiles and a parade
was commenced through the streets of
the city.
The president and his personal escort
left the main body of the automobile
procession temporarily to go to the
Young Mems Christian association new
building, the dedication of which had
been postponed for the president to per-
form.
The president spoke of the great work
accomplished throughout the country
by the association and complimented the
local organization upon it's energy in
erecting such splendid building.
After the dedication President Taft
was driven to the auditorium, where he
was welcomed on behalf of the state of
Tennessee by Governor M r. Patter-
son and where he made the principal
address of the day. Although his voice
-+;J yIaf H.,
president consumed the time allotted to
him for his address.
Immediately after he had concluded
he was hurried hack tc the wharf,
thousands cheering him and his party at
every turn.
At o'clock the Oleander steamed out
into mld-river. followed in regular order
by the other vessels in the fleet.
The presidential salute was fired by
battery stationed on the crowning point
of historic old Jackson mound park, said
to be the spot where fernando De Soto
first stood and looked out over the big
river.
The first stop by the president after
where the fleet is due at O'Clock this
evening.
The Trip From Hickman.
The run of the presidential fleet
f. ON Hickman, KY, to Memphis was
without incident other than the dinner
gwen last night to President Taft on
board the steamer ST. Paul. The
presidents boat, the Oleander, and the
St Paul were lashed together with but
q slight reduction in speed when the
president went to dinner and again
when he returned to the Oleander for
the night.
As the guest at dinner on board the
st. Paul of the governors of more
than one-half of the states of the
Union, President Taft made an ad-
~ Z, -
sill further the policy of the states CO.
operating more closely with the ma
tional government. He expressed the
belief that much good would come
from a meeting of the governors of all
the states in Washington each winter
and formally extended an invitation
for them to so meet.
Following the presidents lead, all
CT the speakers at this unique dinner,
held as all of the boats of the presi-
Genital fleet were rushing down stream
full speed, dwelt upon the helpfulness
of the states and national government
working together on problems of mu-
Jual interest. Secretary Nagel of the
.le partment of commerce and labor;
Governor Quinby of New Hampshire.
Governor Deneen of Illinois and for
r er Governor Blanchard of Louisiana
we're among those who spoke. Old
southern melodie were sung during
the dinner and the president joined
often in the chorus.
The Presidents Speech.
The president in his speech began
by paying a tribute to New Orleans.
He continued:
st am hopeful that the meeting of
the governors on this vessel, following
as it does the other two meetings in
Washington, has led them to believe
tnat there is much value in discussion
and consideration by them of subjects
common to all states, which the fed
eral government is not able itself, by
reason of constitutional restrictions, to
act upon or consider.
1.-THE truth is that as we are going on