Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1909-03-24
ROOSEVELT SAILS FOR LAND
OF THE WHITE RHlNoCEROS.
Thousands on Pier of Hamburg Amer
lean Line Wave Farewels.


New York, March 23.-Waving a
parting farewell with his black slouch
hat, his smiling face beaming in the
morning sun as he stood on the cap
tain's bridge of the steamship Ham
burg, ex-President Theodore Roose-
welt, now Americas most distinguish
ed private citizen sailed away today
for his long planned African "safari."
He left his native shores amid the
cheers of the thousands of persons
that swarmed the Hamburg American
line pier, the whistles of countless riv-
er craft, and the thunderous reverber-
ations of the ex-president's salute of
thirteen guns from Forts Hamilton and
Wadsworth.
Kermit Seemed Detected.
Beside the happy figure of the for
mer chief magistrate as the big steam
ship slipped out of her dock stood a
young lad seemingly detected as he
wistfully gazed at the cheering multi
tude on the pier below. 1t was Ker-
nit Roosevelt, son of Mr.. Roosevelt,
who accompanied his father as official
photographer on the expedition. Fa-
ther and son, both clad in brilliant
buff-hued army coats, which shone in
the sun, remained on the bridge on the
trip down the bay and acknowledged
with sweep of their hats the salutes
Of the vessels.
Crowd Jostled ex-President.
The ovation was unofficial in char
acter. but many high in the affairs Of
the nation were present. The crowd
in its enthusiasm bowled over the
lines of policemen on the pier, sur
rounded the former president while he
was being presented bronze tablet
by the Italian-American chamber of
commerce, and before he was again
safely back on the sheltering gang
plank knocked his hat from his head
and caused him to drop a vacuum bot
tie which had been presented by some
admiring Pittsburg friends. F'ortu-
nately Mr.. Roosevelt was not hurt in
the rush and seemed to enjoy his ex-
perience with the crowd.
Expects to Be Gone Fifteen Months.
True to his promise, Mr.. Roosevelt
made no statements regarding his
coming hunt in the jungles CT British
East Africa other than to say that he
probably would be gone about a year
and a quarter.
Mr.. Roosevelt eschewed politics to
inquiring friends and contented him
self with expressions of pleasure and
appreciation of the kindly farewells of
those who came to see him off.
Message and Gift from President Taft
One incident Of the departure which
touched Mr.. Roosevelt probably more
than any other was the presentation of
a message and gift from President Taft
by Capt Archibald Butt, who was chief
military aide to Mr.. Roosevelt and
who at present occupies that position
under President Taft.
Grasping his former aide by the
hand with a by George! 1t is good to
see you again Archie" Mr.. Roosevelt
drew the presidents messenger aside
to talk with him. Captain Butt then
delivered President Taft's message and
a small package containing ruler of
gold with pencil attached 1t is a col
lapsible ruler, 12 inches long when
drawn out of the end of the pencil.
On it is inscribed "To Theodore Roose-
welt from William Howard Taft Good
bye and good luck. Best wishes for a
safe return"
When Mr.. Roosevelt opened the
package and discovered the gift from
his successor. he held it up and ex-
claimed: well. now, isn't that just too
fine? It certainly was thoughtful and
kind Of Taft to send this to me, and
appreciate it greatly"
Roosevelt Will Use Wireless.
Turning TO Captain Butt, he whis-
pered a message for him to carrv to
the White house and said he would re-
ply by wireless telegraph to the letter
Mr.. Taft had sent to him Captain Butt
then inquired for Mrs. Roosevelt and
learning she had remained at Saga
more HILL promised Mr.. Roosevelt he
would go out during the afternoon to
pay his respects One of the last acts
Of Mr. Roosevelt before sailing was to
send a message to President Taft,
reading: