Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-10-29

Natchez, Miss, Oct 29.-Preslueht
Taft and party aboard the steamer
Oleander arrived here at $40 this
morning 2 hours and 40 minues be-
hind schedule time.
Recalls Day of Famous Race
Natchez, Miss, Oct. 29-Not since
the day the battleship Mississippi
visited Natchez and won the river
speed record from this city to New
Orleans has there been another SUCH
crowd on. the bluff as greeted Pres
ident Taft upon his arrival here this
morning at 9:4e. The president was
nearly three hours behind time. Eight
other vessels Of the feet were in
sight when the Oleander pointed its
nosir into the bank.
Had Been Blocked In
One reason for the delay in reach
ing here was that the boats arriving
ct Vicksburg aft-r the Oleander last
night crowded into the harbor canal
IN direct violation Of orders and
blocked the exit of the president.
Race for Second Place
.Once out of Vicksburg barbor there
occurred another exciting incident.
The Erastus Wells won second place
in the line yesterday in the free for
all run fronA HoIena to Vicksburg.
The steamer Alton declared to be
faster than ii Wells. tried to push
into second ple as the Oleander was
leaving last night and for a minute
or more there was an exciting and
dangerous scene suggestive Of the
old days on the Mississippi.
Clouds BeIeh from Stacks
Great clouds of black smoke pour
ed from the stacks of the two boats
and occasional flashes of flame burst
from the black clouds. The masters
we're trying to push each other out
of line as they rushed along. The
race continued until the two racers
were almost at the stern wheel Of the
OIeander. Here Commander Tilman
admiral of the fleet, gave orders
which set things straight. The Alton
dropped astern of the Wells and the
race was over.
Receives Usual Greetings
President Taft was greeted here by
Mayor Benbrook and a reception COM
mittee. The mayor made a brief ad-
made a happy response.
Leaves Three Hours Late
President Taft and party left at
noon today three hours behind sched-
ufe The next stop will be at Baton
Rouge, which will probably be reached
before 10 tonight.
Ready for COnventioA q
New Orleans, La, Oct. 29-The final
touches on the preparations for the
waterways convention which opens
here tomorrow, with President Taft
and senators, congressman, governors
and 1000 delegates, were completed
today. Delegates are pouring into the
city on every train, and hotels, lodges
and streets are taking on a carnival
time appearance.
Torpedo Boat Aground.
Natchez. Miss, Oct 2S-The tor
pedo boat Thornton of the f1otilla pre-
ceding the presidential feet from St.
Louis reached Natchez at IL O'Clock
last night with the news that the
Wilkes is aground near Vicksburg and
the other boats of the feet. at last re-
ports, were with the Wilkes, endeavor-
ing to assist it from the sandbar. Ac-
cording to the officers OF the Thornton
the Wilkes struck the bar early N
theF afternoon, was resting in an easy
position, and apparently in no imme,
diate danger
Arrangements were made to have a
tug 20 to the assistance of the Wilkes.
At vfcl<sburE mt 9s4O
Vicksburg, Miss, Oct. 29.-President
Taft arrived here last night at $40
O'clock ON the lighthouse tender OIean.