Omaha daily bee., 1909-09-19

STAFF AND OFFICERS OF THE SIXTEENTH INFANTRY.
v LILLIAN HOWARD TAFT has been in Omaha four
"A times for public visits, twice IS secretary of war and
wv twice a s a candidate for the office which he now
holds. AS a cabinet officer and Is a political
possibility Omaha was pleased to entertain
him lavishly and enthusiastically. 1t remains to be seen what
welcome will be given him when he comes as the first officer of the
American government
There can be no doubt that Tafts generous and impressive per-
sonaity will bring him cheering crowds and throngs Of curious
sghtseers. and this would be true even if he we're not president. AS
a special guest of the Ak-sar-Ben Board of Governors he will be
who gaze in the streets will think of him as the head of the nation.
So he will get public honor and private hospitality and he ought
to be impressed with the ctys entertainment.
The secretary Of war, known as a judge and a a skinful ad-
ministrator of special public tasks, came first to Omaha, Novem-
Der 1, 1905. He had been through before on numerous occasions,
but that was the first time he ever stopped here to talk politics
and have a cup of tea A congressional campaign was o n and the
national administration was very much interested in seeing that
Nebraska was kept safely within the republican fold.
Came First on Political Errand
The republican candidate from this district was John L. Ken
nedy, and to boost his success the national committee decided to
send the secretary of war. He had just been visiting with Uncle
Joe" Cannon. back in Danville, Ill, and came straight through
from there to speak in Omaha. He made eight speeches the day
before arriving here. all of them while passing through Illinois.
Iowa was sighted, for things were hot in Omaha.
After it as decided to have Taft here, it wal found that no
suitable hall could be procured. The Boyd and Burwood theaters
were both considered, but the houses had been sold out for both
Of them on that evening. Finally, at great expense, the Burwood
was bought up for the evening, and it was decided to hold an
overflow in the Boyd for those who could not get into the smaller
playhouse.
The famous guest arrived in his private car Independence"
At the station he was met by Senator Willard. John L. Kennedy,
Brigadier General Theodore H. Whit. commander of the department
of Missouri and the officers of staff of the department. His first
remark as a visitor in this city was: ITS good to get to omaha"
Just how he knew that with no experience has never been decided,
but 1t was a fair prophecy and did not fail
A reception committee made up of the most prominent of
Omaha republicans and some democrats were at the station to
greet him, From there he was driven to the home of Senator Mil
lard. on Twenty-fourth and Harvey streets, where he was enter
tanned at dinner. The gdest list included Mr.. Taft. General Gren-
VILE M. Dodge, General and Mrs. Whit, General and Mrs. John c..
Gown, Mr.. and Mrs. Henry W. Yates. John L. Kennedy. DR.. w. o.
Bridges, Senator Joseph H. Willard and Miss Willard. Senator
Mhlarda and N secretary were close personal friends their acquaint-
ance having come from their association OF the work of building