Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-10-16
HEAVY GUARD OF TROOPS
ON EACH SIDE OF LINE
Colors Entwined and Warm Wei.
comes Given in Ell Paso and Juarez.
CANNON BOOM ON BOTH SIDES
Only Aids Present When Two Exc
cutives Clasp Hands for First
Time on American Territory.
Dine Together in Mexico.

For the first time in history the
presidents of two great republics
this morning crossed the borders
and exchanged formal visits in
their respective countries. Presi-
dent Taft greeted President Diaz
of Mexico in Ell Paso, Tex. at II
o'clock, and an hour later re-
turned the visit by crossing the
bridge into Juarez, Mexico, where
he was greeted by President Diaz.
Three thousand troops OF each
nation were stationed at Ell Paso
and Juarez, but none crossed with
the presidents, the territory be-
tween the cities being regarded
as neutral for the occasion. In
both cities the flags of the United
States and Mexico were entwined.
and there was great enthusiasm.
Special care was taken for the
protection of the presidents or
both sides, and there was no un
toward incident.
This evening President TAFT
will return to the Mexican side.
where he will be the guest OF
President Diaz at an elaborate
dinner.
Just after President Diaz
crossed the international border
he was asked by the correspond
ent of the Associated Press, who
accompanied him in his specia!
train from Mexico City, to state
his impressions of Americans and
the United States. He said:
"The high and we'll understood
citizenship of this virile people.
who have succeeded in interpret
ing the propositions of govern
ment promulgated by the inn
mortal Washington and his illus
trious compatriots, has made
practical in their country the best
of all governments. the govern
ment OF the people by the people.
My impression is most pleasing"
Special Dispatch to The Star.
Ell PASO, Tex, October I6-President
Taft met President Diaz of Mexico on
American soil this morning and exchang-
ed formal greetings with him. 1t was
the first time that the executives of the
two countries had paid their respects
to each other In this way. Later in the
day President Taft crossed the Rio
Grande river to Mexican soil, returning
the visit of the venerable Mexican ruler
In doing this Mr.. Taft was the second
President in the history of the United
States to set foot On foreign soil. Theo-
dore Roosevelt was the first to break the
custom, when he made trip to tho
Isthmus Of Panama In his second admin
lstration.
The meeting of the two presidents this
morning was marked by all the formality
dIlQ SlluHcSS tldI du OCcdSlOn OIL STATE
demands. but, aside from the cut-and-
dried handshaking program, there was
an impressive demonstration. Cannons
doomed, half dozen bands played
America and La Paloma,'' the latter
being the Mexican national hymn, and
the city was overrun with soid-laced
officers from the armies Of both coun-
tries.
Salutes Boom on Both Sides.
President Taft's special train entered
FL Paso at 9::55 O'Clock this morning.
cannon near the station announced
his arrival with the regular presidential
salute An hour or SO earlier the heavy
rumble of twenty-one guns freu at
Iuarez on the Mexican side. had borne
the news to TINS side that Diaz was
rolling into the city In his sumptuous
private train.
JTpon his arrival In Ell Paso President
Taft was greeted at the station by big
local committee. He went Immediately
to the ST. Regis Hotel. where he was
made the guest of the city. Shortly
after 10 O'clock the President retir d
simple visit to an American city and as
sumed the part of the ruler going through
an important international affair.
Escorted by 5000 Troops.
The Presidents escort as he left the
Hotel st. Regis, consisted of the United
States Army headquarters band of the
Department Of Texas. two squadr6ns from
the Sd Cavalry. three batteries Of the 3d
Field Artillery and the 9th Infantry from
Fort Sam Houston, Tex, all under the
command Of Gen. Albert l.. Myer, and
numbering about 1900 men. To add to
the impressveness of the scene, Gen.
Myer was accompanied by his entire
staff. President Taft was driven TO the
Chamber Of Commerce building. The
streets Of the city were packed y the