The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-10-16

building. and only two assistant secre-
iaries to President Taft were there 10
report the addresses of the executives
After receiving President Dtaz on
American soil, President Taft himself
crossed the International border line
and returned the call of President Diaz
at the customs house in the quaint lit
tie city of Ciudad Juarez Again the
- two presidents were cioseted for a few
minutes and President Diaz repaid the
hospitable courtesies which had been
extended to him while he was guest
of the American people. President Ta1e
returned to the United States to review
a military parade in this city this
afternoon. Tonight, however, he will
cross into Mexican territory for the
second time to be the guest of Presi-
dent Diaz at Juarez-
Vague rumors of a possible demon
stration attending the meeting of the
two presidents, caused the authorities,
both civil and military to take extra
precautions on this side of the Rio
Grande for guarding the life of Presi-
dent Diaz and caused a similar alert
ness across the border on behalf of
President Taft.
Streets Lined With Soldiers.
President Diaz rode to the meeting
with President Taft this morning over
streets that were lined with soldiers,
three thousand regular troops having
been augmented by the national guard.
Troops surrounded the Chamber of
Cor merce building during the time
that President Diaz was there and
while the light luncheon which follow
ed was being served. Members of the
party OF President Taft and the suite
of President Diaz formally were in
troduced and exchanged cOurtesieS in
the corridors and main rooms of the
Chamber of Commerce while President
Diaz and President Taft were in the
directors room. Addresses were form
al, but cordial in character. the under
lying idea Of the meeting throughout
was to make it a conspicuous. yet in
formal celebration of the cordial rela-
tions existing between the two coun-
tries.
President Taft was attired in the
simplicity of the conventional frock
suit. President Diaz presented a strik-
ing contrast in full uniform. gold lace
glittering at his throat and decorations
covering his left breast. The Journey
ing to and fro of the two executives
and the members of their party were
attended by military display which
was impressive of authority. The es-
cort of the president of the United
States consisted of two squadrons of the
Third cavalry. batteries A. B and c. of
the Third field artillery and the Ninth
infantry from FIT. Sam Houston, Tex.
all under the command of General AL
bert L. Meyer of the department of
Texas, who was accompanied by his
staff and the headquarters band.
Bridge Made Neutral Territory.
President Diaz was attended by 5000
Mexican soldiers. For the purpose of
the meeting today the entire interna-
tIonaI bridge spanning the Rio Grande
was regarded as neutral territory This
permitted the Mexican troops to accom-
pany their president to the American
end of che bridge. while similarly the
escort of the regular army attending
President Taft was permitted to pro-
oeed directly to the border line of Mex
leo.
The cities of Ell Paso and Juarez were
gaily decorated. American and Mexi- |
can flags were every ywhere entwined. |
The occasion was made a holiday and
excursions were run from hundreds of !:
miles around. President Taft arrived /
in Ell Paso shortly after O'Clock this
morning. Histrain was met at the /
city limits by an escort of cavalry and
the soldiers wish clankiDg scahba rds |
galloped along beside it as it was drawn |
slowly into the very center of the city
being parked out near the St Regis
hotel After his arrival the president |
was escorted into the hotel to be the
guest of the Ell Paso chamber of com
merce at breakfast.
The breakfast was entirely of an in
formal character and when it had end
ed. the president went to San Jacinto i
(Continued on Page Four.)