The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1909-03-24
WAVES PARTING FAREWELL
TO ENTHUSIASTIC THRONG
AS HE SAILS FOR AFRICA
Ex-President Roosevelt De-
parts on Big Liner for
Jungles of Dark Continent,
Where He Will Hunt Big
Game and Seek Rare Spec
linens for the National
Museum of Relics.

New York, March 23-Vaving a
parting farewell with his black slouch
hat, as he stood on the captains
bridge of the steamship Hamburg, ex-
President Theodore Roosevelt sailed
away today for his long-plan' Cd Afri-
can hunt. He left amid cheers of
thousands of persons that swarmed
the Hamburg American lihe pier,
amid the whistles of countless river
craft and the thunderous reverbera-
tions of the presidents salute of Il
guns from Forts Hamilton and Wads-
worth.
Beside Mr. Roosevelt stood Il young
lad seemingly detected as lie glzed
wistfully at the cheering multitude N
the pier below. 1t was Kermit Roose-
welt, son of Mr.. Roosevelt, who ac-
companied his father as Official
photographer of the expedition
Father and son, both clad in brilliant
buff-hued army coats, remained on
the bridge on the trip down the bay
and acknowledged with sweeps of
their hats the salutes of the vessels.
The demonstration was unofficial, but
u
tion were present. The crowd in its
enthusiasm bowled over the lines of
policemen on the pier surrounded the
former president while he was being
presented with a bronze tablet by the
Italian American Chamber of Com
merce, and before hn was again safely
back on the sheltering gangplank
knocked his hat from his head and
caused him to drop vacuum bottle
which had been presented by some ad-
miring Pittsburg friends. Fortunately
Mr.. Roosevelt was not hurt in the
rush and he seemed to enjoy his ex-
peiences with the crowd
Taft's Gift.
One incident of the departure which
touched Mr.. Roosevelt probably more
than any other was the presentation
of message and gift from President
Taft by Captain Archibald Butt, who
was chief military aide to Mr. Roose-
welt, and who at present occupies that
position under President Taft
Grasping his former aide by the
hand with "By George, it is good to
see you again, Archie" Mr. Roosevelt
drew the presidents messenger aside
to talk to him. Captain Butt then
delivered President Taft's message
and small package containing a rule
of gold with pencil attached. 1t is a
collapsible rule IL inches long when
drawn out of the end of the pencil
On it is inscribed "To Theodore
Roosevelt from William Howard
Taft. Goodbye 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 President Taft to send this to me,
and I appreciate it greatly
"Partne Thanks"
Before sailing Mr.. Roosevelt sent
the following message to President
Taft
Parting thanks, love and sincerity"
Mr.. Roosevelt and Kermit received
continuous ovations from the time
they landed at the East river terminal
of the Long Island railroad until the
final departure of the steamer Ham
burg for Gibraltar it's first port of
call.
Mr. Roosevelt took the keenest in
terest in his first trip through the
Hudson tube in a special train and
took position in the front car so
that he might inspect the underground
bore. He shook the motorman's hand
after the trip, saying, "I want to
shake hands with the man behind the
gun
Departure Delayed.
The departure of the Hamburg was
delayed until II 06 o'clock by order of
Captain Burmeister, so that Major
General Wood of the department of
the east and his staff might board
the steamship.
Ex-Judge E. H. Gary, Senator Elihu
Root, former Secretary of the Interior
James R. Garfield, Robert Bacon, for
mer assistant secretary of state; Sen
ator Lodge of Massachusetts; Silas
McBee, editor of the Churchman;
General Bingham, commissioner of
New York police, and NJ. Jusserand,
the French ambassador, and his wife,
We're noted among the more promi-
nent visitors on board the vessel to
wish Mr.. Roosevelt farewell.
From the forward gangplank of the
steamer. where he had escaped una
scathed from the enveloping throngs,
Mr.. Roosevelt, addressing the Pitts
burg delegation and representatives of
various organizations that came to
this city to see him off, made his last
speech. He said
Il want to thank the representatives
from Pittsburg who have come all
this distance to see me off. I am in
deed grateful and touched by their
thoughtfulness and kindness in coming
such long way. l want to thank
also my fellow citizens who came to
see me off. To you and all Americans
l say, Col bless you.''
The steamship Hamburg presented
a pretty marine picture as she
steamed down the river in the sun
light.
With Mr. Roosevelt and Kermit on
the Smithsonian hunting expedition
HEs