New-York tribune., 1909-09-12
TAFT REVIEWS &. A. R.
BIG CROWD IN BEVERLY.
Women and Children in Danger
Presidents Gift to y. ". G. 4.

Beverly. Mass. Sept, u.-Beverly was crowded as
never before this afternoon. when President Taft
from stand erected in front Of City Hall. re-
viewed a parade of about sixteen hundred Grand
Army men belonging to posts in Essex County
From early morning TO the time set for the re-
view crowds poured into the city from all the
neighhoring towns and villages all bent on seeing
the President OF the United States. The throng
centred about the reviewing stand and at one time
became unman geable. The police arrangements
were inadequate and there danger for a time
that women and children would be injured. The
police tried TO stretch ropes hold back the crowd
about the stand but their efforts resulted only in
the women and children being roughly handled,
When the President entered the reviewing stand
accompanied by Governor Draper of Massachusetts
and Mayor frost of Beverly. the throng blocked
Cabot street for hundred yards in both directions
and it looked for time though the parade
would have to be abandoned.
As soon as the crowd caught sight of the Pres-
dent. however, and had cheered for several min
utes. better order prevailed. Mr.. Taft looked
anxious as the police endeavored TO open a way
for the veterans. whose lines could be seen far
down the street. Secret Service men finally took a
hand in affairs, and besides rescuing number of
women and children from the crush helped TO
open passageway. The Grand Army men
squeezed through the crowd two abreast for
time, but finally there was sufficient for lines
OF four TO pass the reviewing stand.
When the last of the veterans had passed there
was second rush about the Presidents stand in
expectation OF a speech. The President. however
bowed and departed amid applause
President Taft to-day contributed 800 to the
building fund of the Young Mems Christian Asso-
citation in Beverly. There is no such building
here and the Presidents contribution was the
first 10 be received Mr. Taft had heen invited
10 attend and address meeting TO give the build
ing fund an impetus He was compelled to de-
cline. but in doing so. wrote the following letter
TO Leland H. Cole. chairman of the building COM
mittee
regret that the number of my engagements and
me pressure upon my Tune just before leaving aIe
such as 10 preclude altogether my taking part in
a meeting Ike that YOU propose. My declination
however, should not be taken lack of interest
IN the project that you have in hand. l have had
occasion at a number OF places, half way around
me world, including the Orient, emphasize nv
very ngh opinion Of the work which the Young
Men Christian Association does. only at home
nut ABROAD, and the erection of handsome Sih-
Stantldl useful and valuable buildings is a long
step IN making this usefulness permanent
As l expect to be resident of Beverly next
summer. and TO have something more than mere
genera! interest IN the progress of matters in the
city OF Beverly, beg you allow me to con-
uloute TO building by inclosing my check. Sin
cerely yours, WILLIAM III TAFT
President Taft will have conference with At
torney General Wickersham tomorrow Secretary
Meyer and Secretary Macveagh also may see him