The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1909-04-09
MEETS KING ON
: A BATTLESH|P,
Theodore Roosevelt Calls on
italian Monarch
IN THE HARBOR OF MESSINA

Meeting Characterized by the Utmost
Cordially and the King Took Occa-
sion to Express the Gratitude of
Himself and His People for the
Generous Assistance Given Earth
quake Sufferers by the American
People.
Messina, April 7.-Theodore Roose.
welt and King Victor Emmanuel met
on the Italian battleship Re Umberto
in Messina harbor. The meeting was
characterized by the utmost cordial
ity and the king took the occasion to
express the gratitude of himself and
the Italian people for the generous
assistance of the American people to
the, earthquake sufferers. At the
close of the interview Mr.. Roosevelt
went ashore and inspected the ruins
of the city, the desolation of which
moved him strongly. He then board
ed the steamer Admiral, which hoist.
ed her anchors and proceeded on her
way to Mombasa.
When the Admiral arrived at Messi-
ma she was saluted by the Re Um-
berto, with the king on board he hav-
ing come here on the battleship. AL
most Immediately Captain Pfeister,
former Italian military attache at
Washington, and now aide to Admiral
MirabellO, was taken to the Admiral
in launch and inquired for Mr..
Roosevelt. He said the king sent his
compliments and would have great
pleasure in receiving the former pres
ident of the United States. Mr.. RoOse-
velt's face lit up with pleased smile.
Accompanied by his son Kermit and
Ambassador GriScOm, he proceeded at
once to the battleship
Greeted Roosevelt EffusiveIy.
The king met the party at the head
of the gangway. He greeted the ex-
president effusively, shaking him
warmly by the hand. He did not
wish. he said, to allow the opportunity
to pass of making the personal ac-
quaintance of so distinguished a man.
Above all he wanted personally to
thank the ex-president for the help
extended by America at the time of
the earthquake. you are now able, "
he added, ito understand better what
Mr.. Roosevelt replied, thanking the
sovereign for the compliment paid
him in inviting him to come aboard
the Re Umberto. He said that the
American people did not wish thanks
for what they had done, as they had
knew no better way TO confront the
immense need than by their work and
contributions.
The conversation then turned to the
hunting trip to Africa, the king say
ing that his tastes also ran in that di-
rection. He mentioned the expedition
of the Count of Turin in Africa and,
similarly with the Duke of Aosta, ex-
pressed the hope that Mr.. Roosevelt
would meet the count there. After
more than half an hours conversation
the king accompanied his guest
ashore, where photograph was taken
of group consisting of his majesty.
the ex-president, Kermit and the
American ambassador. At the sug-
gestion of the king, Mr.. Roosevelt
snapped a picture of his majesty, Adj
miral Mirabello Kermit and Ambassa-
dor Griscom, amid much laughter.
Wished Him Good Luck.
Before leaving, the king saluted Mr..
Roosevelt, wishing him a happy and
successful trip and much good luck
I'm the way of hunting. He asked Mr..
Roosevelt to promise that he would
visit Rome on his return, when the
queen would be pleased to make his
acquaintance. The king then took
his departure, not wishing to accom-
pany the party over the ruins.
Mr.. Roosevelt was charmed with
the courtesy of the king and declared
that it was the most interesting half
hour he had spent since he left the
United States The inspection of the
ruins then began.
The ex-president's departure from
the city to go aboard his steamer was
marked with scenes that moved him
to emotion. Although it was raining
heavily by this time, the people gath
cred in crowds. The women kissed
their hands to him, the children threw
flowers i'm his path and the men
cheered wildly. 1t was a spontaneous
greeting to one who had been their
friend.
The steamer Admiral left Naples
soon after midnight, and after a
strenuous day the eX-president was
NOT long in seeking rest