Bluefield evening leader. [volume] (Bluefield, W. Va.) 1906-1911, 1909-04-07
Elk President Views Ruins
of the Desolated City-Is
Received by the King.


Roosevelt and King Victor Emman-
uel me. yesterday on the Italian
battleship Reumberto. in Massina
harbor. The meeting was charac-
terized by the utmost cordiality and
the King took the occasion to ex-
pre3J the gratitude OF himself and
the Italian people for the generous
assistance OF the American people
to the earthquake sufferers.
INSPECTS RUINS OF CITY
Mr.. Roosevelt went ashore and
inspected the ruins Of the city, the
desolation OF which moved him
strongly. He then boarded .ha
steamer Admiral, which, just at sun
set, hoisted her anchors and proceed
ed on her way to Mombasa.
The Admiral arrived at MessIna
about 2 O'Clock in the afternoon and
was saluted by the Reumberto. with
the King on board. Almost immedi-
ately Captain Pfeister, the former
Italian military attache at Washing
ton, and now aide to Admiral Mira
bello, was taken to the Admiral in 4
launch, and inquired for Mr.. Roose-
welt. To him he said the king sent
| his compliments and would havs
great pleasure In receiving the for
mer president of the United States.
Mr.. Roosevelt's face II. up with a
pleased smile and. accompanied by
his son Kermit aad Ambassador
Griscom, he proceeded at once to
the battleship.
The king greeted the expresident
efusively, shaking him warmly by
the hand. He did not wish, he said
TO allow the opportunity 20 pass of
making the personal acquaintance Of
20 distinguished a man. Above all
he wanted personally to THANK the
ex-president for the help extended
by America at the lime Of the earth
quake. You are now able" he add
ed, Ito understand better what a
terrible disaster It was
Mr.. Roosevelt replied, saying She
American people did not wish thanks
for what they had done, as they had
merely tried to do their duty and
knew no better way to confront the
immense need than by their work
and contributions.
THE TRIP TO AFRICA
The conversation turned 10 thc
hunting trip to Africa, the king say
ing that his tastes also ran in that
direction. He mentioned the expe-
dition of the Count OF Turin in Az
r!ca, and similarly with the Duke
OF Aosta, expressed the hope that
Mr.. Roosevelt would meet the coun;
there. After more than half an hours
conversation the king ACCOMPANIED
his guest ashore where a photograph
wa made of a group consisting Of
his majesty, the expresident, Ker-
NIT and American ambassador. AZ
The suggestion of the king Mr..
Roosevelt snapped a picture of his
majesty. Admiral Mirabello. Kermit.
and Ambassador Grlseom, amid much
laughter.
Before leaving the king saTuSed
Mr.. Roo,evelt, wishing him a happy
and successful and much good luck
in 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 wish
ing to accompany the party over tho
ruins. Mr.. Roosevelt was charmed
with the courte y Of the king.
In the American quarter Mr.
Roosevelt congratulated the Ameyi.
can workmen on the speed with
which they had constructed the bu.s.
He shook hands with the men from
the American navy who are directing
the work.
Considerable trouble was expert
enced in making their way through
the city. and rain which soon began
20 fa1 added greatly to the difficult
ties of the journey, as the mud was
/ very deep. In the huf whore fhs