Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-02-16

nothing but welcoming signs in the south
and you have greeted me not as a politi-
cal enemy but as a friend of this Sec
ton.
II have just returned from the Pana-
ma and this canal which means so much
TO the people of America and especially
to the people OF the southern states will
be completed during the administration
which begins in March.
81 regret exceedingly that am unable
to remain in Birmingham and meet you
personally. But 1 have promised to re-
turn In the fall and will keep this prom
ise with a great deal of pleasure" Be- ord.
Taft Had Bad Throat
Mr.. Taft was suffering with a bad
throat. This fact, coupled with the incle-
ment weather made his address of very
few words He had finished before 1t
was time for his train to depart. He re-
tired within the car and within the draw
ing room.
A large crowd had gathered at Twen-
tieth street, Bessemer, to hear Mr.. Taft.
who had agreed to appear at S:25 O'Clock
but on account of a misunderstanding
the rear Of the train was halted at Nine
tenth street and the people were con-
sequently disappointed. -r
NEW ORLEANS. La, Feb. 3.-Presi-
dent-elect Taft today concluded his stay
in New Orleans and at the same time
completed the schedule Of his visits to
southern cities previous to his Inaugural
ton March 4.
After spending nearly two days here, he
left at 600 o'clock this morning over
the Queen and Crescent route for Gin
cinnati.
Although she had planned to go to
Nrc RAJ decided this morn
ing TO accompany the president-elect to
Cincinnati, and caused somewhat of a
surprise when she rode to the Terminal
station with Judge Taft and boarded the
Queen and Crescent train for Cincinnati.
In spite Of the fact that it was almost
2 o'clock this morning before Mr.. Taft
made his exit from the banquet hall OF
the Gruneraid hotel and the comparative
~ early hour at which IL was necessary
for him to arise today, incident to his
departure, there were no signs of ia
tfgue in his manner, as he welcomed the
party who escorted him to the station.
His characteristic good humor was in
ample evidence as he chatted with those
gathered to see him on, and as he smil-
ingly waved good-byes as the train pulled
out. vtA- p sa -.
While Mr.. Taft,s time in New Orleans
was largely occupied with formal at
fairs, he found the opportunity 10 put III
nearly three hours yesterday in the pur-
suit Of his favorite diversion-golf.
AS the brilliant reception in honor OF
Mrs. Taft was being held at the Country
club. he was out on the clubs links. He
had not become sufficiently out OF prac-
tice TO play losing game. Instead, he
scored a ereditable victory over his OPP
ponent, Philip Ferlein, president Of the
New Orleans Progressive union, under
whose auspices ne was entertained while
in New Orleans.
Program Not MARRIED
There was nothing to mar the program
for Mr.. Taft's entertainment in New
Orleans From the time that he landed
at 3 O'Clock Thursday afternoon from the
cruiser Birmingham to the hour of his
farewell this morning. the various events
which had been mapped out, parade,
speeches. banquet and one or two minor
functions, took place as scheduled.
The weather could not have been more
ideal. 1t was typically springlike.
The city wore a gay garb, with its
profuse decorations of carnival and pa
triotic colors and myriads Of electric
lights by night.
Mayor Behrman had requested that the
carnival decorations be arranged earlier
than usual in view of Mr. Tafts visit and
his suggestion was carried out.