Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1909-04-07
tBy Associated Press.l

MESSINA. April 6.-Theodore Roose-
volt and King Victor Emmanuel met
today on the Italian battleshlp Ike oni-
berto in Messina harbor.
The meeting was characterlheu "
the utmost cordiality and the KING eA.
pressed the gratitude OF hlmsell an"
the Italian people for the generous as
sistance of the United STATES " NV
earthquake sufferers. Ar.
At the close of the interview MI;
Roosevelt went ashore and inspected
the ruins of the city. the desolatloll Vi
which moved him strongly.
He then boarded the steamer Al,
miral. which just at sunset proceeueu
on her way TO Mombasa.
The king wished Mr. Roosevelt
hannv and successful trip and much
GOOD uck in hunting. He asked Mr..
Roosevelt to promise that ne Woulu
visit Rome on his return, When the
o,leen would be pleased to meet MN.
Mr.. Roosevelt arose early this morn
ing and went Immediately on deck.
Ne was armed with pair of glasses
and said he did not want to miss mo-
ment of the trip on the Italian coast;
AT IL O'Clock this morning the Au-
miral passed near the Liparl ISLANDS
and the Stromboli volcano.
Mr.. Roosevelt and his son kermlt
were enthusiastic over the magnlf1cent
sight. The volcano was emitting an
innosing column of smoke that rose
high into the brilliant sky. The VII
jage of Stromboli, with it's white
houses lapped by the sparkling waters
of the sea, made what Mr.. Roosevelt
called a perfectly enchanting picture.
Charmed with Courtesy
Mr.. Roosevelt was charmed with the
courtesy of the king and declared II
was the most interesting half hour ne
had spent since he left the United
States.
In the, American quarter of Messina
MIR. Roosevelt congratulated the Amer
lean workers on the speed with Whlch
they had constructed the huts. He
shook hands with men from the Amer
lean navy who are directing the work.
leaving them highly delighted.
In the hut where the American work.
ers made their headquarters a glass or
wine was offered to Mr.. Roosevelt, who'
raising the glass, said:
"I drink to all the men of whatso-
ever nationality who have worked and
are working to relieve what befell the
Sicilian people.
The former presidents departure
from the city to go aboard his steamer
was marked by scenes that moved him
to emotion. Although it was raining
heavily the people gathered in crowds.
The women kissed their hands to him,
the children threw flowers in his path
and the men cheered wildly.
1t was a spontaneous greeting to one
who had been their friend.
Turning to a member of his party
Mr.. Roosevelt said:
Glad Americans Aided
ct am glad and proud as an Ameri-
can citizen that my country could dc
something to help after this immense
disaster, for which even all the assis-
lance in the world would be insuffl-
cient."
The scene about the harbor front was
characteristic. The handsome Sicilian
women with their beautiful, half naked
children, appeared in their bright col
ors The men of the Arab type were
Just as attractive in their own way.
But in another sense the spectacle
was most touching, for here was a
people, suddenly overwhelmed, strug-
Cling for existence, but refusing to
leave the land from sheer love of home
The crowds followed the American
party wherever it went, cheering fire.
duently and shouting "ViVa America
Viva Roosevelt"
Mr. Roosevelt lifted his hat repeat
eddy. stopping sometimes to shake
hands with the children. He left al
impression on the people which never
will be forgotten of a strong man
whose deepest sympathies have gone
out to them.
The people were still acclaiming the
former president as he clambered
aboard his steamer.
AS the Admiral sailed slowly out OF
the port it was seen that King Victor
Emmanuel was standing on the bridge
of the Rex Umberto. The battleshlI
saluted the departing guest and the
king waved his hand, and the former
president replied with a wave of his
hat.