The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1909-10-28
Introduced by Governor Wilson and Receives Big Ovation
From Kentuckians. Makes Short Address in
Which Waterway is Principal Theme.
Over 5000 People See The First Citizen of the United
States and The Great Flotia.

The biggest event in the history Of
the historic town Of Hickman has beer
pulled off. No more can It be
truthfully said that Hickman has
never entertained a president Of the
United States. For one hour and fif-
teen minutes President William How
ard Taft was our guest-to say moth
ing Of Governors, Congressman, for
eign Ministers, Cabinet Members and
other distinguished gentlemen.
Hickman is on the map with st.
Louis, Memphis and New Orleans
1t has been for a number of years,
but some people did not know It..
Entertaining the President was no
great undertaking for Hickman. He
thoroughly enjoyed his stay in this
city.
Visitors began pouring into the
city almost a week before the date
for the Presidents visit here, and
by noon Tuesday, the 26th, they
were here by thousands.
The President was scheduled to ar
rive in Hickman at O'Clock D. m,
on the above date. But long before
this hour the streets of Hickman
were packed with folks anxious to
see the First Citizen. At 3 o'clock,
thousands had already surrounded the
big stand erected on the levee from
which Taft was to deliver his address
They were content to bear an hours
fatigue and discomfort in order to
secure a place near the stand and
to get better view. A terrific jam
followed. Thousands surged against
the throng pressing toward the speak
er's platform. Only by persistent eff
forts OF the mounted police and the
unceasing patrol of the soldiers we're
they kept from going over the ropes.
Capt Clark, commanding the 3rd Ken
lucky and detachment from a com
pany from Marion, gave his men or
ders to keep the ropes clear, and
the soldiers with fixed bayonets, ex-
ecuted the order. But with all this
crowd and their mad rush, no one
was hurt.
After an hour of unpleasant sus-
pense, the scout tug. sent up the river
TO meet the flotilla, was sighted in
the upper bend at the head OF the
OrQnnoaf naraha IN noCaA an In
land waters. The tugs appearance
heralded the coming of the fleet and
a noisy demonstration followed-guns,
whistles, bells, shouts, everything
Joined in the deafening chorus. The
ag-ship 0leander was leading the
long line of beautifully decorated
wharf fronting the stand. While the
other boats were maneuyering and
making the landing. the reception
committee Is. l.. Dodds, Hon. X. 7.
Tyler, Col. G. l.. Walker, Gen. III. A.
Tyler, Mayor Tom Dillon, Col. C. c.
Mengel and C. L. Rice) passed down
btt"tth NhC NNO VI
boarded the boat and escorted Pres.
Taft and party TO the big platform,
which seemed to float on a sea of
humanity. They were followed by
about two hundred high officials.
AS the President. accompanied by
Mr.. Walker. passed from the river TO
the stand, he bowed and smiled now
and then in response to wild cheers
and waving of flags.
Gov. A. e. Wilson, according to
program, introduced Mr.. Taft, extend
ing him a cordial welcome to our
"Old Kentucky Home"
The President arose from his chair.
Again enthusiastic cheering rent tn
air. When this subsidized. Mr.. Taft
began his address. which was as fol
lows:
Presidents Address.
Ladies and Gentlemen: My voice
Is not In condition to Justify me In