Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1909-04-08
He SAW THE KING
Mr.. ROOSEVELT WENT AsoARD
ITALIAN eATTLEsHlP TO
MEET VICTOR EMMANUEL.
VISITED RUINS At MESSIMA
The Italian Monarch Expressed Pleas
ure at Meeting Ex-Presldent and
Gratitude for American Assist
anee Following Earthquake.

Messina, Apr. 7.-Theodore Roose'
welt and King Victor Emmanuel met
yesterday on the Italian battleship Re
Umberto, In Messina harbor. The
meeting was characterized by the ut
most cordially 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.. Roose-
welt went ashore and inspected the
ruins Of the city, the desolation of
which moved him strongly. He then
boarded the steamer Admiral, which,
just at sunset, hoisted her anchors and
proceeded on her way to 4ombasa.
The Admiral arrived at Messina
about two o'clock in the afternoon and
was saluted by the Re Umberto with
the king on board, which reached here
In the morning. Almost Immediately
Capt. Pfeistel, the former Italian mill
tary attache Washington and now
aide to Admiral Mirabello, was taken
to the Admiral in launch and inquir-
ed for Mr.. Roosevelt. To him he said
the king sent his compliments, and
would have great pleasure in reCeiv-
ing the former president Of the United
States. Mr.. Roosevelt's face Lit up
with pleased smile, and accompanied
by his son Kermit and Ambassador
Griscom, he proceeded at once to the
battleship.
The king met the party at the head
of the gangway and 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 a personal acquaint-
ance of SO distinguished man. Above
all, he wanted personally to thank the
ex-president for the help extended by
America at the time Of the earth
quake. You are now able" he added,
Ito understand better what terrible
disaster 1t was"
Mr.. Roc seyelt 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 merely
tried to do their duty and knew no
better way to confront the immense
need than by their work and contribu-
lions.
The conversation then turned to the
hunting trip to Africa, the king saying
that his tastes also ran in that direc-
ton. He mentioned the expedition Of
the count Of Turin In Africa, and SINH
larly with the Duke of Ocosta, express
ed the hope that Mr.. Roosevelt would
meet the count there. After more than
half an hours conservation the king
his guest ashore, where
a photograph was made Of group con-
sistiig iof his majesty, the ex-presi-
dent, Kermit and the American am
bassador. At the suggestion of the
king, Mr.. Roosevelt snapped a picture
OF his majesty, Admiral Mirsbello,
Kermit and Ambassador Crimson,
amid much laughter.
Before leaving the king saluted Mr..
Roosevelt, wishing him a happy and
successful trip and much good luck
in 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 accompany the party over
the ruins.