Omaha daily bee., 1909-03-22
ROOSEVELT READY TO START
Inspeots His Dunnage to See it is ALI
Fixed for the Trip.
GOES TO STEAMER TUESDAY
Expresses Much surprise n In-
formed There would BE n Big
Delegation ut the Pier to
See Him on.

OYSTER BAY. n. Y, March al
Happy in the prospect OF his departure
Tuesday morning for his long-planncd
African 'safari." or hunting trip, eN-
President Roosevelt was the soul of good
humor today at his home at Sycamore
Hill, where the members of his family
gathered Tor a final reunion before the
long journey to the Jungle. The expires
ident was in high spirits and took a de-
light in looking after his personal be-
longings. w. Emlin Roosevelt and his
family, cousins of the ex-president. called
in the afternoon. Ex-Secretary of the
Interior Garfield visited Mr.. Roosevelt
and extended his wishes for a safe jour
ney.
Mr.. Roosevelt was up with the sun to-
day, as he said, to make the most of the
first day of spring. Nearing church
TIME. the start was made on foot for
Christ church. three miles away. Mr..
Roosevelt walked with his wife aud
cousin, while Archie and Ethel proceeded
on foot ahead. Rev. Henry Washburn,
rector of the church. Incorporated a spe-
cial prayer for Mr., Roosevelt's safe re-
turn in the regular prayer.
Several of the congregation pressed
about Mr.. Roosevelt at the close Of the
church services and wished him a fine
Journey and good luck.
Mr.. Roosevelt and his wife made the
long trip back to Sycamore Hill on foot
and seemed not to mind the clouds of
dust raised by passing vehicles; rather,
Mr.. Roosevelt took II as an experience
that might likely be met with on the dry
veldt outside of Nairobi. where he will
make his headquarters in British East
Africa.
Inspecting His
After luncheon Mr.. Roosevelt, with W
officials of the steamship company, made
a careful inspection of all the baggage
in order to see that everything was light
and tight for the four-week trip to Nom
bassa. The baggage was checked for
Naples and will be taken to the steamer
at Hoboken tomorrow.
"I an going to New York in the morn
ing" said Mr.. Roosevelt, land will go to
the steamer to inspect my quarters and
see that my personal baggage is safely
cared for. 1 shall take with me my wear
ing apparel, rifles, ammunition, one tent
from here, books and some scientific in
struments."
Mr.. Roosevelt was shown a dispatch
stating that a gentleman from the west
would join the expedition here as an ad-
ditional number.
81 don't know anything about It," said
Mr.. Roosevelt. IF any one else is going
I don't know. II they try, l think there
will be some way to stop them. There Is a
story that a man went to Texas with a
22-calibre revolver and a cowboy said to
the newcomer: Stranger II you shoot me
with that thing and l find it out, I'll kick
you out of Texas Well. If 1 find any one
trying to follow me. l may think of the
cowboy story"
While in that genial mood regarding his
trip, Mr.. Roosevelt laughingly refrained
from talking about it to visitors to Saga
more hill, and to the correspondents who
called on him today, he said:
1T want to say now that l do not intend
to make and will not make any statement
subject here or at Naples or Mombassa,
regarding my African trip or on any other
50 that any appearing as coming from
me will be false on its face"
Many to See Him on.
Mr.. Roosevelt seemed surprised when
Informed that several delegations from
civic and political organizations from vaFi-
Gus parts of the country would be at the