The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-04-07
Col. Roosevelt Spends Several
Hours in an Inspection
Of the Earthquake Wrecked
City of Messina, Italy.
1T MAKES HIM PROUD
He Declares, to See the Results
of the Help
Extended by His COuntrymen to
the Stricken People.

Messina. April THE meeting OF
Theodore Roosevelt and King Victor
Emmanuel here was characterized by
the utmost cordially and the king took
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 MombaSa-
The Admiral arrived at Messina
about 2 O'Clock in the afternoon and
was saluted by the Reumberto with the
king on board which reached here in
the morning. Almost Immediately Cap
tain Pfeister the former Italian mill
tary attache at Washington and now
aide to Admiral Mirabello, was taken
to the Admiral in a launch and in
CURED for Mr.. Roosevelt. To him he
said the king sent his compliments, and
would have great pleasure in receiving
the former president of the United
States. Mr.. Roosevelt's face lit up
with a pleased smile, and, accompanied
by his son Kermit and Ambassador
Griscom. he proceeded at once to the
battleship.
tNcnange OF compliments.
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 a man. Above
all, he wanted to thank the eX-presi-
dent for the help extended by America
at the time OF the earthquake. You
are now able" he added, ito under
stand better what a terrible disaster 1t
was"
sovereign for the compliment paid him
in inviting him to come aboard the
Reumberto He said that the Ameri-
can people did not wish thanks for
what they had done, as they had nero
ly 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
direction.
After more than half an hour con-
versation the king accompanied his
guest ashore, where a photograph was
made of the group. At the suggestion
of the king Mr.. Roosevelt snapped d
picture of his majesty Admiral Mira
bello. Kermit and Ambassador Girls
com amid much laughter. Before
leaving the king saluted Mr.. Roosevelt.
wishing him 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 ac-
company the party over the ruins.
Inspects the Ruins.
Mr.. Roosevelt was charmed with
the courtesy of the king and declared
that it was the most interesting half
hour he had spent since he left the
United States. The inspection of the
ruins then began In the American
quarter Mr.. Roosevelt congratulated
the American workers on the speed
with which they had constructed the
huts. He shook hands with the men
from the American navy who are di-
recting the work. Considerable trou-
BILE was experienced in making their
way through the city and rain which
soon began to fall added greatly to
the difficulties Of the journey as the
mud was very deep. In the hut where
the American workers made their
headquarters a glass of wine was Of
fered to Roosevelt, who. raising the
glass, said:
'I drink to all the men, of whatever
nationality, who have worked and are
working to relieve what befeIl the
Sicilian people"
The people of Italy he added, would
have energy enough to rebuild Mes
The ex-president's departure from
the city to go aboard the steamer was
marked by scenes that moved him to
emotion. Although it was raining
heavily by this time, the people gath
cred 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 one of the mem
bers of his party. Mr.. Roosevelt said:
Proud of His Country.
IT am glad and proud as an Amer
lean citizen that my country could do
something to help this immense dis
ance in the world would be INSULT
Client"
The steamer Admiral left NapIes
soon after midnight and after so
strenuous a day, the ex-president was
not long in seeking rest
Arising early this morning Mr.
Roosevelt was soon out on deck arm
ed with pair of marine glasses.
After the buffeting they had re-
ceived on the voyage from Gibraltar
to Naples. the trip down the coast was
like sailing on a lake. The whole
morning was spent on deck.
ed close to the Lipari islands.
At luncheon. which was hastily dis
posed of, the ex-president had before
him the vase of carnations sent by
the German emperor. There was lit
tie ceremony over this meal and soon
ell rushed on deck again so that they
might not lose the view at the en-
trance of Messina harbor. All that
was left of the population of that once
busy city gathered early near the
landing place to witness the arrival of
the distinguished party AS the Ad-
miral approached the shore the ex-
president made exactly the same re-
mark as hundreds of others who have
visited the ruins and observed them
from afar:
Better Than Expected.
'"rhere is more standing than 1 ex-
pected."
When. however he saw behind
those shells of what once were the
walls of splendid palaces, he was per-
fectly aghast, saying that it was i'm
possible to form any idea of the COM