The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1909-11-10
PRESIDENT TAFT At COLUMBIA
GENEROUS RECEPTION ACCORD.
ED HIM AT STATE CAPITOL.
Crownfng Feature Of State Fair Week
Proves to be Most Happy Occasion
Not Single Untoward Incident
Mars the Pleasure of the Day.

Columbia. Nov. s.-within sight of
the memorials Of the struggle of the
SOS. in city that has been builded
upon the ashes Of that mighty con-
flict, the hands Of the North and the
South were brought into closer graspl
by the visit to Columbia Of the Presi-
dent Of the United States. Forgetting
the days that were and living only in
the present era of new South of
prosperity and loyalty to the Union,
the sons of those who fought in the
grey, and many of the old soldiers
themselves. were proud to welcome to
the Capitol of the State the man who
now represents the nation-the Gov
eminent Of every American citizen.
A bronze figure stands at the en-
trance OF the Capitol. This is the
silent remembrance Of the Father
OF his country" The features are
known to every school boy. a fitting
testimonial that the States are united
In an everlasting bond-made possi-
BILE by the fighting and privations Of
the Colonial soldiery. More than one
hundred years ago George Washing
ton visited Columbia. History has
1t that he was royalty entertained by
the gentlemen and DANES Of the times.
But not more cordial was that greet
ing then, not more delighted were the
dwellers in the newborn State to
grasp the hand of the President than
were the citizens today of that same
little commonwealth since fraught
with memories OF battles and strife,
and now basking in the sunshine of
peace.
1t was picturesque route selected
for tn coming Of Taft. Down in Char
lesion, the metropolis where are the
largest business houses in the State,
where there is harbor-the pride
of Sosth Carolina, where the vessels
to and from the various ports or the
world leave and enter, up through
the fertile truck farm region of the
lower part Of the State. through the
cotton belt Of Orangeburg County and
the productive soil of the other coun-
ties-to Columbia, historic Columbia,
now In her best attire to pay homage
to the "Chief" Of all the States.
The Presidents visit to Columbia
was at an auspicious time. The clos
ing day Of the State Fair was at hand,
thousands of visitors were here from
every section of the State. The greet
Ing Of Taft was indeed a State wide
affair. A speech at the Fair grounds
before the assembled thousands,
ride through the principal streets of
the city. brief stop at the historic
campus Of the University and lun-
cheon in the hall Of the House Of
Representatives rounded out the few
hours OF the Presidents stay.
Fir six miles through the streets Of
the Capital City Of South Carolina,
President Taft moved today, accom-
panied by members Of his party, the
Governor. a United States Senator,
several Congressmen, and more than
two score Of representative South
Carolinians passing through the busi-
ness section, the residential avenues,
viewing points of interest around the
campus Of the State University, with
thousands Of cheering Carolinians lin
ed along the entire route waving the
Stars and Stripes in recognition Of his
mods and smiles.
The military escort, consisting of
the State militia, Clemson cadets,
mounted police and the rurals pa
trolled the entire route. The pro-
gramme Of the automobile ride was
carried out without one hitch.
Every vantage point was taken, and
from the open lots, windows in the
various buildings, trees and the house
tops came mighty cheers when the
big machine carrying the President
passed in review.
1t was big crowd of humanity and
evrybody saw the President. He was
pleased and the crowd was glad.
Whenever he stopped for a short
speech his remarks were Of the jocu-
lar nature. and there was much laugh
ter and repartee.