The San Francisco call., 1910-03-21
Former President Is Deeply
Touched by Plans for Well
come In New York
Ancient Egyptian Temples and
Assuan Dam Inspected by
Noted American
Bv John CALLAN o'LAUGHLIN

in any way in connection with political
events in America. This was demon
strated in the following statement he
made 10 day in answer TO a question in
reference 10 the New York reception;
Naturally / am deeply touched
and pleased 70 learn that my TEL
low cOuntrymen feel they would
ike 10 receive me on my return 10
NeW York. ] shall be more than
Elad 10 see them but my reception
must be nonpartisan- II must be
democrats. populisTs and men OF
other. or no political faith alike
in short. by all who care 10 take
part in such 2 reception. Whatever
their politics may be. or whether
they be easterner, westerner,
northerner or sOutherner.
Beyond this statement ne was unwill-
ing 10 20. but IL is possible TO call at
tention 20 the significance of his insist
ence that the greeting must be abso-
-rte1v nonpartisan. The participants
f0 the reception must not expect him
70 say anything about politics He viii
rot indorse the administration: he vii
rot attack IL; he VIII not criticise it
he VIII say nothing concerning any
public questions. and viii not discuss
his own plans and his aspirations, i
he has any.
ROOSEVELT REMAINS SILENT
Prom the time he emerged from the
jungle be mas said that he would not
speak till after his return 10 America
and had an opportunity TO ascertain
the conditions himself. and he is stead
fastly clinging 10 this determination
He asserts he viii continue 10 40
50 throughout his European trip, and
that any statement indicating what hls
plans or purposes are should be &C
cepted as false. as he has not even
made UP his mind on many points that
are Of vital Importance at home.
II IS apparent that Stewart's as
sertions at Washington when asking
President Taft 10 participate in the
New York reception that Roosevelt had
assured him that he would not be a
candidate for anything was without
Justification. This should not be con-
st-ued 10 mean that Roosevelt viii be
p candidate, for that would mean q
declaration months. and even years, in
advance Of the time when such state
rnent could safely be made.
It is not expected that President
Taft VIII participate in the reception
not because Of the lack Of any desire
10 DO so, but because he is the presi-
cent and Il IS the duty Of q private
citizen TO pay the first call on him IN
LIKES WESTERN PEOPLE
Roosevelt is willing TO accept the
reception because of the honor TO be
rafd hfru as well as because Of the de-
sire 10 come in contact with the people
re loves. especially those Of the west
for whom he has always indicated q
special affection Undouotedly this
psrriality actuated him in indicating
that the reception include not only
New Workers but men and women OF
the entire country.
Ee win reach New York on the kais-
erin. sailing from Southampton June To-
Under government auspices Roose-
velrs party visited Philse. going in
rhe government launch 10 the historic
island which was submerged as q re-
suit Of the construction Of the ASsouau
dam he took boat that was toweo
through the great colonnades OF the
manifested an especial interest IN the
beautiful coloring and setting.
From the temple he was taken over
the Assouan dam which is z magnifi-
cent piece OF masonry, smaller than
the Gsuun dam At Panama He re-
turned 20 the Assouan hotel for
luncheon and Afterwards visited the
toubs excsvated by General Creme
fell containing the mummies Of Egyp-
tisn princes Of 5000 years ago. Colonel
Roosevelt was interested in the tombs
which presented pictures of domestic
life Of those days showing king fish
ing with a two pronged spear and
watching donkeys entering 3 town He
returned in the launch 10 Shellal eN-
pstiating on the exquisite beauty OF
PhfIae in the twilight with the lonE
shadows cast by the columns and
rocky hills in the rose light of the
evening
NILE TRIP Il IDEAL
The Nile trip from Wadihaffa to
SheIial was ideal Only one stop was
made in the 81 hour journey, at Abu
Simbel, which is the finest rock temple
in the world. not excepting those in
India. The Roosevelt family landed
snd saw the four colossal figures OF
Rameses the Great sitting in serene
majesty overlooking the Nile valley
They were impressed with the sim
pliciry. grandeur and beauty of the
scene Ethel, the reader of the party,
quoted Baedeker's explanation of the
symbols shown on the walls. describing
the victories over khetas.
Roosevelt met an Psychologist and
discussed at length the reign Of Rame-
ses, showing a surprising knowledge
Of the conditions Of that period. He
sharply condemned the people who had
cut their names on the breast and
arms of the figures, saying the gov
eminent should treat them as they
would be treated in America in con-
nection with such acts in Yellowstone
park. where vandals are compelled to
return al their own expense and erase
the work II one or two such mis-
C.reants were brought back from
Cairo. Roosevelt expressed the con-
viction that vandalism would end.
The journey along the Nile was
peaceful and enjoyable, the family
Abbot and myself being the only pas
gers on the Ibis, which was placed al
the Roosevelts' disposal by the gov
ernment
The scenery, although interesting
occasionally, was for the most part
nonotonous. Sometimes barren rocks
and sands ran down 10 the waters
edge without a sign of vegetation, and
sometimes we passed through ranges
OF lifeless hills becoming purple to-
ward the sunset Then would come
the blessed relief of graceful palms and
stretches OF green banks. where creak-
ing water wheels hauled life giving
water from the river TO the thirsty
hearts.
PASS FEW VILLAGES
We passed few villages. whose al
most naked Inhabitants. toiling TO pro-
~ life e@Or,raG