Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1912-12-28

coined home, tonight Governor Wood
row Wilson, the eighth of her native
sons to be chosen President of the
United States.
From the moment the President elect
crossed the state line at Alexandria, in
tho Afternoon, after he had had 10
minute glimpse Of the National Capital,
until o'clock tonight, when he reach
ed the little parsonage here, where he
was born, just j6 years ago tomer
row. the reception given him was one
great enthusiasm, noisy demonstra-
ton and spectacular display. Escort
ed by troops of cavalry, militia COM
panies and torchlight procession in
which practically the whole town par
tieipdted, the Governor and Mrs. Will
son motOred through the streets of
Staunton to the home OF the pastor of
the Presbyterian church, Rev DR.. y.
n fraser. where the Rev. Joseph II.
Wilson, father of the President elect,
lived IN 1856.
With Mrs Wilson, the President
elect paused for minute on the i'll
Illuminated portico of the house and
greeted DR.. Fraser. The band struck
up Dixie" the Governor turned and
waved his hat to the crowd and
spontaneous shout of welcome echoed
in the winter air. Its fine to be back
again." exclaimed the President-eIect,
as ne stepped indoors. Suffering still
from the effects Of his cold, he retired
Immediately to the room inWhieh he
was born to rest for the morrow, when
the chief program of the jubilee viii
be carried out.
Outside the crowds surged the
ST. eets. which were alive with color
and flags and electrical display. From
far and wide, native children OF Staun-
ton had come to greet their fellow
townsman.
Except for an Informal visit, Il year
ago, MI Wilson had rot been here
since he vas three years old.
stanton was not alone in celebrate
ing the arrival in Virginia Of the dis
tinguished visitor. Bonhres blaZed the
way fireworks shot across the skies
and red lights threw q glare at all
stations along the route, though the
train elided by NOSE of them without
stopping.
Mrs Wilson stood with her husband
on ne rear platform Of the train and
enjoyed the demonstration. too.
This is the real President-elect, said
Mr. Wilson as he introduced her to the
crowd at Alexandria. Senator Claude
swanson of Virginia, Reps. Charles c.
Carlin and William \. Jones Of this city
got aboard at Alexandria. Mr.. Wilson
was unable to speak at any of the stops
enroute. his physician having forbidden
explained this to the crowd at Culpepper,
and Gov. Wilson raised his hat to ae-
knowledge their cheers. Put your hat
on" cautioned an aged Nirginian on the
fringe of the crowd.
"Thank you very much" laughed the
Governor as he took the advice.
How does it feel to be back in Nir
gfnia2" and Let me Just touch the tips
of your fingers, "Hello Woodrow and
a series of other salutations We're directed
at the President-elect as he bent from the
platform of the train and endeavereu to
greet as many of the crowd individually
as he could. The Governor did not re-
Spend to the many cries for a speech.
The crowds were good natured and did
not insist Il must say they are very
generous in thinking as they do he said
to National Chairman William F. Nc
Combs. who stood beside him on the plat
form.
1t was at Manassas that the first of the
series of bonfires along the route cracked
a welcome. The Governor peered from
his stateroom at the fires along the way.
us this the Fourth of JULY he queried
as cannon roarer and skyrockets cleaned
at Orange Another display of fireworks
came at Gordonsvile, where Coy. and
Mrs. Mann and Il delegation from Rich
mond joined the party. Mr.. Wilson again
reached down into the crowd and shoe
hands. Harry Smith. Jr., and Speaker
r. e. Bird of the House of Delegates,
both of. them classmates of Coy. Wilson
at the University of irginia Law school,
greeted the President-elect here. He
thanked them warmly for their efforts
in his behalf in the pre-convention cam
raign. Joseph T. Willard, formerly lieu
tenant governor of Virginia, had his pri'
vate car attached at Charlottesville, and
the party of former Vrginans was in
creased to nearly 100 by the time of ar
rival at Staunton.