The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1912-12-20
CORN GROWERS
GREETED BY TAFT
President Has Photograph Taken in
Middle of Group at the
White House.
BOYS OCCUPY SEATS
ON FLOOR OF THE HOUSE
Delegation Enjoys River Trip to
Mount Vernon and Perform
ance at Polls.

Three hundred Ohio corn growers
yesterday crowded into the space of a
few hours a visit to the White House,
where they were received by President
Taft, an invasion of the House cham
her, where they heard short addresses
by Speaker Clark and Uncle joe Can
nan, a boat trip TO Mount Vernon, and
a theater party.
The old adage IF you don't first sue
coed try, try again." was put into prac-
tice yesterday and the boys made a boat
trip to Mount Vernon. The boys started
for Mount Vernon a little after noon
Wednesday on the steamer Charles Mac
alester, but were forced to turn back,
owing to the dense fog. Yesterday they
tried 1t again under more favorable
weather conditions and had better luck.
Upon their return from Mount Vernon.
the boys visited the White House and
were received by President Taft in the
East room. Mr.. Taft made a short
speech in which he urged them to con-
tinue in their work as a business.
President Addresses Boys.
Il want to say TO you boys who have
engaged in the cultivation OF corn and in
agricultural work Of a scientific Charac-
ter declared the President, that you
are engaged in something that is of the
highest importance TO all of us. We are
bound to increase the yield per acre of
the land in this country in order to keep
up with the growing population. The
farmers are becoming more and more
important to US as an element in the
community, especially in view of the
fact that so many farmers. or farmers
sons, are leaving the country and going
TO the city
If anything l can say will prompt
you to remain in the country and puF-
sue agriculture as a profession. for it
has now become a scientific profession,
I am glad to say it, We must have
strong farming community. We must
have strong. successful men who Will
remain in the country, who Will furnish
the food that this country needs. You
boys are engaged in that work to-day.
and / hope that you will continue ii.
The boys were accompanied to the
White House by Representatives Long
worth, Ashbrook, White. Ansberry and
Willis. all of the Buckeye" State.
President Taft shook hands with Dewey
Haynes. the champion boy corn grower.
Miss Mary Whitacre. the champion girl
corn grower. and Clifford Sachs. of Day
ton, Ohio. champion city gardner. The
President also had his picture taken with
the three, as well as group OF FL OF
the members OF the club.
Breaking all rules and preCedents of
the House. the 800 boys on their visit 10
the Capitol shortly after adjournment,
marched on the floor of the chamber
and occupied the seats just vacated by
the members. Speaker Clark and Uncle
Joe" Cannon made short speeches on
agricultural topics. Speaker Clark in
formed the boys that meetings were for
hidden by the rules of the House, but
that he did not think any harm had
been done IN this one instance.
Guests at Theater.
Last night the boys We're the guests of
the Ohio delegation in the House at a
theater party at Polls.
To-day the boys will visit the Depart
ment OF Agriculture, where they will be
received by Secretary Wilson. They
will also visit the Library of Congress
and other public buildings. Moving pic
lures will be taken of them boarding
their special train. and also along the
line OF their sightseeing tour These pic
lures will be exhibited all over the COUn-
Iy by the Department of Agriculture.
They will leave the city tonight on
heir special train at 1O:45 o'clock.