The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-04-02
TO TAFT
Former President Given ROus-
ing Welcome i'm New Haven.
Students Assemble to Do Honor
to College Law Professor.

New Haven, Conn.,, April 2.-Under-
graduate Yale welcomed former Presi-
dent Taft back to his alma mater in
a manner no less hearty and enthus-
iastic than was the godspeed given
Woodrow Wilson by Princeton stud
ents when he left Princeton a month
ago to take up the duties at Washing
ton that Mr.. Taft was about to lay
down.
Mr.. Taft is no stranger to New
Haven, having made frequent trips
here during his presidency by virtue
of being a member of the Yale corpor-
alton, but it doubtful whether he ever
received a more cordial welcome. Prac-
tically the entire student body, 5000
strong, reinforced by band, was at
the station when Mr.. Taft and his
party arrived. An equally large crowd
of citizens also was present. AS the
Taft party stepped from the train
Captain Spalding, of last years foot
ball team, stepped forward and pre-
scented Mrs. Taft with bouquet OF
violets. A moment later Yaies ram
Gus frog chorus cheer, with nine
..Tafts'' 'on the end, roared from 3,0oo
threats.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Taft were deeply
moved by the reception.
Mr.. Taft's famous smile was lacking
for a moment and he wore serious
look. AS the demonstration grew, now
ever, he smiled broadly and DOTTED his
hat in acknowledgment.
Headed nv the w of the athletic
teams and a bulldog straining at its
leach, the procession proceeded to the
campus.
from the faculty, followed in an auto
mobile. All along the line the ex-
president was given a continuous oVa-
ton. Arriving on the campus Mr..
Taft was escorted to balcony on Me-
mortal hall. AS he started to speak
he received another great ovation.
Visibly affected, Mr.. Taft said;
MEN of Yale: You will believe. me
when T tell YOU that I am greatly
touched by this reception
Then with a smile, he said:
when it was suggested to me, de-
nrecated it and thought it might be
better to defer it until TOOK my ueo
parture, but as / hope that may De
indefinitely postponed and as l hope
that Mrs. Taft and 1 are to become
permanent residents or TINS CITY anu
members of the faculty OF 1ale'
thought it was best 10 take "h@t was
coming to me first.
"You may have heard more or less
discussion when presidents of the
limited States are retired-voluntarlly
or otherwise-aS- to what should De
dome with them. When / took 1nVen-
tory. all I had was somewhat tar
nished reputation as a lawyer; pro-
fession I had abandoned so years ago,
Int at the suggestion of President
Had1ey. it was decided that what ut
tie law I have left might be put into
practice here, and I am here again 10
hecome an active Yale man.
MEN of Yale, as 1 hear your cheers
and songs, I feel young again-as II
have shed some of my years. All this
NAV seem egotistical to you, but
come here wanting to help what little
7 can the young men who are going
ont into the nation I want to help
nreserye that part of the nation that
IS worth preserving and without which
the nation cannot exist. if 1 can do
this / shall thank God for the oppor-
tunity."
A long Yale cheer was given. Then
came the impressive singing of Bright
College Years" Yale's song of songs,
with the assemblage standing with
barred heads. Mr.. Taft Joined in the
singing and waved his hat in unison
with the students with the concluding
words:
For God, for country and for Yale"