Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1913-04-03
TAFT TOUCHED BY
WELCOME At YALE
Practically the Entire Student
Body Escorts Professor and
Wife to Campus.

New Haven, Conn, April t.--Under-
graduate Yale welcomed former Presi-
dent William Howard Taft back to his
alma mater to-day in a manner no less
hearty and enthusiastic than was the
godspeed given Woodrow Wilson by the
Princeton students when he left Prince
ton month ago to take up the duties a
Washington that Mr. Taft was about to
lay down The parallel Is unique in the
history of this country.
Mr.. Taft is no stranger to New Haven,
having made frequent trips here during
his presidency by virtue of being MEM
Der of the Yale corporation, but it is
doubtful If he ever received a more
cordial welcome.
Practically the entire student body, 5000
strong, reinforced by a band, was at the
station when Mr.. Taft and his party ar
rived this afternoon from New York. An
equally large crowd of citizens was also
present As the Taft party stepped from
the train, Captain Spaldng of the foot
ball team of last year stepped forward
and presented Mrs Taft with a great
bouquet of violcts. a moment later, Yale's
famous frog chorus" cheer with nine
'Tafts" on the end roared from 5000
throats
Both Mr.. and Mrs. Taft were deeply
moved by the reception. Mr. Tafts ia
nous smile was lacking for moment
and he wore a serious look. As the DEM
ontsration grew, however he smiled
broadly and DOTTED his hat in acknowledge
ment.
Headed by the "Y" men of the athletic
teams and bulldog straining at its leash,
the procession proceeded to the campus
to the ringing strains of old Yale songs
sung by the students Mr.. and Mrs. Taft
with a delegation from the faculty fol-
lowed in an automobile.
Arriving at University square on the
campus, Mr.. Taft was escorted to a bal
cony on Memorial hall As he started to
speak he received another ovation that
lasted five minutes Visibly affected Mr..
Taft said:
Men of Yale: You will believe me
when tell you that am greatly touched
by this student reception. When it was
suggested to me, | deprecated it and
thought it might be better to defer it
until | took my departure; but as hope
that may be indefinitely postponed. and
as | hope that Mrs. Taft and are to be-
come permanent residents of this city and
members of the faculty of Yale College. |
thought it was best to take what was
coming to me al first.
Men of Yale, ! come here. wanting
TO help what little | can the young
men who are going out into the ma
non, | want to help preserve that
part of the nation that is worth pre-
serving and without which the nation
cannot exist. If | can do this l shall
thank God for the opportunity.
Il am here to work in the ranks
with you and to aid the president of
the college who Is now away from you
but who is soon coming back in i'm
proved health. l propose a cheer for
Arthur IIadley."
a long Yale cheer was given with a
will and another for Taft. Then came
the impressive singing of Bright Col
lege Years" Yale's song of songs with
the assemhlage standing with barred
heads. MIR. Taft joined in the sing
| ing.
Mr. and Mrs. Taft later went to the
| hotel where they are to make their
| home temporarily.