Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-10-19
Crowd Waits in Rain
(CopfinuaI fro. d. O>

and then the signal of the Queens
arrival came. 1t was the explosion
of a photographers flashlight. The
queen appeared. Behind her, in evi.
dent amazement walked Princess
lleana and Prince Nicholas. The
marine band struck up the national
| anthem. For the first time in sever
years a queen had set foot on Ameri-
can soil.
But not cheer greeted Queen Ma
RE as she was handed into her auto
| mobile by Grover Whalen, chairman
of Mayor Walkers reception commit
tee. Ripples of murnured exclama-
lions came from the crowd and on
the steps Of buildings, decorated for
the event, office workers, temporarily
released from duty, strained to see
over each others heads.
The cortege swept into lower
Broadway. Ticker tape and waste
paper, the confetti of the downtown
section. fiuttered from window. The
noon hour crows that banked both
sides of Broadway were held back
by cordons of police. Queen Marie.
riding in the first car of the process
sion, waved, nodded and smiled. but
the serried rows of humanity were
1narticulate; they exhibited more
curiosity than enthusiasm
AS the encourage moved into city
nan plaza the'first volume of cheering
was heard. Belated welcomers sour
RED to watch the queen enter City
nan Tor the official welcome by Mayor
walker. Rows of police held them
back. All traffic had been stopped
Tor many surrounding blocks.
photographers dashed about snap
ping" the queen.
In City Hall, decorated with flags
and bunting, Queen Marie. Princess
Iieana and Prince Nicholas We're
taken into the governors room. Out
slde the crowd stood listening to a
radio loudSpeaker that told them
what was happening inside. Members
OF the diplomatic staffs of Rumania
and America stood in solemn silence
Military and naval officers held them
serves at attention. And then the
royal party passed into the alder
manic chamber for the official well
come.
Your Majesty" Mayor Walker
satd When he had been presented,
the people of the city of New York
welcome you. It's chief mapistrate
enjoys a distinction he though would
never be visited upon him. In behalf
OF SIX million people l welcome Won
most heartily to the gateway of
America"
he told Queen Marie that her fame
hau preceded her and that the part
she and King Ferdinand had taken
IN the development of the Rumanian
kihgdom had struck a responsive
chord in America, where were thous-
ands of good Rumanian citizens.
lou make us very happy by your
Visit. You honor us. | hope that
every minute of your sojourn brings
you happiness" the mayor concluded,
queen Marie responded: II really
40 not know with what words I can
thank You all for this wonderful re-
ceptlon. 1t has been for many wears
my great dream to visit your won
der1uI country. Now that L have mt
my loot upon your ground it seems
incredible. l saw in all faces a real
pleasure at seeing me and 1 can as
sure you my pleasure at being among
you is as great as yours"
A temporary throne had been pre-
pared and when she had concluded
ner response Queen Marie seated
nerself upon this. The Star SpangIed
Banner was sung, a scroll and a
medal of New York were presented.
After the queen had departed, women
employees in City hall rushed to sit
upon the fmpromptu throne.
A yociferous ovation greeted the
exit of the royal party and thousands
who had thrown off the letters of
slIence lined the streets to cheer the