ROYAL HONORS FOR THEODORE ROOSEVELT. 457 



of the Khedive at luncheon at the palace. In the afternoon they 

 visited the museum of Arab art. 



Easter was observed by Colonel Roosevelt in much the same 

 way as though he had been at home. In conventional silk hat and 

 frock coat, he attended the Easter services at the EnHish Church, 

 which was crowded to the doors with worshipers. 



Probably the most interesting incident in connection with 

 Colonel Roosevelt's visit occurred when, at his own suggestion, he 

 held an informal conference with Egyptian new^spaper men. 



The ex-President had been keenly interested in the attack by 

 the native press on his speeches, they charging that he has inter- 

 fered in Egyptian politics, and said that he would like to have a 

 heart-to-heart talk with the editors. As a result the newspaper 

 men visited him during the day, all of them displaying great eager- 

 ness for the interviev/. Most of them wore European frock coats 

 and tarbushes, but one tall, dignified Arab sheikh appeared in flow- 

 ing robes and turban. 



THE COLONEL ADDRESSES THE ASSEMBLAGE. 



After the introductions the Colonel addressed the assemblage. 

 Some of them could speak only Arabic, and hence an interpreter 

 was necessary. The Colonel said something about it being the duty 

 of journalists to promote religious toleration, whereupon the sheikh 

 eagerly interjected in gutteral Arabic : " Moslems and Christians 

 have lived peaceably side by side in Egypt for thirteen centuries. 

 There is no reason Vvhy they cannot continue to do so." 



If he anticipated that this would lead to an argument, he was 

 disappointed, for Colonel Roosevelt only rapped out with appre- 

 ciative vigor: " That's fine; that's fine," and went on vvith his homily 

 on the power and responsibility of the press. Describing it as the 

 most formidable weapon of modern life, he declared it ought only 

 to be used for good purposes. 



To this the sheikh, among others, heartily assented. The 

 interview ended without any controversy, and with mutual compli- 

 ments and a general display of good feeling. Asked afterward 

 what were their impressions of the meeting, it became clear that 



