NATION GREETS COLONEL ROOSEVELT. 



split the ears from the South Carolina, Mr. Roosevelt made his way 

 to the deck of the Androscoggin. A cheer that was taken up by 

 thousands of throats on the nearby vessels rang from end to end of 

 the committee boat. 



Cornelius Vanderbilt, as chairman of the committee, niet the 

 home-coming hunter at the starboard gangway. Colonel Roosevelt 

 extended his hand, but Mr. Vanderbilt held back for a moment. 



" As chairman of the committee appointed by Mayor Gaynor to 

 receive you on your return," said Mr. Vanderbilt in a quiet tone, 

 while every other voice on board was stilled, " I have the honor of 

 presenting you with this badge on behalf of the committee." 



Mr. Vanderbilt opened a little black case and took out a gold 

 medal similar to the badges worn by members of the committee 

 This he pinned on the lapel of Mr. Roosevelt's coat, and then he 

 shook the Colonel's hand. 



UNABLE TO EXPRESS HIS APPRECIATION. 



The ex-President bared his head and his sun-tanned cheeks 

 glowed with pride. With the incisive manner that characterizes 

 his speech, punctuated by snaps of his square jaws, he replied : 



" I'm sure I am glad to thank you and to see you. I appreciate 

 all the committee has done. I cannot express myself with sufficient 

 emphasis and appreciation." 



A volley of cheers marked the end of the little speech and 

 Col. Roosevelt was hurried through the surging throng of reporters 

 and committee men to the stern of the Androscoggin. There, stand- 

 ing under an awning, he began a reception. 



Meantime in the still waters of the harbor there was a srreat 

 churning of screws and paddles and the water parade began to form 

 in line. The revenue steamers Calumet and Hudson led the pro- 

 cession, and between them, a little astern, came the U. S. steamer 

 Dolphin, Secretary Meyer's boat. The battleship South Carolina, 

 a great wave rolling from her bow, steamed gray and forbidding 

 behind the Dolphin, followed by the torpedo boat destroyers and 

 two patrol boats. 



M. L. B. G. *** 



