22 
ROOSEVELT’S DEPARTURE FOR AFRICA. 
personal acquaintance of so distinguished a man. Above all, he 
wanted personally to thank the ex-President for the help extended 
by America at the time of the earthquake. ''You are now able,’’ he 
added, "to understand better what a terrible disaster it was.” 
Col. Roosevelt replied, thanking the sovereign for the compli¬ 
ment paid him in inviting him to come aboard the Re Umberto. He 
said that the American people did not wish thanks for what they 
had done, as they had merely tried to do their duty, and knew no] 
better way to confront the immense need than by their work and 
contributions. 
The conversation then turned to the hunting trip to Africa, 
the king saying that his tastes also ran in that direction. He men¬ 
tioned the expedition of the Count of Turin in Africa and expressed 
the hope that Col. Roosevelt would meet the count there. 
HAVE PICTURES TAKEN. 
After more than half an hour’s conversation the king accom¬ 
panied his guest ashore, where a photograph was taken of a group 
consisting of his majesty, the ex-President, Kermit and the Amer¬ 
ican ambassador. At the suggestion of the king Col. Roosevelt 
snapped a picture of his majesty. Admiral Mirabello, Kermit and 
Ambassador Griscom. 
Before leaving the king saluted Col. Roosevelt, wishing him a 
happy and successful trip and much good luck in the way of hunting. 
He asked Col. Roosevelt to promise that he would visit Rome on 
his return, when the queen would be pleased to make his acquaint¬ 
ance. The king then took his departure, not wishing to accompany 
the party over the ruins. Col. Roosevelt was charmed with the 
courtesy of the king, and declared that it was the most interesting 
half-hour he had spent since he left the United States. 
At the close of the interview Col. Roosevelt went ashore and 
inspected the ruins of the city, the desolation of which moved him 
strongly. When he saw behind those shells of what once were the 
walls of splendid palaces he was perfectly aghast, sa3dng that it was 
impossible to form any idea of the completeness of the disaster 
without ocular demonstration. 
