Rensselaer Republican, Volume 20, Number 26, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 March 1888 — THE PRESIDENT IN FLORIDA. [ARTICLE]

THE PRESIDENT IN FLORIDA.

He is Warmly R-oolved at All Petals. His 6pe»<m al Jacksonville. The Presidential train arrived at Savannah at 9:35 on the 22 J and after a drive over the city left for Jacksonville. The party was warmly welcomed and great enthusiasm prevailed at all points along the line. The Preeid?nt and party arrived at Jacksonville early in the afternoon, and was greeted with a salute of twenty-one guns and the acclamations of an immense concourse of people. The party was escorted to the St. James Hotel by the State military, the reception committee in carriages, and a band playing patriotic airs. At 1:30 o’clock, after the presidential party had taken lunch, the marshal of the day, Major ■arkisbimer, with twenty aide, formed a procession which paraded the principal streets. Masses of people in holiday attire lined the route, and it is estimated that 100,000 citizens and visitors witnessed the procession, including thousands ot Northern tourists. On the arrival of the procession at the Exposition building another salute of twenty-one guns was fired. The President. Mrs. Cleveland, and their party and the visiting Congressmen were met at the north entrance ny the reception committee of the Sab-tropical Exposition, and were escorted to the platform in front of the north galleries. The other guests were escorted to the south gallery. The military then entered and stacked arms, except the guards on duty. Seats were provided on the platform for representatives of city, State and United States Government, distinguished citizens and committees. When the President, Mrs. Cleveland and the accompanying guests were seated, Col. J. J. Daniel delivered an address in which he welcomed the President and Mrs. Cleveland to Florida, and in behalf of the Sub tropical Exposition and its management;the city of Jacksonville,the Board of Trade, and the State of Florida and its people. The President replied as follows;

I am exceedingly gratified that I am able to see the wonders of vour State and to meet its kindhearted people; and the sincerity of your welcome has made me already feel quite at my ease. 1 am sure that every person must be impressed with the extern of our country and the diversity of its climate and products, when he finds that by traveling twentyfour hours within its limits, winter and snow can be left behind and exchanged for the balmy air, and bloom and verdure of summer. The American citizen in search of health or pleasure and comfort in any variety of climate, or in almost any changed condition has no need to leave American soil, or to lose the benefit and freedom of American institutions and laws. I suppose the advantage of foreign travel should be fully appreciated, but it seems to me that there is enough in our land to interest and instruct, often-times with the greatest advantage, many of our citizens who insist upon seeking the novelties and sights of foreign countries. There is, however, a satisfaction in the fact that none of these return without an increased appreciation of their home. While this proves that our citizenship and pririotism can be relied upon as against all blandishments of the old world, I have sometimes thought if a good share of the time thus spent in learning how much we loved our country was devoted to acquiring more intrinsic knowledge of its beauties and advantages, both our citizenship and our patriotism might be improved. I expect my present occupation at the seat of our government, where our country and its people >nd all their needs are constantly subjects of thought and care, makes it hard for me to omit reference to these yet I would not have yon think'that on this social visit the holiday which I have taken is to be spent in any other way than in the freest enjoyment which vour kindness and the facilities of your State and your city afford. I want to see the exhibition of your products, the scenery of your rivers, and the growth and’perfection of your fruits. I intend that, during my brief visit to you, official cares shall give way to the freedom which you kindly invite, in the hope and expectation that with the enlarged conception of the greatness and beauty of my country which I shall here acquire, I shall return to my post of duty better able to serve you and my fellow-citizens. The President’s reply was greeted with the most vociferous and long contiued applause. At night a public reception was given..