Front matter
Class _0_lfUL52^ Book '\\Cp
C)OP)T!g!ltlN"_
COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT r
Author's Preface
WHEN Theodore Roosevelt after having swung the big stick over the heads of the evil-doers and dealt out a square deal to everybody for the space of seven years, covered with glory and beloved as no other President had ever been, retired to private life, he did not go to enjoy a well-needed rest in some of the paradises of France or Italy or idle away his leisure hours among the crowned heads of the old world— No, his active and restless spirit was clamoring for a still more strenuous life than before.
From early youth Roosevelt had been deeply interested in hunting, natural history and scientific pursuits. This domineering trait in his character came to prominence already during his college years at Harvard. His early youth, therefore, was divided between bookstudies, athletic sports and hunting expeditions. And were it not for his strong sense of duty to his country andvhis public-spirited nature it is very likely that he never would have accepted the public offices, which unsought came to him. It therefore was in perfect accord with his previous history when the papers announced that he was going straight from Washington and his beloved Oyster Bay as the head of an expedition undertaken by the Smithsonian Institution, to explore the wilderness of the Dark Continent and enrich our country with new and valuable specimens of the animal world of this wonderful region.
This was the original and unexpected answer Roosevelt gave to the many questions as to what he would do when his term of office had expired. It cannot be said that his enterprise was paved with unanimous approval. Thousands had expected him to spend his time at home and after a few weeks rest again enter the political arena, and voices of warning were heard from near and far. A journey in Africa is something very different from a pleasure trip through Europe or America. Instead of gliding smoothly along in a luxurious parlor car, stopping
36 'AUTHOR'S PREFACE.
now and then in large and heartily welcoming cities to listen to flattering eulogies from governors and captains of industry and commerce, the African traveller has to traverse the almost impenetrable jungles and marshes and endless forests of a wild and inhospitable country, where every step might bring disaster, sickness or even death either from disease or beast or the poisoned arrow from some treacherous savage's bow.
But Roosevelt is not a man to balk in the face of difficulties. IKs iron will never faltered. Declining the flattering invitations that passed over him from all the courts of Europe he boarded the same magnificent steamer of the Hamburg American Line, which once had carried the Kaiser around the Mediterranean, and only 19 days after the expiration of his office term started his now so famous voyage to the land, in whose primeval forests he would have for his daily music the lion's roar, the leopard's grunting, the elephant's shrill trumpet-blasts, the boa-constrictor's hissing or the concert of feathered tribes, to which our orchestras seem tame and commonplace.
This book gives you a vivid and lifelike description of what Roosevelt saw and experienced on this daring journey and tells about his unexampled encounters with the kings of the forest, the majectic lion, it lets all the wonders of the animal and vegetable world of the tropics pass before your eyes. It describes the habits, customs and appearance of unknown beasts, of graceful fishes, varicolored birds and bi-illiant insects. And last but not least it introduces you to the primitive inhabitants of this mysterious continent, the brown and black savages, to whom civilization is a question mark and culture is as little known as snow in August. It makes you acquainted with the strange habits, superstitious rites and religious ceremonies of these darkhued cousins of the apes and the monkeys, whose only right to bear the human name seems to be their poor and infantile jabbering.
Nothing can indeed be more interesting and fascinating than to read about these strange human beings, their ways, their daily life, their marriage customs, and their adventurous existence. This book tells you all about it and it places it all before your wondering eyes not only in words but also in pictures drawn from life by some of the world's greatest masters. The Authob.
Table Of Contents
Publisher's Preface 33
Author's Preface 35
Chapter I. Object Of Roosevelt's African Expedition
Roosevelt's Exciting Encounter with a Lion — A Frightful Spectacle — How the Lion is Traced and Finally Brought at Bay — Roosevelt's Narrow Escape from the Lion's Teeth — ^His Marvelous Presence of Mind Saves Him 41
Chapter II. •• From Mombasa To The Wilderness
Old and New Mombasa— Its Romantic History — Enthusiastic Reception to Roosevelt — Tropical Scenery — The Desert and the Jungle — The Railroad from Mombasa to Nairobi, the Chicago of East Africa 57
Chapter III. Life Of Theodore Roosevelt
His Ancestors and Boyhood Days — College Studies — His Brilliant Political Career — On a
Western Ranch — The Rough Rider— Stories and Anecdotes 71
Chapter IV. Stories And Anecdotes About Roosevelt
How He Looked When a Boy— Was a Born Leader — The Old Dutch Reformed Church — ^How
He Strengthened His Delicate Frame — First Love 75
Chapter V. Big Game Which Roosevelt Hunted In British East Africa
The Lion and Other Beasts of Prey — The Elephant and Other Huge Thick-Skinned Animals
— The Rhinoceros and Hippopotamus— The Royal Game — The Buffalo, the Giraffe, the
Camel and the African Antelope — Monkeys, Crocodiles, Snakes, and Other Venomous
Reptiles 83
Chapter VI. Roosevelt's Hunting Grounds
British East ^frica — The Chicago of East Africa — Tropical Scenery — Primeval Forests, Rocky Mountains and Running Streams — Wonders of the Animal and Vegetable Kingdoms — Pheasants, Doves, Monkeys — Flowers in All the Colors of the Rainbow — Man's Cruelty Marring the Beauty of Nature 89 n
38 TABLE OF COXTEXTS.
CHAPTER VIL
EOOiiEVELT'S LIFE UT THE WEST.
Eseitiijg AdTenmres — A Mistaken Ruman — A Weitem Episode — The Pleasnres of the !
CluLS« — Shoots His Ftrsx Buffalo — KilU Two Deer at Four Hundred Yards — An Es- }
dting Elk Hunt — Hunting Dangerous Game — Standi OS a Band of Indians — Tribute '
to the Bon^ Riders 95
CHAPTER vm.
NATIVE-S OF AFRICA.
What Specimens of Hmnaaity Booseveli Met in Airica — Black and WTiite — ^Arabs. Negroes
and Other Races — Hottentots and Bushmen — Speke"s and Burton's Discoveries.. . 105
CHAPTER IX.
ROOSEVELT— THE ROUGH RIDER.
Organizing the Regiment — A Composite Lot — College Athletes and Cowboys — The Officers — Orders to March — The T.gii.ting of Daiquiri — The First Skirmish — ^Death of Sergeant Fish and Captain Capron — The La Quassina Fight — The Baptism of Fire — San -Jaan TfitT — The Surrender of Santiago — The Celebrated "IBound Bobin'^... 129
CHAPTER X.
ROOSEVELT'S FIRST EXPERIENCE AS AS AFRICAN HITNIER. He KilU a Gnu or Wildebeeste — Despatches Three Lions in One Day — Kermit Makes an Expedition on His Own Hook — Smallpox Scare in the Camp — Other ThriHing Incidents l-iS
CHAPTER XL ROOSEVELrS REMARKABLE SKILL AS A HUflTER.
Escitfajg Encoonters with a Bull Eiiinocerous — The First Elepiiant Falls for His Never Failing Bullet — Giraffes, Leopards and Other Beasts Bagged— Cubs Captured Alive 147
CHAPTER Xn.
ROOSEVELT'S THRLLLLSG EXPERIENCES HUNTING BIG GAME.
By J. T. Thompson.
How CoL Roosevelt Hunted Lions — Exciting Advenmres with Elephants, Rhinoceri,
Hippopotami, Lions, Etc. — ^Hnnting Big Game Hard, Strenuous Work — The Colonel
a Mighty Hunter — ^Saved from Death in the Nick of Time — ^Kermit a Good Shot—
What the Smallpox Scare Revealed — ^Loring and Meams Climb Mount Kenia — CoL
Roosevelt Discovers New ATiimal — Last Stage of the Hunting Trip — Smithsoni-n
bistitote Recerves Greatest Collection of Specimens in the World. . . loi
TABLE OF COXTEXTS. 39
CHAPTEB Xm
EOOSEVEIT^S VISITS TO CHEISTIA5 MISSIONS Df AFSICA.
EeligioES of Africa — feT>fhi»m — Oeril Worship — ^PiKtagnese aad Fratestaat ll Wa n Ti —
Bnler 169
CHAPTEE XIV.
THE AFB0-AME2ICAS JTEGKO AST) THE SLAVE TRADE. How the SJave Trade Orleinaicd — CrueZrr cf t'-? S'.'Te Tr^i-r? — Errrr? lo S-ir.Trres It — Liberia. -r J.:-: ir;-:i- ?T — I : - i CUU
— ^The Vjune of Pemaie Slaves l " ;
CHAPTER XV.
CHAPTER XVI.
UVIKGSTOHE'S SEC05D JOrXJiET THSOrOH AFSICA The ExpeditioB to the Zambesi Eiver — Lirlr^'-re ari His 5fi>:l::: — z\i iZi-'i^Lz: Marshes — To the Great Lake — ffippopotamns Trap — The Great Uavashed — Lake Xvassa — ^Ascent of Zambesi — ^Insolait FetrriBca — The TiKoria Falls — The White Slan Most be SaT?d~— FreeiBg SlaTea— Heart-BeadiBg Stones— Sare Hoiite^ Escape— A Desolated GoaiitrT— Bobbed— Airiral (tf Slares :<3
CHAPTER XVn.
LrTCTGSTOHK^ LAST EXPEDITION.
Attendants ari Arrivais — Misiortaaes -Hje Opsa Sore of the W<Hid — Loss cf M:'i;=ir?s — niness— A Marr;3g\; — ^An Earth^puke— Soioos lilacs— Theft of Goods— "S-rr—t IVLiT I Ever Had" — Bn^^ Hearts — A Joamef Through "Du^ns — Death Threat^ted Thzice in One Day— Destitute— The Darkest Hou^-The Daw»— The Stars and Stripes at t-jiji — Henry M. Stanley— Hard^^— His Last Pr»yer-^ia Death DtseoToed 229
CHAPTER xnn
STAHLET^ SEARCH FOR LmSGSTOHE.
Birth and Touth of Stanley — To America — In the OoBlederate ArrEy — la tie IT. S. Xavr — Adventures in Turkey — In Aby^wa — In Spain — Tlad liTii^sTODe" — C^ to ZasziGor — Shonting Hi^iopotaini— Xews of liri^staoe— An Insoleat FeDoT— Att^ipt io Assasanate Stanle* — Fever — ^Wsr — ^Miraiabo aad His Msdeeds ?f j
40 TABLE OF CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XIX.
HOW STANLEY FOUND LIVINGSTONE.
A Mutiny — Stanley's Life Again Attempted — Attaclv of a Leopard — Lions Near the Camp — "A AVliite Man at Ujiji" — Silencing a Woman — Tanganyika — "Dr. Livingstone, I Presume" — Under the Palms of L^jiji — A Lion in the Grass — Parting from Livingstone —"Drop that Box and I Will Shoot Ycu"— Going Home 285
CHAPTER XX.
STANLEY'S TRIUMPHANT MARCH ACROSS THE DARK CONTINENT.
Stanley Explores Same Ground as Roosevelt — Preparations for the Journey — Departure — Interviewed by Lions — A Three Days' Fight — Crocodiles and Hippopotami — Sickness and Death in the Camji — A Murderous Outbreak — A Fight and a Fine — Uganda and Its People — Panic in the Camp — The Terror of Africa — In Dwarf Land — Cataracts and Cannibals— The Congo— Struggling On — Victoria and Albert Nyanza 299
CHAPTER XXI.
RETURN OF COL. ROOSEVELT FROM THE JUNGLE.
Remarkable Reputation He Made as a IMan, a Hunter and a Statesman — The Eyes of the
Whole World on This Great American, His Speeches and Striking Personality — What
I Found Out in Traveling Over the United States — A Glimpse Into the Future 367
CHAPTER XXII.
COL. ROOSEVELT'S TRIUMPHANT TRIP THROUGH EUROPE.
By J. T. Thompson.
The Ex-President Makes a Memorable Speech in Cairo, Egypt— Visits the Pyramids and
Sphinx— Embarks for Italy— Feted and Dined by the King of Italy— Col. Roosevelt's
Own Statement of Why He Did Not Visit the Pope 377
CHAPTER XXni.
KUOSiBVET,T IW TWR EYE OF THE WORLD.
Arrives in Paris, France, Guest of President of the Republic — Keviews Great Sham Battle Speaks at Sorbornes — Great Reception in Holland — Honored in Belgium — Denmark — Delivers Noble Lecture in Norway and also Visits Sweden 3SG
CHAPTER XXIV.
TRIUMPHAL JOURNEY THROUGH EUROPE.
Guest of the Emperor of Germany— Speech before German University — Participates with Kaiser in Mimic War — Death of King Edward VII. Stops all Future Festivities — Roosevelt Appointed Special American Ambassador to King Edward's Funeral — In London, England— The City in Gloom and Sadness— A Gorgeous Pagent— Col. Roosevelt Receives Degree from Oxford 424
Chapter I. • Object Of Roosevelt's African Expedition
Roosevelt's Exciting Encounter with a Lion — A Frightful Spectacle — How the Lion is Traced and Finally Brought at Bay — Roosevelt's Narrow Escape from the Lion's Teeth — Hi3 Marvelous Presence of Mind Saves Him.
ROOSEVELT had not been many days on African soil when he had a chance to show his record-breaking sliill as a crackshot in the encounter with a lion.
The lion hunt is one of the most exciting and perilous events in an African explorer's experience. The king of the forests had to be found in his jungle bed and driven by mounted natives through grass, underbush and morasses until he was brought at bay. Woe to the man who misses the target or loses his presence of mind when the lion, swifter than a galloping race-horse, darts at him in blind fury.
Three lions had been discovered attacking a buffalo on the open prairie at the edge of a jungle. Two of Roosevelt's companions were trying to drive the beasts in the direction of the other members of the party. Two of the lions, frightened by the sudden attack and instinctively trying to save themselves, bounded off and hid in the high grass, but the third and largest one with a terrific roar, that shook the <■ ound almost like an earthquake, made for the terrified men with a leap through the air swift as lightning, and in one instant they would have been between his jaws— when "Crack!" echoed a rifle over the vast plains and down to earth tumbled Roosevelt's first big African game— and the lives of the men were saved.
The same day another lion was found. One of the frightened bearers fired at the beast but missed. The infuriated animal crouching for a last leap, which would have in a moment sent the bearer into eternity,, charged at him with lightning speed, and the horrified man made a wild dash to get under Roosevelt's protection. The Es-President was
OBJECT OF ROOSEVELT'S EXPEDITION.
on a run, however, and approaching the lion on the right side, where his heart could not be reached. "What was to be done? There was no time for long deliberation. A second more and the man would have been
THE KIND OF UONS EOOSEVELT SHOT IN AFRICA.
killed. With the same coldblooded presence of mind and quick decision, which always had characterized him, whether commanding the American Rough Eiders against the Spanish fusillades or swinging the famous Big Stick over the shivering heads of the Trusts or the leaders of despotic labor unions he threw his rifle to his shoulder and, aiming at the only unprotected vulnerable spot, the spine, split it with one hall.
OBJECT OF ROOSEVELT'S EXPEDITION.
The man's life was saved, and Eoosevelt had in less than one day won from the natives the proud title of The Lion Slayer.
Let us now go back to the historical events, which led up to the above described interesting incidents.
PlilMIlIVE METHODS OF lUE PEOPLE Of ATBICA,
Why did Eoosevelt go to Africa? Why did he not stay at home and take an active and influential part in our internal politics even after his official term as President of the greatest and most progressive nation on earth has expired? He no doubt could have followed the example of Prince Bismark who even after his retirement from public life for a number of years continued to be the most influential man in the German Empire. Eoosevelt 's unequaled popularity certainly would have made
OBJECT OF ROOSEVELT'S EXPEDITION.
him an even greater power in American politics than any office-holder, no matter how high and exalted.
But Koosevelt is not and never was neither an office seeker nor a popularity hunter. He is an independent man of principle, and from early youth he had heen a lover of sports and nature. The cowhoys in the Eocky Mountains and the ranchmen in the great American wilds can tell many a thrilling story of adventure about the young collegebred huntsman who could run down the grizzly and lasso the wild horse
From the Miuneapolis Journal*
MOVING DAY AT THE WHH'E HOUSE.
with even more skill than they, who were horn and bred among the moving herds of the deserts. But he apparently had already exhausted the American supply of big game. Leaving the popular "Teddy-Bears" to the children as a remembrance of his youthful feats, where else could he go but to Africa, the only continent still remaining so to say in Nature's hands; to Africa where still are found in their natural state the interesting specimens of the animal kingdom, which have not yet been exterminated by our advancing civilization ; to Africa, which still teems with millions of savages, many of whom are not far above the wild beasts. And to Africa he went !
ATBICAN LIONS HOWLING ON A MOONLIGHT NIGHT.
FROM NEW yOBK TO MOMBASA,
Realizing the value of time Roosevelt left New York two weeks after President Taft's inauguration, on March 23, 1909. His destination was British East Africa including a voyage on the great Victoria Nyanza and a journey down the valley of the Nile. Ostensibly he went for a fifteen months' recreation ti'ip, but the real object of his enterprize was not pleasure but rather scientific. For he was the head of an expedition undertaken by the great Smithsonian Institution in active charge of N. J. Cunninghame of Nairobi, the headquarters of the Uganda Railroad Co., one of the most expert of African hunters. Other members of the party were the famous siDortsman and author F. C. Selous, and the Ex-President's son, Kermit, a youth of twenty summers, who was the official photographer of the expedition. A number of newspaper reporters from Europe and America swarmed around the former chief anxious to follow him on his adventurous trip but they were all refused the privilege and the bold warrior even threatened to drive them away by force if they should attempt to intrude upon his privacy.
His departure from New York was one of the most memorable events in his triumphant career. Had he ever entertained any doubts as to his popularity with the American peop'e, they were dispersed like dust before a cyclone when he saw tens of thousands of enthusiastic men and women from all parts of this vast country crowded along the pier anxious to get a glimpse of their former chief and beloved national hero. The crowd was so dense that the ex-President had to be escorted to the landing by mounted police. In fact, he was almost borne on the hands of the people to the waiting steamer. On board the great liner Hamburg, which was ready to take him to his point of destination, he was received and greeted by President Taft's representative and military aide. Captain Archibold W. Butt, of the quartermaster's department of the army, wishing the former chief executive "Good-bye and the best of health," and presenting him with a gold seal inscribed with the name "Theodore Roosevelt," as a symbol of the "Square Deal" he had meted out to everyone. Roosevelt returned his "best wishes to the President," and then sent him the following brief but expressive telegram: "Parting thanks, love and sincere wishes." Men
'OBJECT OF ROOSEVELT'S EXPEDITION.
From the aiinneapolis Journal.
THE ROOSEVELT GUARD, prominent in politics, and influential in finance and business, officeholders and men in all walks of life, foreign and domestic diplomats, educators and public men were there to bid the most distinguished American citizen good-bye. Italian and German marine bands struck i8 OBJECT OF ROOSEVELT'S EXPEDITION.
up national airs and all were agreed that they had never witnessed anything to compare with this most hearty and brilliant farewell acclaim.
The steamer Hamburg is one of the most luxuriously equipped and commodious steamers of the Hamburg-American line that cross the Atlantic. A suite of five elegantly furnished rooms— once occupied by the Kaiser on his Mediterranean tour — had been reserved for him. Here he met former Secretary of State, Senator Elihu Root, Senator Lodge, of Massachusetts, and Mrs. Admiral Cowles, of the navy, the ex-Presi- . dent's sister.
Looking out of the door at the crowds gathered before it, he caught sight of his former private secretary, Mr. Loeb. Grasping him by the hand and giving him a pull which bi'ought him past the two policeofScers who were guarding the entrance, he cried: "Come, Loeb, come here." A newswriter was greeted with a friendly "Let the muckraker in." Still more cordial was the reception allowed some Eough Eiders. "Let them pass," he cried and saluted them with a hearty grasp of his hand.
INCIDENTS DURING THE VOYAGE FROM NEW YORK TO NAPLES.
The steamship company had made the most exquisite and elaborate provisions for the comfort of its distinguished passenger. The walls in his department were adorned with portraits of Mrs. Eoosevelt, President Taft and the Kaiser, picture of the ex-President's home at Oyster Bay, scenery from Europe and Africa, and other jDleasing decorations.
When the steamer whistle sounded for all ashore and the majestic steamer slowly backed into the river, the immense crowds on the pier began to cheer, the whistles of every factory and steamer shrieked, the ladies waved their handkerchiefs— and the great chief was off under more boisterous demonstrations than New York had seen for years.
The voyage was not characterized by any remarkable incidents. Like most crossings of the ocean, it was monotonous, every one having to follow the ship's prescribed routine. It was probnbV to relieve the monotony of the reports that some news agents invented the unfounded ■tory of that an attempt to assassinate the ex-President had been made
Copyright 1909, bv Underwood & Underwood, N. Y.
WARRIORS AND TRIBES IN THEIR WONDERFUL COSTUMES WAITING TO
GREET COL. ROOSEVELT.
The Women and Children are in front and the Warriors at the back. The headgear of the warriors is most elaborate, being made of wicker work and shells with enormous ostrich plumes, which, though barbaric, makes a fantastic picture. Note the tail piece which the women on the right of the picture have on; that is the symbol of marriage and it is practically all of the clothes most of the women wear. The women and children nearly all have sticks or gourds in their hands and the warriors their long spears. Col. Roosevelt was greatly pleased with the reception given him by these native savages.
From Stereograph, Copyright 1909, by Underwood & Underwood. COL. ROOSEVELT'S GUARD OF HONOR.
These Native Troops are drilled by European officers and are efficient and capable. They act as police in maintaining law "and order throughout British East Afrisa. They met Col. Eoosevelt on his arrival and escorted him to the Government House.
OBJECT OF ROOSEVELT'S EXPEDITION.
From the Minneapolis JouinaJ,
GOODBYE, TEDDY ! TAKE GOOD CAKE OF YOUKSELF.
by a steerage passenger. When Roosevelt heard of this unnatural story, he expressed his regret that such a dastardly lie had been allowed to gain publicity, and to show his confidence in his poor fellow-passengers, he went down to the third-class passengers and shook hands with every one of them. In fact, Eoosevelt was the most popular of all the passengers on the Hamburg and no one ever thought of doing him any harm.
KECEPTION IN EUEOPE.
All Europe had been anxious to see and welcome our former President. Invitations for him to visit all the capitals of the Old World had been sent out and rejected; but nothing could prevent the Europeans from manifesting their interest in this extraordinary man by extending to him a most cordial and elaborate welcome upon his arrival at Naples. Thousands had gathered there from far and near to greet the former executive. The U. S. Ambassador, Griscom, had come down from Rome, and newspaper men from all the capitals of Europe had hurried to Naples to interview him and to cable their impressions to their respective countries.
He left Naples late at night by the steamer Admiral which was going to take him to the I'uins of Messina and to Mombasa— gliding slowly along the beautiful Italian shore through the balmy breezes of southern Europe. He passed close to the Lipari Islands and the volcano Stromboli whose cone rising more than 3,500 feet above the sea sent out a huge column of vapor that enwrapped the whole country in its cloudy veil. About noon they passed through the Strait of Messina, where the ancients believe that the two horrible sea monsters, Scylla and Charybdis who according to the immortal Homer, caused the Trojan hero Ulysses so much trouble, had their abodes. It is not recorded, however, that our national hero had any difficulty in escaping these fabled monsters, and he arrived hale and hearty at Messina, so recently the theatre of one of the most terrible spectacles contemporary annals have registered.
A SCENE OF DESOLATION.
Approaching Messina and armed with a pair of marine glasses, Boosevelt saw at a distance the barren ruins of the wrecked city. Observing them from a distance, he remarked: "There is more standing than I expected." He was greeted by an immense crowd at the landing, and was saluted by the Ke Umberto with the King of Italy on
OBJECT OF ROOSEVELT'S EXPEDITION.
board. The King sent Captain Pfeister, the former Italian military attache at Washington and now adjutant to Admiral Mirabello, with his compliments and an invitation to his presence. Eoosevelt with his son Kermit and Ambassador Griseom at once set out for the battleship
WHAT A\AKES /^R.TlLLnAM 5Mii:E^
LET,S LOURTTri ^HE BOOK AND 3Ee.
From the MiBneapolis Journal.
WISHING EOOSEVELT A WABM BECEPTION IN AFBICA.
OBJECT OF ROOSEVELT'S EXPEDITION.
and were met by the King at the gangway and greeted by a most cordial handshake. The King was anxious to meet so distinguished a personage and thank him for the assistance his country had extended to Italy in her affliction. Keplying Roosevelt emphasized that the Amerifrom uiQ luiuiicupuiis juutuui.
he's C0M1^•Q; ROYS — LET S SKIDDOO, can people did not want any thanks and had simply done its duty. The King wished him a successful hunting trip and expressed the hope that he would meet the Count of Turin who had just gone on an expedition in Africa. Before they left a photograph was taken of a group consisting of Roosevelt and his party and the King.
Immediately at the close of the reception, Roosevelt and his party went ashore to inspect the ruins of the once beautiful city. Signer Trincheri, the prefect of Messina, who under orders from Premier Gialitti, was their guide, took them into the interior of the gigantic heap of waste and rubbish, which a few weeks before had been Messina. The desolation was appalling. Ruins of palaces, blocks of stone and antique pillars caused them much trouble in making their way through the city and a heavy rain, which soon began to fall, increased their difficulties, the mud being almost knee-deep. The people emulated in showing him their appreciation and gratefulness. Many women kissed their hands to him, while the children threw roses in his path and the men cheered. This spontaneous expression of sympathy moved him to emotion, and turning to one of his party, he said : " I am glad and proud as an American citizen that my country could do something to help this immense disaster, for which even all the assistance in the world would be insufficient. ' '
FEOM MESSINA TO MOMBASA.
The three days voyage across the always storm tossed Mediterranean brought our ex-President in touch with passengers, most of whom were officials or residents of the Dark Continent. The majority of them were of mixed English, German and Portuguese descent, and the stories wherewith they regaled our ex-President were certainly not lacking in spiciness or dramatic flavor.
An old fellow, whose respect for the truth certainly was not surpassed by his hatred for the tame and commonplace, told of the dog-headed monkeys he had seen in Nairobi, who had heads and claws like dogs and barked like them. Another old hunter spoke about a people who are wondrous swift though they progress by hopping on one leg. At midday, he said, when unable to find a forest shade, they lie down
OBJECT OF ROOSEVELT'S EXPEDITION.
upon the back and hold their foot aloft, which is so large that it serves the purpose of a shade umbrella in protecting their bodies from the sun. There were also, another of his fellow-passengers afSrmed, a headless people, whose heads and mouths were situated on their breasts, but who had neither ears nor nose.
From the MinQeapolis JoumaL
THEOUGH THE SUEZ CANAL,
In Port Said, the northern entrance to the Suez Canal, Roosevelt first set foot on African soil. "While the steamer was coaling there, he had a good opportunity to observe the half naked, jabbering and perspiring natives and to see their huts and primitive dwellings, as well as the public buildings, the canal offices and the modern hotels. Black and Nubians, Sudanese of every tribe and color, Arabs and Egyptians from the desert and mountainous regions of the Holy Land, all wearing their mani-colored Oriental apparel, were so blended in this meeting place of the East, the West and the Tropics as to make the whole one of the most varied and wild places ever witnessed by a stranger. In fine, everything in Port Said, whether white, black or yellow had gathered round the pier to get a glimpse of the most famous man in the world.
The trip through the Suez Canal was no doubt Roosevelt's most interesting experience so far. Standing on the bridge of the vessel during the entire trip he evinced most intense interest in that great waterway from end to end. It no doubt reminded him of the Panama Canal, which he had personally inspected, and one of the greatest enterprises commenced during his administration. He scanned the channel minutely on either side and plied Ambassador Juserand with volleys of questions concerning the cost, construction, operation and profits, while the steamer slowly and solemnly glided through the narrow waterway between low and level shores stretching as far as the eye could reach over sandy wastes and barren plains to the distant horizon, where the towering pink and bluish mountain chains of the Holy Land like a ghostly vision on the eastern sky only added to the lonely desolation of the landscape.
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