the second day we departed in a body for the historic White House. A magnificent vase of Mr. Ward's new white seedling was already there. We were ushered into one of the large reception rooms, and arranged ourselves in a semi-circle. It was the intention of Mr. Ward to present these flowers to Mr. Roosevelt, and to tell him something of the history of the American Carnation.
Mr. Roosevelt soon appeared. If anybody had any intention of addressing him, he soon learned that it was "no go." Mr. Roosevelt did all the talking. I cannot recall what he said, for my attention was riveted upon the man himself. I remember, however, that he turned to Master Herr, aged seven, who accompanied his father, with the words: "I am pleased to see so young a delegate among you!"
Then came our turn to shake hands. We passed along in line, each receiving a hearty handshake. I remember having formulated in my mind a suitable little speech, but when my turn came the speech vanished into thin air.
William Craig, who preceded me, put a Carnation into Mr. Roosevelt's buttonhole, remarking: "Mr. President, they didn't treat you right! They should have thought of putting a Carnation in your buttonhole. Permit me to do it."
Mr. Roosevelt smiled, and thanked him for the courtesy, saying: "Yes, that was unpardonable, indeed!"
When Peter Fisher approached him, I noticed that he lingered for a few moments, talking in his usual earnest manner to the President. I was interested in what he might have told him, and later asked Mr. Fisher what the conversation was about.
"Nothing much," said Mr. Fisher, "except that I told him how much I admired his backbone, whether or not I agreed with all his policies—that when I get home I'll try to cultivate some of that backbone myself."
A year prior to the Carnation convention, namely, in 1907, the Rose Society met in Washington. On that occasion, too, the members of the society met "the strenuous one" in a body. A magnificent vase of the Richmond Roses was presented to him and Mr. Robert Craig, the "silver-tongued orator," was chosen to make the presentation speech. Mr. Craig, as might have been expected, was equal to the occasion. He told Mr. Roosevelt briefly the history of the American Rose, and the progress it had made within the last few years.
"Up to within a few years ago," he said, in substance, "we depended upon England, Ireland, France, and other countries for our Roses. But the time has come when the American Rose grower will not only supply the needs of his own country, but will send his Roses abroad. Here, Mr. President (pointing to the vase) is the Richmond Rose, a magnificent specimen produced by a man of Richmond, Ind."
Mr. Craig got no further.
"Is there anybody here from Richmond, Ind.?" interrupted the President.
Mr. E. G. Hill stepped forward.
"Do you know Mr. Folk, of Richmond?" asked Mr. Roosevelt.
"I know him very well indeed," replied Mr. Hill. "He is a friend of mine, and almost a next-door neighbor."
Mr. Roosevelt then dropped the subject, and spoke to the delegates of things American in general. And Mr. Craig was given no opportunity to finish his speech.
It's a bad thing for anybody else to want the floor when Mr. Roosevelt is around!
