The Triumphant Life of Theodore Roosevelt edited by J. Martin Miller

156
THE PRESIDENT STARTS ON HIS TRIP
journey from Washington proved one of keen enjoyment to
the Executive, and his gratification over the cordial greetings
extended to him along the line was manifested in various ways
to his traveling companions. At but three places were stops
made— Baltimore, Harrisburg, and Altoona—and at each
throngs \yere present to indicate, by ringing cheers, the high
regard in which the people hold the President.
RIDES WITH THE ENGINEER
The incident of the day occurred when the train reached
Altoona at 4:50 o'clock. Here two engines were needed to
pull the heavy palace cars over the Alleghany Mountains.
While the coupling was being perfected, the President chatted
with friends upon the platform, but, as soon as the warning
bell for the start sounded its first peal, Mr. Roosevelt surprised
his companions by walking briskly toward the cab of the
second locomotive, declaring that he was determined to view
the glorious scenery round the famous Horseshoe Curve from
that vantage point. The President entered the cab and as he
took his seat remarked that, being a member of the Brotherhood
of Locomotive Firemen, he thought he ought to take his
turn at firing the furnace, but this he did not attempt. When
Galitzen, the crest of the mountains, was reached, the front
locomotive was detached from the engine and the run to
Seward was made with one engine. Here the President
descended from the lofty seat and, after shaking hands with
the engineers and firemen, went back to his car rather dusty
and grimy, but enthusiastic over his rough ride.
A large crowd met the train at Harrisburg and, although
no speeches were scheduled, President Roosevelt appeared on
the rear platform of his car and delivered a short address,
which was received with many cheers, in answer to hearty