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

SWINGING AROUND THE CIRCLE 201
David R. Francis, president of the Louisiana Purchase Expo-
sition, where he remained until eight o'cloclc, nnd where he
addressed a meeting of the Franz-Sigel Monument Associa-
tion. When the President reached Mr. Francis's home he
found that Ex-President Grover Cleveland, who, like him, was
to be the guest of the Exposition, had already arrived. Presi-
dent Roosevelt and Mr. Cleveland dined together.
IMPRESSIVE PAGEANTS AND CEREMONIES
The following day, the Louisiana Purchase Exposition was
formally dedicated within the Liberal Arts Building, where
about fifty thousand persons had assembled. But the dedica-
tory exercises were only a small part of the day's events.
A most impressive military pageant wound through the
beautiful avenues, in the residence portion of the city, where
over three hundred thousand spectators lined the streets and
greeted the soldiery with continuous cheers. President
Roosevelt was driven at the head of the procession in an open
carriage, and in line close behind him were Grover Cleveland,
delegations of ambassadors, cabinet officers, senators, con-
gressmen, governors, and other distinguished men. From the
spacious reviewing stand on the Exposition grounds, the
President watched the long line of soldiers march past to
the music of many bands.
The dedicatory exercises were opened with prayer by the
celebrated Roman Catholic prelate, Cardinal Gibbons.
Chairman Thomas Carter, of the National Commission, and
President Francis, then made short addresses, the latter
presenting the Louisiana Purchase Exposition to the United
States through the nation's Chief Executive. When President
Roosevelt arose from his chair to begin his speech, a burst of
applause greeted him. He tried to speak, held up his hand,