On the afternoon of the Easter Monday which I spent in Washington President McKinley came out on the portico at about half-past three. He took off his hat and waved it to the children, who all gathered as near as possible about the portico and shouted out—
"Howdy do, Mr. President? Howdy do, howdy do?"—the boys taking off their caps and the little girls waving their handkerchiefs.
"How do you do, children? Glad to see you, and hope you are having a good time!" shouted back the President.
Lester Ralph.
PRESIDENT McKINLEY GREETING HIS YOUNG VISITORS.
"Splendid time, Mr. President, and thank you for your invitation," called back the delighted little guests.
"That's right!" returned the President, laughing. "I hope you'll all come again next Easter Monday."
"Thank you, Mr. President. Good-bye, good-bye!" shouted the children. Then President McKinley went back to his duties of State and the children returned to their egg-rolling. Mrs. McKinley sat on the portico most of the afternoon watching the merriment. Occasionally a little boy or girl would edge up to the portico, and push a blue or red egg through the railings, saying: