It gives me great pleasure to receive this cordial greeting from the teachers and pupils of the Omaha public schools. The most pleasant features of this journey have been the beautiful and cordial receptions given us by the school children. I am pleased to notice the magnificent system of schools you have here in Omaha—part of a system that had its origin in New England and now extends over this entire country, the mainstay of this great Government. A number of years ago I was standing upon the banks of the headwaters of the Missouri River, where its waters are pure and limpid, but after passing through the bad lands of Dakota the waters of the mighty river become contaminated and impure, as you see it rolling by your beautiful city. Let me hope that none of you, my little friends, will ever become tainted by contact with the bad lands of experience as you journey through life on to manhood and womanhood. God bless you all; good-by.
At the conclusion of these remarks General Harrison was apprised that a mistake had been made in halting at the entrance, as the children were unable to either hear or see him. Upon learning this the President immediately alighted and made his way with some difficulty to the platform, where he addressed the children, saying:
My Little Friends—You do not feel half as badly as I do at the thought that I made my speech intended for you to your papas and mammas. I have not the time to attempt to repeat it, but I can't get away without telling you of the affectionate interest I have in all the children of this great country. Bless you—you are the blossoms of our homes. With a good-by and another God bless you I am off. [Great cheering.]
[COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA, MAY 13.]
A short stop was made at Council Bluffs, where several thousand people greeted the party. Owing to the brief time allowed by the schedule no committees were appointed, but the veterans of Abe Lincoln Post, G. A. R., Dr. F. S. Thomas Commander, greeted the party. Hon. Joseph R. Reed made a brief welcoming address.
The President, responding, said:
My Friends—It gives me great pleasure to thank you for this cordial greeting as we cross the river. I was not anticipating a meeting here or any call for an address. I see about me some of my old comrades of the Grand Army of the Republic, and I want to give them a comrade's greeting. I have seen them everywhere; even out on the sands of Arizona I found them gathered together, and it has always been a pleasure to meet them. [Cheers.]