“To every man of every nation engaged in this great work!”
They drank the toast standing.
“What did he say about every civilized nation owing a debt to Italy?” whispered a reporter to J.
“You’ve got the gist of it,” said J., “and it’s true as Gospel, too!”
All too soon it was time to go! The three hours were up! Down in the harbor the “Admiral” was blowing off steam; this was a non-schedule stop, made out of courtesy to a distinguished passenger; privileged persons must be punctual. The return to the landing was a triumphal progress. During the last year and a half Mr. Roosevelt has had many such, he has heard a deal of cheering. None, it would seem, can have moved him so profoundly as the cheers of the Messinesi, the brave remnant of a brave people!
The letters and diaries of this time ring with the echoes of those shouts.
Extract from Mr. Elliott’s Diary
“The Camp, Messina, April 6.
“Mr. Roosevelt was most cordial to us all. After saying lots and lots about the splendid work of the officers, sailors, and carpenters, he spoke of the rest of us volunteers who, he said, have given our time and energies to help a philanthropic work. The Italians cried: ‘Long live our President,’ and ran along holding on to the carriage and cheering him—a moving sight. The Queen is worshipped by the people in these parts and deserves to be. Women in
